Europe's climate targets call for far-reaching changes in the building sector – from energy and building-services technology to the real-estate sector.

How can innovative solutions and the political framework be shaped to ensure a climate-neutral future for buildings? Finding answers to these questions will be the focus of the Building Future Conference during ISH – the world's leading trade fair for HVAC + Water – from 17 to 20 March 2025.
Renowned experts from politics, local authorities, the housing and real-estate sector, as well as energy, architecture and planning, will discuss the industry's most urgent challenges and present strategies for a sustainable and resource-efficient future. The event is being organised by Messe Frankfurt in cooperation 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 themes of the Building Future Conference
The first day of the conference on Monday, 17 March, will focus on energy policy in Germany and Europe and revolve around the political framework for the heat transition and its successful implementation. In this connection, the emphasis will be on the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and a possible amendment to Germany's Building Energy Act (GEG) by the new federal government. Senior representatives from politics, industry and trade associations, including members of the European Parliament, are expected to attend. The first day's programme is being organised by the BDH.
On the second day, Tuesday, 18 March, the focus will be on the challenges of municipal heat planning. This is a decisive factor for Germany's climate targets with the implementation of the heat transition in over 10,000 municipalities. The panel discussions will look at both the strategic and the practical demands on cities and municipalities that will have to draw up heating plans and adapt existing supply structures. Experts from politics, associations and business will debate an affordable energy supply, potential pitfalls when making heating plans and the use of digital solutions. State funding for measures will also be discussed – particularly with respect to the new German government. The day will end with a guided tour of the Exhibition Centre, during which selected exhibitors will present their solutions for a sustainable heat supply. The second day’s programme is being prepared by the VdZ.
The third day, Wednesday, 19 March, will be devoted to the part played by the European Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the amendment to the German Building Energy Act (GEG) and focus on the effects of the new regulations on the planning, construction and modernisation of buildings. Particular attention will be paid to the role played by building equipment in a sustainable and efficient construction industry. Moreover, speakers will highlight how innovative architecture and modern technologies can be employed to design buildings that promote health and enhance performance. The FGK is responsible for the third day’s programme.
On the fourth and final day, Thursday, 20 March, the focus will be on current and future challenges facing the property and housing sector with panel discussions spotlighting the political framework and the expectations on cost and energy efficiency – for both new and existing buildings. Particular attention will be given to the energy-efficient modernisation of the current building stock and the challenges this poses for companies and local authorities. Presentations by politicians, researchers and practitioners will form the basis for a discussion of solutions for a sustainable and economically viable construction industry. The FGK is also responsible for the fourth day’s programme.
http://ish.messefrankfurt.com

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