Inserting Buildings’ Fire Resilience in the EU Green Deal

On 27 May 2020, the European Commission announced the launch of a recovery instrument called “Next Generation EU” to stimulate European economic growth following the Covid-19 crisis. In particular, it will support the economic activities aligned with the EU Green Deal’s priorities. We are happy that building renovation is among these activities, and we welcome this emphasis on buildings.

“Next Generation EU” as well as other measures of the EU Green Deal such as the Renovation Wave, the strict implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the new comprehensive Strategy for a Sustainable Built Environment, are great opportunities to build in fire resilience into the EU building stock. Building fires can have adverse impacts on the three components of sustainability, namely the environment, the society and the economy. That’s why it is important to account for fire resilience for a building to be sustainable. Initiatives to increase energy performance or to renovate are a chance to do so.

We encourage the European Commission and the EU Member States to seize the EU Green Deal’s initiatives on buildings as opportunities to ensure fire resilience is reflected in all relevant legislation and regulation. You can find out more on our suggestions on how to insert buildings’ fire resilience in the EU Green Deal in this article.