Sustainability in the fire industry is vital and the effects of global warming and climate change are two things that cannot be ignored. Sustainability is crucial for lessening the impacts of climate change on our world and lives. Therefore, it is essential to make eco-friendly choices accessible to companies and the public. Fire safety significantly affects the environment, and neglecting it can have consequences similar to ignoring sustainability.

Fire safety must be sustainable and accessible. We can’t sacrifice fire safety for sustainability or vice versa, as both are crucial for people’s safety and the planet. To avoid compromising either, we should equally value both fire safety and sustainability. This can be achieved by integrating sustainable practices within the fire industry.

The impacts of not prioritising fire safety

Recent disastrous events, such as the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower, highlights just how critical balancing sustainability with fire safety is. It is not unheard of for buildings that have green seals of approval, marking them as entirely sustainable, to be caught in fire disasters. Ultimately, focussing only on sustainability can negate fire safety. To build sustainability in the fire industry we must first be aware of the risks of compromising one for the other. It is crucial to understand the benefit of incorporating sustainable materials, the fire risk they can pose and how we can safely incorporate sustainability with fire safety.

Can sustainability and fire safety co-exist?

Yes, sustainability and fire safety can definitely co-exist. Sustainable materials like recycled plastic, laminated timber, and reclaimed wood are not only environmentally friendly but also can be designed to meet fire safety standards. These materials promote recycling and reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, demonstrating that it’s possible to prioritise both sustainability and fire safety in construction and design.

What can we do to be more sustainable?

As we strive for sustainability in building practices, it is crucial to ensure that these efforts do not compromise fire safety. Balancing eco-friendly choices with rigorous fire safety standards is essential for creating secure environments.

Firstly, we could reduce heat loss in a business by incorporating foliage to the outside of the building and use higher quality building insulation. Foliage in building design produces more oxygen and reduces humidity, while insulation can minimises heat loss by as much as 25%, reducing energy waste and creating a more eco-friendly, energy-efficient business.

Secondly, proper waste management and storage management is a vital aspect. By responsibly disposing of/storing construction materials and waste and prioritising recycling and reuse of materials, we minimise landfill contributions. This supports a circular economy approach. However, by storing our combustibles incorrectly, we risk potential fires.

Combustibles include materials such as fuels, oils, chemicals, and even some types of packaging. Proper storage begins with identifying and segregating these materials based on their compatibility and flammability characteristics.

Combustibles should be stored in designated areas that are well-ventilated and away from potential ignition sources such as open flames, electrical equipment, or machinery that generates sparks.

Considering the future through fire risk assessments

In the UK, whenever businesses make changes to enhance sustainability, it’s crucial to conduct a new fire risk assessment as well. This practice ensures that any modifications or new practices implemented for sustainability do not inadvertently introduce or exacerbate fire hazards.

For instance, if a company decides to install solar panels as part of their sustainability efforts, it’s essential to assess how this change might affect fire safety. Solar panels, while beneficial for renewable energy, can pose fire risks if not installed and maintained correctly. Therefore, a thorough assessment would evaluate factors such as the proximity to ignition sources, the wiring and electrical connections, and firefighting access for emergency responders.

Similarly, adopting new materials or construction methods to improve energy efficiency or reduce environmental impact requires careful consideration of their fire safety implications. Materials that are highly flammable or combustible could increase fire risks if not properly managed or if firefighting measures are not adapted accordingly.

Additionally, changes in processes or operations aimed at reducing waste or emissions should be evaluated for potential impacts on fire safety protocols. For example, modifying manufacturing processes to use alternative fuels or chemicals should be assessed to ensure they do not introduce new fire hazards or compromise existing safety measures.

By integrating fire risk assessments into sustainability planning and decision-making processes, businesses can effectively mitigate potential risks, ensure compliance with fire safety regulations, and maintain a safe working environment for employees and visitors. This proactive approach not only protects against fire incidents but also supports sustainable practices that are essential for long-term business success and environmental stewardship.

Focus on fire prevention rather than fire protection

Fire safety is always crucial. However, preventing fires from occurring in the first place is equally vital when safeguarding people and the environment in the fire industry. Fires release pollutants and toxins that can rapidly contaminate air, water sources, and surrounding areas, impacting both human health and ecosystems.

The loss of building materials in fires also drives up financial costs and necessitates the use of additional resources, revealing the economic interdependence of sustainability and fire safety. The process of repairing and rebuilding fire-damaged buildings over time can contribute to increased carbon emissions.

Preventing fires is essential for achieving sustainability goals, as it directly reduces resource wastage and environmental harm. Effective fire prevention means reducing overall resource consumption and minimising the environmental and socio-economic impacts associated with fires. Building regulations and conducting thorough risk assessments are critical legal measures to ensure sustainable fire safety practices. Risk assessments empower property owners to proactively manage fire risks by identifying potential hazards early on, thereby preventing unnecessary material wastage and protecting both people and the environment.

To advance sustainability within the fire industry, it is important to prioritise building design. Despite efforts to implement fire prevention measures, poorly designed structures can exacerbate fire spread and damage. Integrating fire safety considerations into building design ensures that sustainability and fire safety work in harmony rather than competition. This holistic approach prevents environmental damage that could occur if fire safety is neglected in favour of sustainability alone.

Building Sustainability in the fire industry

Sustainability does not need to be a mysterious, difficult thing. The steps being taken towards sustainability within fire safety can be small, but the impact will be great. Some simple steps could be:

• • • Extended battery life in alarms. This will reduce wastage. It also allows protects the property and the people who for longer.
    • Alternatives to extinguishers such as blankets for lithium fire. Fire extinguishers are generally non-toxic, however there are more sustainable alternatives. Envirofoam extinguishers are particularly sustainable as they are fluorine-free, environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
    • Reducing carbon footprint – shipping miles involved in fire extinguishers
    • Sprinklers – keep a safer distance from people and fire. It reduces wastage by controlling the situation quickly and allows people to evacuate in plenty of time.
    • Innovations that use less extinguisher agent – nozzles that use less water because the spray is so fine/pressurised and handheld extinguishers to reduce agent volume and waste

Summary

Sustainability can be built in the fire industry in many ways. However, it is critical that sustainability does not come at the cost of fire safety. Fire risk assessments and building regulations, using newer, sustainably sourced materials, and considering the fire safety equipment available all show how we can build sustainability in the fire industry.

Preventing fires saves money, saves resources and protects the lives of those who could be affected. Similarly incorporating sustainability saves money for the future. Sustainability and fire safety protect future generations and allow them to experience the benefits of the two. Rather than forcing sustainability and risking a failure to provide fire safety the two can work together and ensure a longevity to both.