Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo 2024

In Bern, Switzerland, the 19th Advanced Building Skins Conference & Expo recently concluded. This annual event, held on October 28th and 29th, 2024, brought together architects, engineers, scientists, and industry professionals from over 50 countries. For over 15 years, the Advanced Building Skins Conference has been at the forefront of innovation in building envelope technologies. This year’s event was no exception, offering a wide range of sessions and networking opportunities.

The conference focused on the potential of innovative facades, with a particular emphasis on solar facades and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Key topics explored included:

• Regulatory Framework: presenting the complex regulatory framework for solar facades, including certification processes and industry standards.
• Design and Planning: optimizing the design and planning of solar facades through the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other advanced tools.
• Material Integration: exploring innovative ways to integrate solar facades with other building materials and functions, such as thermal insulation and shading.
• Fire Safety: addressing the essential aspect of fire safety for solar facades and discussing best practices to mitigate risks.

In this context, the European project MC2.0, in which Glass to Power is also involved, was presented. This project aims to break down the barriers that hinder the large-scale adoption of BIPV technologies on the market, for example by achieving cost reductions through advanced production techniques, also known as “mass customization.”

Beyond the technical presentations, the conference provided ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. Participants had the chance to connect with numerous professionals, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge technologies showcased by leading industry suppliers.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, events like the Advanced Building Skins Conference play a crucial role in driving innovation and sustainability. By fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration, these events contribute to the development of more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.