As Pride Month comes to a close, we’re proud to share a powerful conversation between two generations of LGBTQI+ professionals driving change across the built environment.
Ethan St Catherine, Graduate Engineer at FairHeat and Champion member of the Diverse Heat Network (DHN), sits down with David Stevens CEng FCIBSE FSLL—Vice President of CIBSE and Chair of the LGBTQ+sub-panel within CIBSE’s EDI Committee—for an open conversation on identity, allyship, authenticity, and progress.
Watch the full interview here.
From their respective positions at the start and peak of their careers, Ethan and David explore:
- The value of visibility and mentorship in shaping inclusive workplaces
- Why psychological safety is key to innovation and wellbeing in engineering
- The evolution of LGBTQI+ representation within building services
- Personal stories of navigating the industry with pride
- Practical ways individuals and institutions can champion diversity
David shares candid reflections on his journey as a gay engineer coming up through the ranks, while Ethan reflects on the hopes and challenges facing the next generation of LGBTQI+ engineers. Their shared commitment to creating spaces where people can be their full selves is a testament to the power of representation and intergenerational dialogue.
Why It Matters for the Built Environment
Inclusion in engineering doesn’t just benefit individuals—it transforms the systems and spaces we build. Diverse teams bring varied lived experiences that are essential to designing environments that are safe, functional, and welcoming for all.
By amplifying LGBTQI+ voices in building services, we broaden the perspectives that inform how we design, operate, and optimise the built environment. From energy systems that work for all households to public spaces that foster safety and dignity, inclusivity directly shapes the outcomes of our work.
When we empower people to show up authentically, we foster creativity, challenge groupthink, and build resilience in project delivery. This is especially critical in sectors like heat networks and building services engineering, where systemic thinking and user-centric design are key to achieving net-zero goals and equitable decarbonisation.
Ethan and David’s conversation reminds us that inclusion isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s a necessary ingredient for meaningful change across our industry.
At FairHeat, and through our work with the Diverse Heat Network, we believe inclusion isn’t a side campaign—it’s a foundation for better engineering, better outcomes, and a better world.
This conversation is a must-watch for anyone invested in the future of our industry. Whether you’re a senior leader, a young graduate, or an ally looking to make a difference—there’s something here for you.
