In the third episode of this series I’m joined by Tom Hopton, the leader of the Smart Buildings
control team for Buro Happold. We will discuss key topics surrounding smart building design such as
challenges in the supply chain, key trends such as healthy buildings and Net Zero carbon goals that
are influencing and accelerating intelligent design and how this may be causing the biggest shift
since the industrial revolution! Kas and Tom will also discuss the convergence of IT and OT, how we
future proof our buildings to prepare for unforeseen events and the technology that will support a
better built environment for society.
Tom Hopton – Tom is the Global Leader for Smart Buildings & Controls with 15 years’ industry
experience. He holds Fellowship status with CIBSE for his contribution to industry, a marker of his
commitment to engineering quality, projects and clients.
Since joining Buro Happold in 2011, Tom has maintained strong links with local academic
institutions. He holds a part time teaching position and for the past 10 years has been teaching the
subject of “Building Management Systems & Technology”.
Tom also works closely with wider industry partners. For example, his work with Building Controls
Industry Association (BCIA) on various projects and joint initiatives with CIBSE. Tom is the Vice Chair
of the global CIBSE ICT and Controls Committee, which focuses on developing industry standards and
guidance around controls, ICT and technology. Tom also sits on the judging panel for BCIA’s annual
awards and is engaged with the European Commission to develop their emerging “Smart Ready
Indicator” assessment methodology.
His experience in the industry has been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Building Services
Engineering (CIBSE) when he was awarded Building Performance Engineer of the Year 2020; a true
marker of his holistic approach to building performance.
Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hopton-309a8b2a/
Kas Mohammed – Kas has been with Schneider Electric for over a decade now, taking up the role of
Vice President of Digital Energy, UK&I in March of 2020. Prior to joining Schneider he attended the
University of Derby, where he received a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Psychology. At the start of his
Schneider career, Kas worked in sales, before becoming BEMS Product and Marketing Director. Most
recently, he worked for two years as the Midlands Regional Director.
Connect with Kas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kas-mohammed-52aab960/
• The Schneider Electric buildings of the future webpage - The building industry is changing, don't
get left behind: https://www.se.com/uk/en/work/campaign/buildings-of-the-future/#
• How we are improving building performance with rich data technology – written by Tom
Hopton: https://www.burohappold.com/articles/how-we-are-improving-building-
About Schneider Electric:
Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency.
We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-
point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle,
enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and
We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership
ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and
Learn more at www.se.com/uk