The green transition is not only affecting our energy sources and choice […]
The green transition is not only affecting our energy sources and choice of building materials, but is also changing the conditions under which emergency services operate. This creates a need for greater knowledge about new materials and technologies that can prepare rescue services for future operations.
In collaboration with the Danish Emergency Management Agency, the Danish Technological Institute has prepared the report ’Prepared for the Construction of the Future’, aimed at ensuring that the Danish Emergency Management Agency and municipal rescue services are equipped to handle fires in future buildings.
The ambition of creating a more climate-friendly Denmark, along with stricter EU requirements for reducing CO2 emissions, is leaving a clear mark on the construction industry and presenting emergency services with new challenges. The construction sector is increasingly using new materials for load-bearing structures, insulation, and cladding, while recycled materials and new building techniques are also becoming widespread. In addition, electrification is increasing through more rooftop solar panel systems and a growing number of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in buildings.
Each of these developments presents its own challenge for rescue services. However, complexity increases significantly when several factors occur simultaneously, creating a so-called ’cocktail effect’. In such situations, fires may develop more unpredictably and increase the risk to emergency personnel during operations.
These are some of the key messages from senior consultant Andreas Bjerre Lunkeit of the Danish Technological Institute, who contributed to the report identifying the 10 biggest risk areas in construction.
Read also: Danish guidelines on battery fires can learn from abroad
Prioritized list of focus areas in construction
In order of priority, the report identifies the following 10 focus areas: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), parking facilities, solar panels, high-rise buildings and complex building design, timber in load-bearing structures, new forms of insulation, batteries for consumer electronics, air passages and cavities, reuse and transformation of buildings, and green roofs and facades.
“To identify and prioritize the 10 focus areas, we conducted interviews with industry experts and specialists from the Danish Technological Institute and several municipal rescue services. In addition, we analyzed relevant reports. The final report is based on a mapping of the key trends in construction followed by workshops with stakeholders,” says Andreas Bjerre Lunkeit, elaborating:
“The prioritization of the 10 trends is based on two factors: Firstly, their current and future prevalence, in other words, how often rescue services will encounter these phenomena, and secondly, the extent of the consequences for rescue operations and the risks faced by personnel.”
Read also: Larger cars with more plastic put pressure on fire safety in car parks
BESS facilities and parking facilities
BESS facilities and parking facilities both have direct implications for emergency response operations. Therefore, the report recommends focusing first on these two areas.
“Fires in BESS facilities can generate extremely intense heat, the fire behavior can be violent and unpredictable, and extinguishing the fire effectively can be difficult. In addition, toxic and potentially explosive gases may be released, and the combination of large amounts of stored energy, cable routing, and integrated technical installations can lead to multiple complex incidents,” says Andreas Bjerre Lunkeit, explaining why car parks rank second on the priority list:
“Today’s vehicles are larger and contain more plastic than before. This increases the risk of rapid fire spread in parking facilities. At the same time, the number of electric vehicles and charging stations is growing, and EV fires can release significant amounts of toxic gases. Furthermore, many parking facilities are built without sprinkler systems and smoke ventilation, which can allow fires to develop more uncontrollably.”
Solar panels and complex building design
The next priority areas on the list are solar panel installations, high-rise buildings, and complex building design.
“The use of large solar panel systems on industrial rooftops is increasing. Since fires can spread between roof structures and solar panels, this is an area that deserves attention,” says Andreas Bjerre Lunkeit, adding:
“The same applies to high-rise buildings and complex building designs, which are increasingly appearing in major cities. This type of construction can create unpredictable fire scenarios and lead to a range of challenges for emergency services.”
Read also: Solar cells increase the risk of fire spreading on flat roofs
Need for more knowledge
In addition to reviewing the 10 key trends in construction, the report recommends increased continuing education and the development of knowledge and experience among firefighters regarding new building materials, advanced technologies, and complex structures.
Furthermore, international experience with new firefighting tactics and techniques should be gathered so that emergency services can better manage fires in complex building environments.
“But the report also points to the need for societal recognition that the green transition may, in some cases, conflict with fire safety, because new materials and technologies can introduce new fire risks. This requires an open dialogue about important societal priorities,” concludes Andreas Bjerre Lunkeit.
Read also: Soon the first timber facades will be built at height without fire retardant treatment
Prioritized list of 10 focus areas in construction
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