1 March 2024

Modern Building Alliance is aware that a heavy fire broke out on 22 February 2024 in a tall building in Valencia in Spain. We deeply regret that this incident affected so many people and families, despite the rapid intervention from the emergency services, and we express our sympathies with all those who have been impacted by this tragedy.

First media reports shortly, after the fire, have reported that polyurethane insulation was involved in this incident, based on one expert statement. The Vice-President of the College of Industrial Technical Engineers of Valencia, now dismisses the hypothesis that the facade was insulated with polyurethane foam. This assessment is also shared by the Technical Architecture School of Valencia.

We hope that the investigation will clarify, as quickly as possible, the exact circumstances of the fire and why it spread through the façade so quickly.

Our commitment is to closely follow and endorse the conclusions and insights gained, contributing to the enhancement of fire safety standards for high-rise building facades.

Please refer to the official Press Release from IPUR, the Spanish PU Association. You may also access the statement made by PU Europe.

20 November 2023

Last week, the Modern Building Alliance participated in the fifth edition of the EU Fire Safety Week (13-17 Nov.). During this edition, many stakeholders from the European Fire Safety sector organized events, webinars, and conferences aiming to address Fire Safety in buildings.

Our Fire Safety Expert Franklyn Okwara spoke at the workshop related to the Fire Safety Engineering profession. Franklyn presented our newly published Fire Safety Engineering Competency paper. Perrine Ethuin from BASF also went on stage on behalf of the Modern Building Alliance to comment on the implementation of the Fire Safety Action Plan and related actions on Fire Safety Statistics.

The Modern Building Alliance also co-funded the high-level political discussion in the European Parliament. Co-hosted by Members of the European Parliament Maria Carvalho (EPP, Portugal), Adam Jarubas (EPP, Poland), Seán Kelly (EPP, Ireland), and Carlos Zorrinho (S&D, Portugal), this event addressed what the next Parliament and Commission should do to improve fire safety in Europe.

Officials from DG GROW and DG ENER, Permanent Representatives, and participants exchanged about the strategic interest of the EU Institutions in facilitating improvements in fire safety. On the agenda: Fire Safety awareness, Fire Statistics, Energy Transition and Renovation Wave, Training, Skills, Competence & Research Aspects, as well as the EU Fire Information Exchange Platform (FIEP) coordinating action between Member States.

The Modern Building Alliance is pleased of having supported this fruitful initiative led by the European Fire Safety Alliance (EuroFSA) and thanks the organisers and participants for their lively contribution.

24 October 2023

This year again, the Modern Building Alliance has the great privilege to be involved in the European Fire Safety Week 2023 (EUFSW23) (13-17^th November 2023), organised under the umbrella of the European Fire Safety Alliance (EuroFSA).

The European Fire Safety Week is a set of in-person and virtual events organized by a multitude of stakeholders active in the fire safety field.

A political session will be organized in the European Parliament on the 15^th November. It builds on previous successful European Fire Safety Weeks in 2019, 2020 and 2021. It will take place under the political sponsorship of Members of the European Parliament Adam Jarubas (EPP, Poland), Sean Kelly (EPP, Ireland), Maria Carvalho (EPP, Portugal) and Carlos Zorrinho (S&D, Portugal), and will be moderated by FEEDS Chair and former British MEP Theresa Griffin.

While fire safety of buildings remains a national competence, its importance resonates across various EU policies and initiatives, particularly those related to the ongoing energy transition. EU institutions have a strategic interest in facilitating improvements in fire safety through targeted projects and activities, as well as coordinating efforts with Member States to ensure that fire safety doesn't hinder EU policy objectives.

Recent years have witnessed a growing awareness among decision makers, leading to intensified discussions, initiatives, and activities aimed at elevating fire safety on the EU agenda. These efforts seek to enhance fire safety across the EU and align with the European Fire Safety Action Plan.

Line up and full programme

Registration form

The political session is hosted by:

Co-organisers of the political session are:

7 July 2023

The European plastic industry, under the leadership of the Danish plastics federation, had the opportunity to showcase the potential of plastics in creating environmentally conscious societies at the 2023 UIA World Congress of Architects. This event gathered over 6,000 participants from 135 countries, all driven by the unified goal of 'Leaving No One Behind.Yesterday, the Modern Building Alliance’s fire expert, Franklyn Okwara, contributed to the conference by presenting the Modern Building Alliance proposed regulatory framework for fire safe buildings.

The Modern Building Alliance’s proposed regulatory framework is a comprehensive framework for regulating fire safety in buildings, emphasizing roles and responsibilities throughout the value chain, backed by EU standards for products.

Such holistic approach to fire safety considers building design, construction, technical installations, and fire safety management throughout a structure's life. To encourage the adoption of holistic fire safety strategy, there is need to create a network of fire regulators to steer concerted action towards the transition from prescriptive to performance-based codes, allowing the application of fire safety engineering techniques. Architects together with fire safety engineers should undertake all necessary actions to define from building design stage, the fire safety strategy.

Plastic's reusability, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness make it ideal for sustainable construction. The potential of plastic in creating environmentally conscious societies was the red thread of the Plastics Pavilion.

To know more:

UIA World Congress of Architects – CPH 2023 (uia2023cph.org)

Plastic Pavilion

Environmental benefits of plastics in construction 

13 June 2023

In a letter initiated by the European Fire Safety Alliance (EuroFSA) and co-signed by the Modern Building Alliance to European Commissioner Franz Timmermans, is calling, together with 16 associations, upon the European Commission for an internal coordination framework for improving fire safety in buildings. A better coordination is vital to address challenges and align fire safety considerations with the energy transition. New risks associated with the electrification of buildings, coupled with outdated regulations and possible conflicts with sustainability measures, require adaptability. By coordinating our efforts to achieve the EU Green Deal objectives, synergies can be achieved, leading to a higher protection of citizens.

Acknowledging challenges and overcoming regulatory obstacles

As Europe progresses through the green and digital transitions, the use of new products and technologies introduces novel risks. Such risks could potentially jeopardize fire safety achievements and impede the success of the energy transition. Regarding the mandatory deployment of solutions like photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, and vehicle charging points, outdated fire safety regulations and inadequate electrical installations are major obstacles to greener buildings. Additionally, development of innovative construction methods, designs and materials may be hampered by existing fire safety rules, necessitating the adaptation of regulatory practices to accommodate evolving requirements.

Enhancing coordination and collaboration to foster synergies between fire safety and EU climate objectives

By establishing an internal structural coordination mechanism, the European Commission can overcome these challenges and harmonize efforts to better protect European citizens. This collaborative approach will facilitate the exchange of best practices and ensure fire safety measures are integrated seamlessly into the EU Green Deal objectives (the Fire Information Exchange Platform should feature high into such coordination effort).

Furthermore, the Modern Building Alliance firmly believes that a holistic approach to fire safety is imperative. That is why the 7 Layers approach and the B.I.O frameworks were promoted towards policy makers.  In addition, initiatives such as the New European Bauhaus, which prioritizes sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusion, rely on robust fire safety standards as a foundation.

Finally, to further exemplify the ramifications of fire safety in the European legislative landscape, addressing energy poverty and safeguarding vulnerable consumers is intricately linked to fire risk prevention.

Read the letter sent to Commissioner Timmermans:

https://www.europeanfiresafetyalliance.org/news/coordination-on-fire-safety-will-help-achieving-the-green-deals-objectives/

20 April 2023

Yesterday, the Modern Building Alliance presented during the Fire Information Exchange Platform meeting the findings of the tests conducted by PU Europe on fire performance of PV on roofs highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments.

Photovoltaic (PV) panels on roofs are gaining traction as Europe moves very fast towards sustainable energy sources. However, ensuring fire safety in these installations remains a crucial concern. The needed integration of PV modules on roofs must consider fire safety through comprehensive risk assessments and appropriate rules.

Supporting the Transition to Clean Energy While Addressing Fire Safety Concerns

Large flat roofs offer an efficient space for PV arrays in developed areas. With the EU's RePowerEU initiative and directives like EPBD and EED promoting energy savings, the adoption of solar panels on roofs is on the rise. The lack of harmonised assessment methods for the fire performance of PV panels on roofs in Europe has raised concerns from some regulators and insurers about the fire safety performance of certain roof systems. The MBA would like to recall that a holistic approach is required, considering factors such as fire spread prevention, insulation system performance, and the prevention of PV panels becoming an ignition source.

Mitigate Fire Risks With An Integrated Approach

Enforcing existing technical provisions and rules is crucial to mitigate fire risks. Developing a fire performance assessment of PV panels, and developing a classification and method of assessment of fire safety based on the interaction between PV panels and the roof, allow for informed decisions regarding PV panel types suitable for different roof constructions and insulation systems. In many cases the existing roof systems can accommodate PV panels installations. In addition, ensuring firefighter safety and minimising risks during firefighting operations is paramount with an integrated approach considering installation design, such as mounting systems, separation distances, and proximity to fire safety facilities.

To know more:

PU Europe factsheet:

Fire performance of thermal insulation products in end-use conditions

About the FIEP.

23 March 2023

The Modern Building Alliance, under the umbrella of EuroFSA and eleven other organisations, signed a joint statement urging the European institutions to integrate fire safety into the final text of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

The EPBD revision aims to increase the energy performance of buildings in order to reach the EU climate objectives. It will also support the increase of the use of renewable energy, new sustainable solutions and technologies. Such evolutions should not impede fire safety. It is key to include fire safety considerations for new and renovated buildings. It is also key when installing and maintaining renewable and recharging infrastructures. Furthermore, the text could also include fire safety awareness campaigns for EU citizens, as fire safety education programmes are successful tools for fire prevention.

How do skills secure fire safety in buildings?  https://www.modernbuildingalliance.eu/fire-safety-skills-competency

The EU Fire Safety Guide https://www.modernbuildingalliance.eu/EU-fire-safety-guide

27 October 2022

The Modern Building Alliance members deeply regret the rejection of the TRAN Committee's opinion on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) revision. The Committee's adopted amendment calling for the European Commission to publish fire safety guidelines for car parks by 2025 was crucial for safely deploying electric vehicle charging points. Although the overall opinion was rejected, the specific amendment received strong support in TRAN.

Fire safety guidelines are key to safely roll out e-mobility

Installing charging infrastructure in buildings is vital for the widespread adoption of e-mobility, as most charging takes place at home or in the office. The Modern Building Alliance believes that ensuring fire safety measures accompany the deployment of in-building charging solutions is essential. Harmonised guidelines are needed at the EU level to address elements such as electrical safety, fire detection and suppression, ventilation, compartmentation, structural protection, and fire service intervention. These guidelines should be technology-neutral and based on performance standards and fire safety engineering.

European Parliament should reintroduce the amendment on fire safety guidelines for car parks

We urge the European Parliament to reintroduce the TRAN amendment, which proposes publishing fire safety guidelines for underground and surface car parks, facilitating the safe and coordinated deployment of electric vehicle charging points and ensuring the safety of European citizens. The EU Fire Information Exchange Platform (FIEP), coordinated by DG GROW, can be suitable for exchanging valuable information and developing these guidelines.