February 2025
![]() |
Inside the February Issue |
Fire-Proofing
Today’s Approach to Historic
Building Renovations
BY BIRGITTE MESSERSCHMIDT
Giving old buildings new life, particularly historic buildings, such as Notre Dame
Cathedral in Paris, is a trend that will continue to rise. Adapting these spaces to
fit contemporary needs, or updating their aesthetics or infrastructure, is a creative
and sustainable way to pay homage to the past.
Often, these buildings are also beloved
by communities, so restoring them is as
good for people as it is for the environment.
However, the sad reality is that modernizing
historic buildings has a track
record of causing fire disasters, and this
pattern is likely to continue without a
change to the status quo. Luckily, the
solutions exist, but it’s up to us to be
more proactive in embracing them.
First, it’s helpful to review the commonalities
that make historic buildings
more vulnerable to fire risk. These
buildings were constructed in eras
when fire safety standards were nonexistent
or nowhere near as rigorous as
they are today, meaning they may lack
certain fire safety systems or design
considerations (e.g., interconnected fire
alarms, automatic sprinklers, or proper
compartmentalization).
The materials they were built with
are also older and often more flammable,
such as bone-dry timber. Further,
renovation activities compound these
fire risks by exposing combustible elements
or creating sparks or flames
through “hot work” tasks like welding.
Moreover, it’s common for built-in fire detection or suppression systems to be
disconnected during renovations, slowing
the response time in the case of emergencies.
Human error and, in rarer cases,
malintent, also need to be considered.
Full story »
today's news
EcoVadis Awards Planon for its Sustainability
BOSTON – Planon, a developer of software for smart buildings, has earned the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, placing it among the top one percent of organizations worldwide for sustainability performance.
Full article »
Diversified Invests $3.7M for Staff Growth
TAMPA, FL -- Diversified Maintenance, a provider of facility maintenance and janitorial services, invested more than $3.7 million in 2024 to enhance employee development, recognition, and growth.
Full article »
ESFI IDs Most at Risk for Death from Electricity
ARLINGTON, VA -- Contact with or exposure to electricity continues to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States.
Full article »
Jelmar Launches CLR Industrial Degreaser
SKOKIE, IL -- Jelmar, a manufacturer of home and industrial cleaning products, has extended its industrial product offerings with the launch of CLR PRO MAX Industrial Degreaser, a new industrial cleaning product.
Full article »
Sellars CEO Named a Titan 100 Honoree in Wisc.
MILWAUKEE -- Tom Sellars, CEO and chairman of Sellars Absorbent Materials, has been named to the 2025 Wisconsin Titan 100, which recognizes the state’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and passion.
Full article »