An Interview with Roger Rowlands, our Optimisation & Performance Solutions Lead
With over 20 years’ experience, Roger Rowlands, our Optimisation & Performance Solutions Lead, shares insights on post-occupancy evaluation, data-driven interventions, and how independent assessments can maximise building efficiency and sustainability.
20+ years of experience in BMS and Building Performance Solutions
I’ve been at CPW for over two years now, but I’ve spent the last 20 years as a controls engineer, so I’ve been in the field for a quite some time. I originally studied Mechanical Engineering at university, which gave me a solid foundation to explore a variety of specialisms – and went on to work for a controls specialist, commissioning systems for buildings of all sizes from small schools to large car factories.
Over time, I moved into programming and project management, balancing technical work with leading projects. I spent three and a half years self-employed, managing my own projects and working closely with a natural ventilation company as their go-to commissioning engineer.
The opportunity to join CPW came at a crucial time. I was at a crossroads as I was working in a highly specialised area, but wanted to have the opportunity to influence and be involved in the wider design of building services. The Optimisation & Performance Solutions Lead role was the perfect fit for me, because I love the client-facing side of the job, how hands-on it is, and the opportunity to solve real-world issues – as well as further develop my own expertise.
“The goal of our service is simple, to ensure buildings perform as intended. A great deal of effort goes into designing systems to meet energy and carbon targets, but once a building is in use, its performance doesn’t always align with expectations.”
The sudden rise in energy costs and stricter sustainability targets have created a stronger focus on post-occupancy evaluation, and ongoing optimisation over recent years, with the biggest drivers being the push for energy efficiency and net-zero carbon. There’s mounting pressure to improve environmental performance, and while some may see it as box-ticking, it plays a crucial role in pushing the industry forward.
New technologies, like air source heat pumps, are becoming more complex. While gas boilers might still be cheaper to run today, the long-term shift is inevitable. Just like electric cars replacing petrol, if we don’t adapt now, buildings will become less efficient over time. Targets and compliance frameworks help drive change, and as technology improves, so does building performance.
Bridging the gaps
Clients often assume performance issues should have been addressed in the design phase, but that’s not always the case. Maintaining strong relationships between design teams and specialists are key. Sometimes, the best approach is to bring in an independent expert who can assess the issue objectively, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.
For existing buildings, long-standing issues often come down to cost justification. Clients may have their own theories about what’s wrong, but do they trust them enough to act?
That’s where independent specialists add value – offering fresh, unbiased advice based on real experience. We’ve worked on nearly every type of building, so we know what to look for and, more importantly, who to involve to get results.
What sets CPW apart?
At CPW, our strength lies in the depth and breadth of expertise we bring to every project. Unlike many firms, we oversee all aspects of a building’s mechanical and electrical systems, allowing us to not only identify issues but also implement practical, lasting solutions.
Our team’s extensive experience means we know exactly what to look for to ensure buildings perform as intended. Sometimes the solution is simple – a single component replacement – but other times it requires more fundamental adjustments to align the building’s operation with its design intent. Many can diagnose the problem, but we take it further: we manage the process from start to finish, bringing in the right specialists at each stage to deliver results that truly last.
What we offer:
Problem Solving & Optimisation
Closing the Performance Gap
Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE)
Application of Smart Building Principles
Independent Review
BMS Analytics & Fault Diagnostics
Soft Landings & Aftercare
How we work
Our process begins with identifying the issue. This could be flagged by occupant feedback, BMS data, or site inspections. Once we define the problem, we assess potential causes. This can be sometimes to do with a system fault, other times it’s a change in how the space is used. Adaptability is key here, and we work with clients to ensure expectations are managed throughout.
From there, we recommend and implement the right solutions, then monitor the impact, to ensure the changes made effectively address the initial concern. We take a collaborative approach, engaging with facilities teams, building managers, and occupants to ensure systems are used correctly and efficiency gains are maintained over time.
Our advice to building owners looking to improve efficiency
Effective building efficiency starts with engagement. Aligning all stakeholders around the building’s vision is crucial, efficiency isn’t just about systems, it’s about people understanding and supporting the approach. For example, natural ventilation won’t cool a space as quickly as air conditioning, but it uses free energy, like wind, to create a comfortable indoor environment in a more sustainable way.
Efficiency measures are more successful when occupants feel involved rather than forced. Clear communication and a well-defined design philosophy help secure buy-in. Users often take great pride in their high-performing, sustainable spaces.
At CPW, we focus on shared responsibility. We assess how a building performs versus its design intent, analysing energy use, system efficiency, and occupant comfort. From this, we implement solutions that enhance performance, reduce operational costs, improve sustainability, and create comfortable, efficient spaces for everyone.
Interested in maximising the performance of your buildings? Get in touch our team here, to find out how we can help you identify opportunities - or discover more about our Optimisation & Performance Solutions.