19.01.2012 Germany’s Minister of Economics to open Light+Building on 15 April 2012

• Messe Frankfurt to present the 1st Building Future Award
• Light+Building ‘Futurecourse’ on a provocative subject

Germany’s Minister for Economics and Technology, Philipp Rösler, will open Light+Building, the world’s biggest trade fair for lighting and building-services technology, on 15 April 2012. Additionally, Messe Frankfurt will present the 1st Building Future Award during the opening ceremony. This future-oriented Light+Building award is given in recognition of pioneering research or development work that is expected to make a significant contribution towards the sustainable development of society. From now on, the Building Future Award will be presented every two years during the opening of Light+Building.

Messe Frankfurt is conferring the Building Future Award in cooperation with the German Association of the Electrical and Electronics Industry (Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V. – ZVEI) and the Central Association of the German Electrical and Information Technology Trades (Zentralverband der Deutschen Elektro- und Informationstechnischen Handwerke – ZVEH). The first winners of the Building Future Awards – personalities whose achievements are of importance not only for society today but also for future generations – will be chosen in a few weeks.

The Light+Building ‘Futurecourse’ will be held on 17 April 2012. In line with the motto of this year’s fair, the panel discussion will focus on the provocative question, ‘New energy paradigm – will the tenant foot the bill?’ This involves the unequivocal demand for political intervention, which is necessary if Germany is to achieve the ambitious climate-protection targets. Although the industry offers ultra-modern technical solutions, house owners are reluctant to meet the cost of modernising their buildings. At ‘Futurecourse’, experts will discuss whether energy saving really is only a matter for the private individual.

With around 2,100 exhibitors, Light+Building is the world’s biggest trade fair for lighting and intelligent building-services technology, and Messe Frankfurt expects to welcome over 180,000 visitors from 15 to 20 April 2012. Energy efficiency is the motto in 2012 and the two top trends are ‘Buildings as green power stations’ and the ‘Digitalisation of light and buildings’.