HVAC Woman of the Year
Company: Distech Controls
Nominee Name: Kate Rotheram
Supporting Statement
HVAC Woman of the Year – Kate Rotheram
With more than 25 years of experience in Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and HVAC controls, Kate Rotheram has built a reputation as a trusted technical specialist, industry educator, and advocate for smarter, more sustainable buildings.
As an Intelligent Buildings Solution Consultant, Kate works with consultants, contractors, developers and end users to help design and implement intelligent building solutions that improve operational performance, energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Her expertise spans HVAC controls, BEMS, smart building technologies, IoT integration and data-driven building optimization, allowing her to bridge the gap between complex technical systems and practical project outcomes.
What sets Kate apart is her ability to make technical knowledge accessible. Throughout her career, she has been committed to educating and empowering others through CPDs, workshops and technical presentations. By translating complex concepts into clear, actionable insights, she helps consultants, building owners and project teams better understand the role of controls and automation in delivering high-performing buildings.
Kate’s impact extends beyond individual projects. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has worked across manufacturers, integrators and solution providers, developing strong relationships throughout the building services sector. Her collaborative approach enables project stakeholders to align technical solutions with commercial, operational and sustainability objectives, helping deliver long-term value.
Colleagues, customers and industry partners consistently value Kate’s combination of technical expertise, professionalism and willingness to share knowledge. She is known for taking a consultative approach, listening carefully to customer needs and helping identify solutions tailored to specific project requirements. This has helped her build lasting relationships based on trust and credibility.
Kate has also become a visible advocate for the intelligent buildings and controls sector, helping raise awareness of how HVAC controls and energy management technologies can support sustainability goals and improve building performance. Through ongoing engagement with industry professionals, she continues to contribute to greater understanding of the critical role building automation plays in reducing energy consumption and creating more efficient, future-ready buildings.
Kate further contributes to the wider industry through her volunteer role as Secretary of the CIBSE IT & Controls Group Committee, a highly regarded specialist interest group. Through this position, she supports industry collaboration, knowledge-sharing and the advancement of best practices in building controls and intelligent building technologies.
As a highly respected professional in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Kate serves as a positive role model for the next generation entering HVAC and building technologies. Her career demonstrates the impact that technical excellence, collaboration and a passion for knowledge-sharing can have on both individual projects and the wider industry.
For her sustained contribution to HVAC controls and intelligent buildings, her commitment to education and industry advancement, and her ongoing influence on clients, colleagues and stakeholders, Kate is a deserving recipient of the HVAC Woman of the Year Award.
Supporting testimonial
Kate is an exceptionally knowledgeable and highly respected professional within the Building Management Systems (BMS) and controls technology sector. Her technical expertise, combined with a genuine passion for the industry, has enabled her to make a significant and lasting contribution to both the built environment and the wider HVAC community.
What sets Kate apart is not only her deep understanding of building controls, digital technologies, and intelligent building systems, but also her unwavering commitment to supporting others. She is always willing to share her knowledge, provide guidance, and work collaboratively with consultants, engineers, contractors, and end users to develop practical and effective solutions. Her approachable manner and willingness to help have earned her the respect of colleagues and peers across the industry.
Kate is a true advocate for innovation and continuous improvement within building services engineering. She consistently promotes best practice and recognises the vital role that intelligent controls play in delivering energy-efficient, sustainable, and high-performing buildings. Her enthusiasm for advancing the industry is evident in everything she does.
As an active and valued member of the CIBSE IT & Controls Group, Kate contributes her time and expertise to support the development of industry knowledge, professional standards, and the next generation of engineers. She is a strong ambassador for the controls profession and a passionate champion for diversity and inclusion within the sector.
Beyond her technical capabilities, Kate is a fantastic character within the industry. She brings energy, positivity, integrity, and professionalism to every engagement, making her both a trusted technical advisor and a pleasure to work alongside. Her ability to build relationships, encourage collaboration, and inspire others is as impressive as her technical competence.
Kate exemplifies the qualities that this award seeks to recognise. Her technical excellence, industry leadership, commitment to supporting others, and dedication to the advancement of building controls technology make her an outstanding candidate for HVAC Woman of the Year. I have no hesitation in offering my strongest recommendation and support for her nomination.
Mark Walker – Director Stantec and Chair CIBSE Healthcare Specialist Group.
Entry ID: 10406
