How Fire Suppression Systems Help Meet LEED & Green Building Certifications

The move to LEED certified buildings and green building solutions in Canada is growing rapidly. The need to consider every aspect of a new building design affects the certification process for LEED and other green building certification programs. Several aspects of the LEED certification affect the design and installation of fire suppression systems, including energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, and innovation.

LEED & Green Building Standards in Canada

LEED and green building certifications can be a challenge in Canada. The complexity of these standards requires careful attention to detail and may require some thinking outside the traditional methods. Understanding the goals of the LEED certification process is vital before starting a green building project.

What is LEED Certification?

In Canada, LEED Certification is overseen by the Canada Green Building Council. Under the LEED globally recognized system, the intent is to promote sustainable building practices. Canadian LEED certification uses key categories of the entire building process to evaluate and ensure the standards are met. These categories include:

• Location and transportation issues
• Sustainable Site selection
• Water efficiency, including fire suppression systems
• Energy and atmosphere focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Materials and resources to encourage the use of sustainable materials and waste reduction
• Indoor Environmental Quality to ensure that the environment for occupants is safe and comfortable
• Innovation to encourage creativity and adoption of new technology and practices

Canada's Commitment to Green Building Practices

Canada is committed to green building initiatives. The Canada Green Buildings strategy is a plan to help transform the building and construction community with a goal of achieving a net-zero future. This plan includes:

• Energy efficiency
• Retrofitting existing buildings
• Promoting Low-Carbon materials
• Heat pump adoption
• Affordability and job creation

Building codes in Canada reflect this commitment. The Ontario Building Code has adopted many LEED and green building guidelines. More and more jurisdictions in Canada are adding green building regulations to their building codes to encourage builders and designers to seek LEED certification for their structures.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional vs. Green Fire Suppression Systems

There are several key differences in applying LEED and other green building initiatives to new structures versus older methods of fire suppression and safety. Among these are the different uses and applications of traditional water-based systems, chemical-based systems, and clean agent fire suppression systems. Many older fire suppression systems rely on agents that are outdated and considered environmentally dangerous.

Technology has provided answers to these kinds of problems with legacy and outdated fire protection agents. There are now many LEED-friendly alternatives, such as FK-5-12-1, water mist systems, and inert gas fire protection systems.

Other design considerations in meeting LEED requirements with fire suppression systems include water conservation, Low Global Warming Potential, and Zero Ozone Depletion factors. Using low flow fixtures, captured rainwater and gray water in fire suppression systems helps meet these requirements. Fire suppression systems are not usually considered high energy use installations, but designers still work on reducing the energy footprint of these systems. Zero Ozone Depletion requires the use of materials in the fire suppression system that have a minimal impact on the atmosphere both during their manufacture and over their installed lifetime.

Best Fire Suppression Systems for LEED & Green Buildings

Fortunately, technological development has provided designers and builders with more options for environmentally friendly fire suppression systems. Among the most popular alternatives to traditional fire suppression systems and agents are:

Water mist fire suppression

Water remains a primary fire suppression agent. However, changes in the methods of delivering water to a fire have changed, making water still attractive to designers and builders seeking green certifications. Water mist systems deliver water to suppress fires in the form of very fine water droplets that require significantly less volume of water than traditional sprinkler heads. This conserves water and minimizes water damage to structures and contents.

Clean Agent Suppression Systems

Another class of fire suppression agent popular with designers seeking an LEED certification are clean agent systems that use products such as FK-5-1-12. These alternative fire suppression agents typically leave no residue and make no environmental impact when discharged.

Inert Gas Suppression Systems

Much like clean agent suppression systems, those using inert gas agents provide an alternative under certain conditions. Inert gases such as nitrogen and argon are the usual agents in these systems. These inert gases do not contribute to global warming or ozone depletion. However, the inert gas suppression systems cannot be used in large open spaces. Typically, these systems are employed in small, enclosed spaces to protect vital equipment and electrical installations.

Modern technologies make it possible to integrate fire suppression systems into green building concepts without compromising safety. With water-saving solutions, environmentally friendly suppression agents, and energy-efficient technologies, developers and builders can meet LEED standards and other green certifications. Implementing innovative fire suppression systems not only reduces environmental impact but also contributes to the creation of more sustainable and safer buildings.

resources: https://www.cagbc.org/

https://www.cagbc.org/our-work/leed/

https://www.cagbc.org/our-work/leed/leed-v4-1/

https://www.ontario.ca/page/building-code-updates

https://ospe.on.ca/professional-development/everything-you-need-to-know-about-leed-certification/