Groundbreaking water and energy solutions shine at ISH 2025

ISH 2025 featured ground-breaking developments in sustainable heating, cooling, and water management. With 163,157 visitors, the event highlighted the industry’s move to sustainability and digital solutions.

Climate change and increased environmental standards have made the sustainable use of water, heat, and air a critical priority. The twin transition, which combines digitisation and sustainability, is boosting industry advancement. ISH 2025 demonstrated how keen the industry is to push this change: never before had so many technologies been on display, ranging from next-generation heating and air-conditioning systems to sophisticated water management solutions. The world’s premier trade expo attracted 163,157 people from 150 countries looking to learn about the latest innovations and network with major business participants.

For five days, the Frankfurt exhibition grounds became the global headquarters for the sanitation, heating, and air-conditioning industry, with the slogan ‘Solutions for a Sustainable Future’. The sector presented a wide range of cutting-edge technology, including highly efficient heating and cooling systems, eco-friendly ventilation solutions, intelligent water management, and modern bathroom design. The 163,157 visitors from 150 nations included key decision-makers from industry and trade, building and housing, as well as planners, engineers, and architects. The skilled trades accounted for a relatively large share, around 30 percent.

“Everyone needs clean air, drinking water and a warm home—and this is exactly where our industry comes in. ISH 2025 has powerfully demonstrated that innovative solutions to meet these basic needs have long been available. Our exhibitors have shown that the transition to a sustainable economy is not only vital but already underway, despite the challenges we currently face. They are developing technologies that improve our daily lives while making them more sustainable,” said Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Messe Frankfurt. He added: “The atmosphere at ISH 2025 was outstanding—the halls were buzzing, and the conversations were in-depth and forward-looking. The industry is ready and willing to shape the future. ISH has reaffirmed its status as the world’s leading trade fair: 72 percent international exhibitors and 163,157 visitors speak for themselves.”

Building technology in transition: Future-focused solutions

With 2,183 exhibitors from 54 countries, ISH 2025 occupied the entire Frankfurt exhibition grounds, providing a comprehensive overview of the most recent developments in heat generation, refrigeration, air-conditioning and ventilation technologies, intelligent building automation and sustainable bathroom design and installation solutions.

Heat generation was a primary priority, with a particular emphasis on alternative heating technology. Innovations including wood-based heating systems, environmentally friendly heat generation techniques, and incredibly effective heat storage solutions were on display at the exhibit. Energy efficiency became the main focus in the ventilation industry. In order to drastically lower energy usage, modern systems are depending more and more on sophisticated heat recovery technologies and efficient evaporative cooling. Simultaneously, more accurate control over heating and ventilation systems is now possible thanks to sophisticated building control systems. Another important factor was the sustainable use of water. Manufacturers showcased state-of-the-art wastewater heat recovery systems, touch-free fittings, and smart water management solutions that optimise consumption.

ISH 2025 illustrated the increasing convergence and interaction of exceptional design, functionality, and sustainability. This was especially noticeable in the bathroom industry, as exhibitors showcased modern bathroom designs that combine technological innovation with visual appeal. These designs included soft pastel colours, 3D tiles, and low-maintenance, resource-efficient materials.

A new concept centred on eight solution areas—sanitary spaces, water-bearing systems, installation technology, heat generation, indoor air, intelligent building control, software, and HVAC + water product manufacturing—was unveiled at ISH 2025 to showcase this abundance of innovation. Trade show attendees found it simpler to explore the fair and interact with the pertinent businesses in each sector thanks to this arrangement.

The majority of the 163,157 guests were from China, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Poland, Austria, and Turkey in addition to Germany. 94 percent of attendees said they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their experience at the fair, proving that the trip to the world’s premier business event was well worth it. 96 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with the exhibitors’ presentations, indicating that they were equally satisfied with the variety of goods and services available.

Conferences as catalysts for business innovation

In addition to the abundance of innovations on exhibit, ISH 2025 included an excellent conference schedule that gave professionals a forum to discuss important future-focused subjects. The Building Future Conference brought together professionals from the fields of science, industry, and politics to talk about effective energy supply solutions and sustainable building concepts.

The Value of Water Conference was organised in collaboration with Euroforum for the first time. UN Sustainable Development Goal #6—ensuring access to good sanitation and clean water—was the main focus. Strategies to address water scarcity and encourage sustainable water usage were examined by experts from industry, academia, and policy.

“Only through cooperation, innovation and clear political direction can global access to water be sustainably improved,” summarised Iris Jeglitza-Moshage, Member of the Board of Management, Technology, at Messe Frankfurt.

ISH Festival 2025 is the next generation

The next generation of the HVAC and sanitation industry met at the ISH Festival 2025, which gave it a new lease on life. Apprentices in particular took advantage of the chance to demonstrate their craftsmanship, test tools, and experiment with new technology. Popular content producers showcased their love for specialised crafts on the Creator Stage, and an interactive challenge course skilfully blended theory and practice. The festival was transformed into a thriving industry event with networking, food, live speakers, and music. March 15–19, 2027, will see the next ISH, the World’s Leading Trade Fair for HVAC and Water.

For more details, visit: http://www.messefrankfurt.com