ISH 2025 conference explores the future of sustainable construction

The Building Future Conference at ISH 2025 will bring together specialists to debate policies, technology, and strategies for creating climate-neutral buildings.

The climate targets set by Europe require significant improvements in the construction sector, ranging from energy and building services technology to real estate. How can novel solutions and political frameworks be developed to secure a climate-neutral future for buildings? Finding solutions to these concerns will be the focus of the Building Future Conference at ISH, the world’s premier HVAC + Water trade exhibition, from March 17 to 20, 2025.

Prominent specialists from politics, local governments, the housing and real estate sectors, energy, design, and planning will examine the industry’s most pressing issues and provide plans for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. Messe Frankfurt is organising the event in collaboration with leading trade associations, including the Federation of the German Heating Industry (BDH), the Association of Air Conditioning and Ventilation in Buildings (FGK), the German Association for Energy Efficiency in Building Services (VdZ), and the German Sanitation, Heating and Air Conditioning Association (ZVSHK).

The main focuses of the Building Future Conference

The first day of the conference, on Monday, March 17, will focus on energy policy in Germany and Europe and the political foundation for the heat transition and its successful implementation. In this regard, the incoming federal government will likely revise the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and possibly change Germany’s Building Energy Act (GEG). Senior figures from politics, industry, and trade associations, including members of the European Parliament, are anticipated to attend. The BDH is planning the first day’s programme.

On the second day, Tuesday, March 18, the emphasis will be on the issues of municipal heat planning. This is a critical aspect in Germany’s climate ambitions, with the heat transition being implemented in over 10,000 towns. The panel talks will focus on both the strategic and practical needs that cities and municipalities will face when developing heating plans and adapting existing supply structures. Experts from politics, associations, and business will debate a reasonable energy supply, potential problems when planning heating systems, and the use of digital technologies. State funding for initiatives will also be discussed, especially concerning the new German government. The day will conclude with a guided tour of the Exhibition Centre, where chosen exhibitors will present their solutions for a sustainable heat supply. The VdZ is preparing the second day’s programme.

The third day, Wednesday, March 19, will be dedicated to the role of the European Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the revision to the German Building Energy Act (GEG), with an emphasis on the new legislation’s effects on building planning, construction, and modernisation. Building equipment will be given special consideration to ensure a sustainable and efficient construction sector. Furthermore, speakers will demonstrate how innovative architecture and new technologies may be used to create buildings that improve health and performance. The FGK is in charge of the third day’s programme.

The fourth and final day, Thursday, March 20, will focus on current and future issues in the property and housing sectors, with panel talks highlighting the political context and expectations for cost and energy efficiency in both new and existing buildings. Particular emphasis will be placed on the energy-efficient modernisation of existing building stock, as well as the problems this presents for businesses and local governments. Politicians, experts, and practitioners will present their ideas for a more sustainable and economically successful building industry. The FGK is also in charge of the fourth day’s programme.

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

31