Sewer construction without emissions (VDBUM)

Innovations around construction logistics, digital construction processes, emission-free or low-emission machines - these are the future topics in modern road and sewer construction, as well as measures for structural maintenance.

Sewer construction without emissions – our mission at IFAT Munich 2026

The VDBUM is dedicating its trade fair appearance at IFAT Munich 2026 to emission-free sewer construction. The demonstrations will showcase the latest technologies, innovative energy concepts, and practical solutions that help companies operate construction sites with increasingly low CO₂ emissions or completely emission-free. The focus will not only be on alternative drive systems, but also on intelligent process chains and equipment that enable efficient and sustainable sewer construction.

About the Spotlight Area

Together with its partners, the VDBUM will once again occupy a total area of 2,500 m². Of this, 2,000 m² will be available for exhibiting state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, while 500 m² will be dedicated to live demonstrations.

On display will be low-emission or emission-free earthmoving and sewer construction machinery, innovative suction excavator technology, and new solutions for trenchless expansion, compaction, and material recycling. Many of these exhibits contribute to reducing environmental impact—whether through lower energy consumption, alternative operating modes, or more efficient work processes. They show how companies can make optimal use of their machines while actively helping to pave the way for climate-neutral construction sites.

The VDBUM will present a broad and manufacturer-neutral overview of all relevant technologies in sewer construction.

Showtimes & Exchange

The four daily demo shows will each last a maximum of 30 minutes and will be compact, practical, and informative.

Thanks to the spectator stands, visitors can follow the demonstrations in the best possible way.

Afterwards, the VDBUM invites visitors to engage in professional exchange over coffee and snacks. The focus is on networking, knowledge transfer, and open dialogue between manufacturers, service providers, municipalities, and construction companies.

There are numerous questions surrounding the focus topic of “emission-free sewer construction”: What are the requirements of public tenders? What technical solutions are available – and which are still missing? How can the industry work together to shape the transition to climate-neutral construction sites?

The VDBUM wants to not only provide information in the discussion, but also listen: What do companies specifically need? What are their expectations of the association? The insights gained will help to provide even more targeted support to members in the future and actively drive forward the transformation in sewer construction.

Under the IFAT Munich 2026 motto “Sewer construction without emissions – our mission,” the VDBUM e.V. will show what the path to emission-free sewer construction sites looks like in practice. IFAT Munich offers the perfect stage to talk to clients and contractors about new drive technologies, efficient processes, and sustainable solutions. The change has long since begun – and climate-friendly technology is increasingly becoming the standard in tenders.

Dieter Schnittjer

Board member of the German Association of Construction, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering (VDBUM)
Managing Director of VDBUM Service GmbH

Participating partners

Public utilities, water and wastewater companies, municipalities, states, the federal government, Autobahn GmbH, and DB Netz AG are working together with the construction industry to find realistic, immediately applicable approaches for emission-free construction sites. The requirements for machines and equipment are increasing accordingly – they must become cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable.

Which solutions are already working today? Where is there still a need? And how can we make the leap to emission-free sewer construction sites in everyday life? This is exactly what the VDBUM wants to discuss with its demo partners and visitors – precisely, practically, and with clear perspectives for the future of sewer construction.