Fire resilience should be a top priority for every school. Every day, schools accommodate hundreds of students, teachers, and staff. In such busy environments, where so many people come together, fire resilience is essential.
Although fire is often regarded as a risk, it can also present an opportunity: by investing in fire-resilient building materials, you not only increase safety but also gain precious time – the crucial factor in evacuation.
Every second counts in a fire
Fires in a school building can develop very quickly. Within minutes, smoke can spread through corridors and stairwells. In larger spaces, people may have more time to escape than in smaller rooms. Smoke can often become life-threatening within minutes of a fire breaking out. In that short timeframe, the entire building must be evacuated safely.
By using fire-resilient materials – such as facade cladding that does not contribute to the spread of flames – the development of fire and smoke can be significantly slowed. This provides occupants with more time to evacuate the building safely, which is especially important in schools with young children or less self-reliant pupils.
Products classified as A1 or A2, in accordance with the European standard EN 13501‑1, are considered non-combustible or barely combustible. They have minimal impact on the spread of fire and smoke, making them a compliant choice for facades for high-risk and high-rise buildings.
Opportunities for governing bodies, local education authorities and designers
Where there are risks, there are also opportunities to improve. For example:
• Design freedom without compromising safety, thanks to fire-resilient materials that combine aesthetics with functionality.
• Sustainable choices that enhance fire resilience while improving energy performance and extending the life of the building.
• Future-proof buildings, that are prepared for stricter regulations and increasing social expectations around safety.
A safe school building is more than a building; it’s a place where pupils can flourish in a safe environment. Prioritizing fire resilience from the very start means investing not only in buildings, but most importantly the people it protects.
Would you like to learn more about building or renovating school facilities? Download our new school book: Inspirational Learning Environments.
