The modern building is intelligent, connected and as a result saves energy. In combination with alternative energy sources and efficient lighting solutions, emissions in the building sector can be drastically reduced. This makes a significant contribution to achieving climate targets. 2,169 exhibitors presented the latest developments in building technology and trends in innovative lighting design at Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main from 3 to 8 March 2024. Over 151,000 visitors travelled to the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building-services technology.
“The atmosphere at the exhibitors’ booths, in the halls and throughout the exhibition grounds was simply fantastic. We are extremely pleased that so many exhibitors and visitors, as well as our long-standing partners, have continued the success story of the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building-services technology in 2024,” summarises Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Messe Frankfurt. He adds: “With the switch to renewable energy sources, greater efficiency and sustainability in buildings, the industry has key goals on its agenda. That’s why they used the platform intensively, especially in the first few days, to present and discover innovations and drive forward key topics. After all, if we want to achieve the climate protection goals, the building sector is an essential milestone. It is unfortunate that the rail and air transport strikes have already affected Messe Frankfurt’s third leading international event since the beginning of the year.”
Buildings of tomorrow and inspiring lighting solutions
Key topics are the electrification and digitalisation of homes and buildings in order to reduce emissions and reuse raw materials. At Light + Building, the industry presented the digital and electrotechnical infrastructure for this and, on this basis, showcased solutions for dynamic power control, energy storage systems and applications for connected security. One growing area is the range of e-mobility and charging infrastructure as well as innovations and products for decentralised energy supply systems and components.
Light plays an important role in the architecture of tomorrow. At Light + Building 2024, 65 per cent of exhibitors belonged to this sector. They presented high-quality lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor areas as well as dynamic room concepts. Modern LED installations ensure contemporary efficiency and either blend harmoniously into the architecture or emphasise the design elements. Lighting is to provide maximum visual comfort in all living and working environments. Thanks to the materials used, Acoustic Lighting combines a pleasant lighting atmosphere with sound-absorbing functions. Sustainability plays an essential role in both the materials used and the manufacturing processes. Many manufacturers design luminaires in a way that the raw materials used can be recycled at the end of their useful life.
Light + Building 2024 in figures
The high-quality, extensive and international portfolio of lighting and building-services technology impressed the visitors. 95 per cent of them were extremely satisfied with what was on display and stated that they had achieved 93 per cent of their trade fair attendance targets. The most came to the innovation meeting point from Germany, China, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, the UK, Spain and Poland. They came from a total of 146 countries – including, for example, India, the USA, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Brazil and Singapore. The degree of internationality was thus 51 per cent. The level of internationality among the 2,169 exhibitors was also high at 76 per cent.
Meeting place for the social media community
The social media community also found its home at Light + Building. On 3 and 4 March, the leading content creators in the lighting and building-services technology sector gathered for the Power Creator Days. In addition to live podcasts, expert talks and case studies, visitors had the chance to pedal for a good cause and work together towards a high energy target. A total of 1,510 minutes were cycled on the six fitness bikes. The sponsors will convert the result into a cash donation for the Leberecht Foundation, which Messe Frankfurt will double. The exact amount will be announced on social media further to Light + Building.
The next Light + Building will take place from 8 to 13 March 2026 in Frankfurt am Main.
Voices of the industry
Alexander Neuhäuser, General Manager ZVEH, Central Association of the German Electrical and Information Technology Trades, says that “Light + Building demonstrates how sector coupling can succeed through the necessary connectivity. The electrical trades integrate photovoltaics, storage, electromobility and heat pumps. They show how the energy industry requirements for controllable consumption devices (SteuVE) can be met and thus take account of the current transformation process. The good atmosphere at this year’s Light + Building 2024 was also noticeable at the joint stand of the electrical trades, which was very busy on all days of the event. The traditional partners’ evening was also a complete success, bringing together the partners of the electrical trades and the industry leaders. We were particularly pleased that so many young people once again took the opportunity to visit the E-House and the workshop street and gain an impression of what is feasible with smart and intelligently connected building automation.”
Wolfgang Weber, CEO, ZVEI, Electro and Digital Industry Association, is of the opinion that, “In the context of climate goals and the economic situation of urgently creating more affordable living space in Germany, technologies are increasingly coming into focus. The exhibiting companies at Light + Building have impressively demonstrated how easily well-designed climate protection can even lead to greater economic efficiency in the operation of houses, buildings and entire neighbourhoods.
This requires the right solutions, especially from the electrical and digital industry, such as heat pumps, controllable lighting, charging points and an energy management system. This is relevant – not just in Germany and Europe, but worldwide. Light + Building is the right place to present innovative, climate-friendly technologies and solutions and to engage in dialogue with trade visitors from Germany and abroad.”
