In mid-June Messe Berlin GmbH began operating a photovoltaic system installed on the roof and façade of the south entrance to the exhibition grounds. From now on a total of 318 solar panels covering 527 m² will collect energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. The system’s maximum capacity is 90 kWp and the energy it generates is fed directly into the Berlin power grid. 

”With this photovoltaic system we have added yet another climate-friendly power source to our energy mix“, said Dirk Hoffmann, CFO of Messe Berlin. The company has until now been using gas, wood pellets and oil to generate heat. Messe Berlin’s own combined heat and power stations are able to partially meet the grounds‘ electricity demands. Hydroelectric power stations ensure that any additional energy comes from 100 per cent green sources. 

”From 2014 to 2019, by implementing numerous measures we were able to lower our heat consumption per rented area by 16 per cent“, Hoffmann said. In recent years electricity consumption has been successfully reduced too. However, the possibilities for installing additional photovoltaic systems on the exhibition grounds are limited, as most hall roofs are structurally unsuited for this purpose. 

Since 2015 Messe Berlin’s energy management has been certified and complies with DIN EN ISO 50001. The aim is to make further technical and organisational improvements in order to continually reduce energy consumption and make maximum use of the energy consumed.

About Messe Berlin
Based on turnover and growth, Messe Berlin is one of the world's ten leading trade fair companies.Each year it develops, markets and hosts hundreds of live events in Berlin and around the world. Its wide-ranging portfolio includes IFA, InnoTrans, ITB, FRUIT LOGISTICA and the International Green Week, all leading global trade fairs, as well as major conferences and iconic events such as the street celebrations (Fanmeile) at the Brandenburg Gate. Messe Berlin has around 90 foreign representatives who market events in over 170 countries. Each year some 30,000 members of the media from all parts of the world obtain accreditation for events on the exhibition grounds in Berlin where the company has its headquarters. Thus, Messe Berlin acts as a driving force of the metropolis that is Berlin. Its aim is to be an outstanding host for visitors to every event at Messe Berlin, to give individuals an optimum boost for their business and to ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company slogan: ‘Messe Berlin – Hosting the World’. www.messe-berlin.com