RPS appoints thermal modelling specialist as Building Services Associate Director

Our Building Services Division is delighted to welcome Phil O'Loughlin as Associate Director in the team's Manchester office.

As a chartered Mechanical Services Engineer specialising in building physics and thermal modelling, Phil brings unique expertise to the business through his knowledge of advanced thermal modelling and low carbon design strategies. His experience will push projects to the next level of innovative building efficiency.

In recent years, Phil’s focus has been on the assessment of the calculated predicted in-operation energy use for new and refurbishment projects. Studies of this nature require models to be precise in their detailing to ensure a realistic forecast; enabling projects to achieve the standards set by the new CIBSE TM54 guidance and client-led Energy-In-Use (EUI) targets. This approach equips design teams and owners to evaluate the options available – in terms of the building’s anticipated operational energy use and carbon impact.

Phil has worked in building services engineering for over forty years across various sectors; helping clients to ensure their projects are well-conceived, from conception to robust soft landings and thorough commissioning. He has provided independent expert opinion on investigations into projects, as well as hosted seminars and talks on best practices for thermal modelling.

His thermal modelling expertise will strengthen RPS’ service offering to provide robust and demonstrable proof of concept on projects. Developing strategies to make this offering stronger, easier to understand and deliver will be one of Phil’s key priorities.

Phil comments: “It’s a great opportunity to be at RPS and I’m delighted to have joined a business whose carbon reduction targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Not only are we tackling our own emissions, but we’re doing the utmost to help clients adopt greener strategies.  

“Reducing the operational energy use of buildings will play a crucial role in the fight against climate change; whether that’s in new projects or existing stock. I’m looking forward to playing a key part in advancing our building services delivery and working with both our expert team and clients to keep sustainability front of mind.”

Phil was previously Head of Building Physics at Hollis. Prior to that, he was Divisional Head of Consultancy (UK) at Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) Ltd.

David Callaghan, RPS Senior Director – Building Services, Consulting UK & Ireland, comments: “Phil is a seasoned professional in the industry, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. He’s a fantastic asset to RPS, where his specialist skillset will create new and innovative ways for our clients to enhance their sustainability credentials.”