#France #Amsterdam #Built by Nature #fire safety #wood construction

A Major Investment in Wood Construction Safety Research

Built by Nature, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable wood construction, recently made headlines with its announcement of a substantial 250,000 euro grant. This funding is set to support research initiatives focused on fire safety in wooden structures, a critical concern as the industry shifts toward more sustainable building practices.

The grant is part of a broader effort identified under the French government's investment plan, France 2030. This initiative emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to ensure that wooden constructions can meet stringent fire safety standards. Built by Nature's contribution will specifically finance the initial phase of a comprehensive 42-month fire safety research program aimed at multi-story wooden buildings.

In collaboration with the CERIB (Centre d'Essais au Feu), this groundbreaking research project intends to address pressing questions regarding fire risks in residential wooden buildings. The program will investigate both passive and active fire protection methods, merging industry expertise with cutting-edge research to establish new safety principles. Paul King, CEO of Built by Nature, highlighted the initiative's significance, noting that it would yield critical insights into the fire behavior of wooden buildings and ultimately influence regulatory frameworks based on empirical data.

Project Safeti: A Collaborative Effort

Dubbed the "Safeti" project, this research initiative is backed by a total funding of 3.3 million euros, provided by the French government via the ADEME (French Agency for Ecological Transition). The insights gained from this research will not only bolster safety regulations in France but also enrich knowledge networks across Europe. Experts from various sectors, including technical specialists from the I2M research institute at the University of Bordeaux and industry representatives in fire safety through the GTFI, will actively participate in this endeavor.

The project is governed by an international scientific council comprising representatives from prominent global fire research programs. This ensures that the project remains aligned with international safety standards and incorporates diverse perspectives into its framework. Impressively, the involvement of UK representatives will also enhance discussions concerning fire regulations relevant to the UK market.

According to Fabienne Robert from CERIB, the Safeti project is a pivotal step towards demonstrating the fire performance of wooden construction solutions through extensive experimental programs. Such collaborations among all stakeholders will foster a shared vision for enhancing fire safety standards in wood construction, ultimately leading to safer, more sustainable building options.

Future Directions and Impacts

Throughout the 21-month duration of the funding, the project aims to produce a series of vital outputs, including comprehensive international reviews, testing reports, scientific publications, and various conferences and webinars. These resources are designed to engage the Built by Nature network across Europe and ensure the wide dissemination of findings to facilitate collaborative safety practices within the industry.

King further stated that the project holds the potential for vast impacts across numerous sectors, emphasizing its role in enhancing confidence among architects, developers, investors, and insurers regarding the safety of wooden structures. This newfound assurance is expected to spur increased investment in sustainable construction processes, fostering a greener infrastructure.

As the building industry faces mounting pressure to reduce carbon footprints, initiatives like those undertaken by Built by Nature represent a crucial step towards achieving a sustainable future. By prioritizing fire safety in wooden constructions, the organization is laying the groundwork for a construction paradigm that not only meets ecological standards but also ensures public safety through robust research and innovation.