LEIPZIG.- Denkmal (20–22 November 2008) is expanding this year to include the renovation of old buildings. “At denkmal we really want to present products and services for work on old structures which need not necessarily enjoy listed status but are still important for the existing building stock,” explains Ulrike Lange, the Project Director of denkmal. “This field is a logical extension to the familiar conservation and restoration programme.” All in all, some 400 exhibitors are expected to take part, making denkmal the leading European exhibition devoted to conservation, restoration and the renovation of old buildings.

One major topic this year will be making buildings energy-efficient, including in connection with the careful conservation and restoration of listed structures - for example by means of insulating roofs, walls and ceilings as well as thermal insulation glass, heating systems, ventilation systems and lighting. According to Michael Heide, President of the ZDB Central Federation of the German Building Trade: “The energy-efficient refurbishment of old buildings is the primary future task.” The potential savings in the current building stock are immense: of the 38.7 million dwellings in Germany, 28.9 million were built before 1979 - and those that haven’t been refurbished are far below today’s energy standards. In Michael Heide’s view, they could be “lastingly improved by means of better heating systems and thermal insulation, or even an integrated energy-efficiency programme for entire buildings.”

Alongside manufacturers of building and restoration materials, at denkmal restorers, skill craftsmen, specialists, institutions, local authorities and regions from Germany and abroad will be showcasing their special products and services for the maintenance and restoration of listed structures. Restoration applies to not just buildings but also works of art, books, bells, textiles and paper. Meanwhile the area of heritage conservation includes listed buildings, industrial monuments, artistic and cultural monuments, garden conservation and archaeological monuments.

Presenting the heritage of the Imperial and Royal Monarchy - The partner country of denkmal 2008 is Hungary. “We’re delighted that following Italy and France, denkmal is now turning its attention to Hungary,” declares Ulrike Lange. The Hungarians are famous for their mastery of stonemasonry. Moreover, the country famous for its thermal springs also has a large number of historical spas, castles, palaces and churches. “denkmal will give Hungarian specialists and firms an ideal opportunity to present their products and skills to an international audience,” adds Frau Lange. Meanwhile, Dr Péter Deme (Director of the Hungarian National Office of Cultural Heritage in Budapest) confirms that denkmal is the biggest and most important gathering of heritage and conservation specialists. “As far as we’re concerned, the importance of international experience cannot be overestimated.”

Following the success of its most recent participation, there will once again be a sizeable number of participants from France at denkmal 2008. Says Francois-Xavier Brunet from the French Ubifrance export agency: “Leipzig is the place where we encounter all the specialists and institutions that are important to us.”