PROGRAM: Tuesday November 19th

The new EPBD includes several fire safety provisions that provide an enhanced framework for developing adequate measures which can contribute to a safer domestic environment for European citizens. This workshop presented how fire and electrical safety can be linked to the tools offered by the directive and developed a broader scope with other stakeholders in a discussion that concluded the session.

The Forum for European Electrical Domestic Safety (FEEDS) has demonstrated the predominance of domestic fires from electrical source which represent 30% of fires in the EU and 50% of accidental fires and, when it comes to fire safety, electrical safety is implicitly included.

For years FEEDS has worked on electrical safety, not only by establishing a complete picture of the situation in the EU but also by promoting a certain number of key recommendations and advice. This work can constitute valuable assistance in the development of guidelines related to fire safety within the framework of the EPBD.

During the session, experts have presented the relevant tools proposed by the new EPBD and their functioning, with specific focus on the Building Renovation Passports, the Energy Performance Certificates, the Digital Building Logbook and the Building Stock Observatory. The round table which followed was introduced by a presentation on the FEEDS recommendations. Next Energy Consumer, European Fire Safety Alliance, Euralarm and Avere provided their perspective, stressing the need to consider fire safety in a broad range of measures that could make sense within a European strategy.

General introduction of the new EPBD and focus on the new provisions on Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and Building Renovation Passports (BRPs)

Presentation on the Digital Building Logbook (DBL) study.

The purpose of the report ‘Technical guidelines for digital building logbooks’  is to guide the Member States of the European Union in setting up and operationalising DBLs under a common EU Framework. The ultimate goal is to use this European-wide framework for exchanging built environment data seamlessly.

The EU Building Stock Observatory (BSO) has undergone the most substantial upgrade since its inception in 2016. In March 2024, the European Commission launched a new version that offers an improved user interface and more data availability.

The presentation will unveil the main improvements of the EU BSO and showcase how to use it. These improvements include a new user interface offering advanced user experience, and an increased dataset with additional indicators and a higher level of detail: information about occupancy, tenancy type, and social aspects related to energy poverty, are some of the examples of the expanded data set.

With these major upgrades, this open-source web platform on building’s energy performance in the EU, is ready to become the central data hub on the European building stock, specifically under the new EPBD.

Introduction to the round table: presentation of recommendations on electrical safety in the framework of the implementation of the EPBD

Discussion moderated by Theresa Griffin on implementation of fire safety measures, with:

The climate is changing increasingly rapidly due to greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change has all kinds of effects, such as extreme weather changes. Limiting this climate change and preparing for its consequences also affects construction practice. Sustainability, energy efficiency, and circularity are playing an increasingly important role in housing construction. This translates, among other things, into the use of sustainable building materials (more responsible use of materials), sustainable construction methods (limiting energy use and waste and reuse), and sustainable energy supply (limiting the use of fossil fuels).

Developments in these areas are moving rapidly and influence other areas such as fire safety and housing construction. These developments put pressure on traditional (implementation) principles, introduce new risks and sometimes create conflicting interests. On the one hand, these new developments mustn’t reduce the fire safety level and on the other hand, (fire) safety aspects mustn’t hinder the sustainability and implementation of housing construction.

Regulations in the field of sustainability and fire safety should aim to serve both interests. The current structure lacks regulations in some areas and regulations in both areas do not always support each other. The purpose of this workshop is to gain insight into shortcomings and contradictions in the effects that sustainability and fire safety have on each other within residential construction. The workshop can serve as a start for an open discussion about these effects and subsequently link them to regulations in both areas. In the workshop also possible solutions can be explored.

Aim
The purpose of this workshop is to gain insight into shortcomings and contradictions in the effects that sustainability and fire safety have on each other within residential construction. The workshop can serve as a start for an open discussion about these effects and subsequently link them to regulations in both areas. In the workshop also possible solutions can be explored.

Target group
DG representatives, researchers, policymakers, stakeholders and others involved in the area of fire safety and sustainability.

Format
In-person

Location
L42 business center & workspaces, Wetstraat 42, 1040 Brussel, Belgium (capacity: 50 persons)

This lecture delves into sustainable approaches in fire protection, emphasizing innovations that align with environmental goals without compromising safety. Key topics include the unique challenges posed by PV (photovoltaic) fires and the increasing risk of Li-ion (lithium-ion) battery fires as renewable energy sources and battery technologies become more prevalent. Drawing on insights from FRISSBE, we will explore fire preventive solutions, and sustainable practices tailored to address these emerging risks. Attendees will gain a comprehensive view of modern fire protection that prioritizes both safety and sustainability in an evolving energy landscape.