Sophie Sibley earns dual award nominations

We’re delighted to see our recently promoted principal engineer, Sophie Sibley receiving recognition in two highly acclaimed awards categories; the CIBSE Young Engineers Network 30-under-30 and the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Northern Star Awards.

Sophie was recently recognised in the CIBSE Young Engineers Network 30-under-30 in the Wildcards category. The Wildcards category honours those making a standout contribution to engineering with a strong commitment to:
‣ Innovative contributions beyond traditional roles
‣ Positive influence inside and outside the sector
‣ Unique approaches to problem-solving
‣ Broad and lasting impact on the industry

CIBSE outlined the following reasons for selecting Sophie:

‘Sophie is a multidisciplinary engineer whose work exemplifies the integration of technical excellence, environmental insight, and creative problem-solving across complex and diverse projects. With a foundation in Environmental Sciences and undertaking an MSc in Engineering, she has pioneered solutions that span sectors and challenge conventional boundaries. Notable achievements include helping design a heat network strategy for a major university that cut emissions by 80%, modelling a fully off-grid electrification solution for a 35-vehicle refuse fleet, and delivering a £108k multi-site decarbonisation audit covering 120 police buildings, creating long-term social and environmental value.

Her holistic approach combines environmental science, mechanical systems, and socio-economic considerations. Beyond project delivery, Sophie champions knowledge sharing and professional development, training colleagues in tools like SolarEdge Designer and energyPRO, and developing the Technoeconomic Assessment Model to support district heating feasibility studies. She actively promotes climate-resilient engineering as a previous Secretary of CIBSE’s Resilient Cities group and engages in outreach through workshops and interactive energy games for schools, fostering diversity and inclusion in the profession.

Recognised for her leadership, visibility, and commitment to reshaping expectations of engineering, Sophie balances strategic vision with practical impact, mentoring teams, advancing decarbonisation, and inspiring future engineers. Her work not only delivers measurable environmental and social benefits but also redefines what engineering can achieve in a rapidly evolving world.’

Sophie has also been shortlisted in the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Northern Star Awards in the Rising Star category, with the awards ceremony taking place in spring 2026. David Benison, director of consultancy services at PD&MS Group, praised Sophie’s achievement: “Sophie is an integral part of our team at Synergie. Despite being early in her career, Sophie undertakes a wide range of functions in her role, including energy audits, feasibility studies, simulation modelling, and technoeconomic assessments for complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

The team are passionate about partnering with clients across a range of sectors to help them decarbonise, whether that’s by improving energy efficiency, or by integrating renewable energies into their infrastructure, and Sophie brings a positive problem-solving approach with technical insight to overcome challenges that can naturally occur during this process.  But her impact goes far beyond her professional contribution. Sophie’s inclusive nature, enthusiasm and collaborative approach means she continually looks for opportunities to integrate and develop individuals and teams and she has played a key role in training our graduates that joined earlier in the year. I’m delighted that she has recently been promoted to principal engineer, which is very well deserved.”

Sophie spoke of her recent success: “I’m delighted and at the same time very humbled to receive recognition for doing something that I love. I feel very fortunate to have had experience working across a diverse range of projects in my career so far, and with some prestigious companies, all with the common goal of improving sustainability and energy efficiency. I’m a very curious person and am always keen to learn, and my current position certainly gives me the opportunity to do just that. A big thanks to my team who’ve supported me in achieving these awards, and to previous colleagues who entrusted me with exciting projects. I’m hoping that any publicity gained from these awards will allow me to continue working to raise more awareness about the diversity in work that engineering offers, and hopefully get more young people and women into engineering careers.”