The new Zehnder Academy, created by Camberley-based, Zehnder Group UK, who specialises in producing innovative indoor climate solutions, will open up opportunities for local and national HVAC businesses to upskill and futureproof its workforce - with a focus on skilled and experienced professionals in the building design, installation and HVAC maintenance fields.

At the celebratory event on Thursday (29 January 2026), esteemed representatives from government and industry bodies joined the Mayor at Zehnder’s UK headquarters at Watchmoor Point. Key industry figures, including representatives from the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), the Passivhaus Trust, and Healthy Homes Hub were in attendance, marking the day a momentous moment for HVAC in the UK. 

The guests were warmly received by Zehnder UK Managing Director, Tony Twohig, as well as colleagues from Zehnder Group’s global HQ in Switzerland; Chief Commercial Officer, Dorien Terpstra, Group Head of Knowledge Centre, Ellen Feddes, and Head of Marketing & Product Management, Petra Frey-Gangi.

“The Zehnder Academy will provide a real boost for Surrey Heath and the wider Surrey economy,” said Cllr Louise Ashbery, Mayor of Surrey Heath. “Opening a cutting-edge training facility in Camberley highlights the strength of our local business community and creates valuable opportunities for skills development, employment and innovation in the heart of Surrey.”

The operations team at the Academy, many of whom are locals themselves, will use Surrey-based businesses, such as, facilities management companies, hospitality suppliers (for example local hotels and caterers), subcontractors (toolmakers, and materials suppliers) and logistics providers to help with external requirements.

Training and Technical Expert, Adam Finley, from Farnham, who will be running the Zehnder Academy, said: “I was so proud to welcome the Mayor, Cllr Louise Ashbery, to the grand opening - her attendance made the day extra special. I’m equally proud to see this facility open here in Surrey. The Zehnder Academy will bring lasting benefits to the local area by supporting skills development, attracting industry professionals to the county and strengthening Surrey’s role as a hub for innovation and training.”

The academy aims to usher in a new chapter of industry-wide training excellence and to address the increasing skills gap in the HVAC sector - tackling the large number of poor installs currently being seen across the country. 

A poor heating or ventilation installation can have serious detrimental effects on a building, causing condensation issues that can lead to toxic black mould, excessive use of energy that drives up the running costs of a building and, most alarmingly, pose a health risk for the occupants inside through poor indoor air quality – well known to affect the productivity of a workforce and lead to serious illnesses and respiratory diseases.

Drawing inspiration from Zehnder’s illustrious 125-year-long history of innovation, the industry-leading facility has been meticulously designed to offer a flagship training experience at every level. 

“Today is a proud and exciting moment for everyone at Zehnder,” said Stuart Smith, Head of Sales at Zehnder Group UK. “The launch of the Zehnder Academy represents a major investment in the people that make up the HVAC industry and its future. This is something we have been working towards for a long time, and seeing it come to life as a dedicated training facility is a fantastic milestone for our business and for the local area. 

“Our mission is to improve indoor environments for every building - promoting positive health and wellbeing for the occupants that reside within them. Education on how to design, install, commission and maintain these systems is essential in doing that. Because no matter how advanced the system, its performance still depends on the knowledge and capability of the person installing and maintaining it.”

Recognised worldwide as a leader in indoor environment quality expertise, the opening of its UK Academy will further cement Zehnder’s role in helping to create a better and more sustainable HVAC industry across the globe. This facility is the 11th across Europe of its kind and Zehnder Group plans to launch more to establish a gold standard of training excellence globally, to ensure the future workforce are equipped with the skills they need not only to succeed, but to excel. 

Industry professionals that want to sign up for courses at the Zehnder Academy can register their interest on the website: www.zehnder.co.uk.