Air Quality Regulation in Transition – Energy-Efficient Exhaust Air Treatment and Filtration Solutions for Tomorrow

The new EU Air Quality Directive (Directive 2024/2881) was published in the Official Journal of the EU on November 20, 2024. The new directive includes several key changes:

• New limit values effective in 2030 for 11 air pollutants (particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, etc.)
• New measurement requirements for additional pollutants such as ultrafine particles, black carbon, and ammonia
• Right to compensation for health damage caused by exceedances of limit values

The limit values are more closely aligned with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines published in 2021, though they deviate from them in some cases. Air quality thus remains a focal point of societal demands—particularly through the introduction of a right to compensation for health damage.

Germany has until December 11, 2026, to transpose the provisions of this new directive into national law. Technical measures for air pollution control usually require additional energy expenditure, and energy is currently becoming increasingly expensive. How can companies navigate this tension?

We cordially invite you to our 15th Dresden Colloquium on Air Quality on October 22 and 23, 2026, featuring interesting presentations and productive discussions.

The conference is once again intended to serve as a forum for all those who wish to take on the challenge and responsibility of keeping the air clean. This year’s focus will be on air quality issues, particularly as they relate to energy consumption.

This year, the event is being held for the first time as a joint initiative of ILK Dresden, STFI, and the Dresden Branch of the VDI, with the following key topics:

• Working conditions and the effects of ventilation measures in buildings following the pandemic
• Energy efficiency vs. air purification: Minimizing the energy requirements of air purification systems, e.g., optimized system designs and heat recovery
• Innovative textile filter media: High-performance nonwovens, membrane and nanofiber structures, durable and application-specific filter materials
• Sustainability and the circular economy: Biodegradable or recyclable filter media, resource-efficient filter concepts, reduction of waste streams
• Smart filters & digitalization: Sensor-integrated filters, Filter 4.0, AI-supported condition monitoring and predictive maintenance in exhaust air purification systems
• Indoor air purification and indoor air quality: Evaluation of new indoor air purifier technologies (filters, UV, ionization), combination with conventional HVAC technology
• Legal framework and standards: Current regulations on air pollution control, testing and certification requirements for air purification systems and filter media

NEW

“Exhaust Air Purification” Workshop

• Design and optimization of exhaust air purification systems in practice (case studies from industry and building services engineering)
• Selection of suitable filter media and systems for various pollutants (dust, aerosols, VOCs, trace substances)
• Use of measurement and sensor technology for real-time monitoring of exhaust air flows and for operational optimization

We would be delighted if you would contribute to the success of this colloquium by attending.