The SFPE/VVBA Expert Meeting “Bio-based Buildings and Fire Safety” brought a large group of professionals together in Utrecht on 1 October 2025. The strong attendance, valuable networking opportunities, and high-quality technical programme made the meeting a clear success.

As the construction sector increases its use of timber, bio-based insulation, and other renewable materials, understanding their fire performance is essential. The expert meeting connected research findings, fire testing, technical agreements, and practical implications for designers, consultants, authorities, and building professionals.

Safe bio-based construction requires evidence, testing, standards, and close cooperation between research and practice.

International research on bio-based materials

Cecilia Wetterqvist and Axel Mossberg from Bengt Dahlgren shared research and insights from Sweden. Their contribution offered an international perspective from a country where extensive work is being carried out on the performance and application of bio-based building materials.

International comparison helps the Benelux fire safety community understand how other markets approach material innovation, testing, and risk management—and where shared research can accelerate safe implementation.

Clay as fire protection for timber structures

Johanna Liblik from Tallinn University presented research into the use of clay as a fire-protective material for timber partition structures. The session considered both the potential benefits of this bio-based solution and the practical limitations that professionals need to understand when evaluating its use.

Fire testing of bio-based building materials

Larson van Dijk from Nieman discussed the Building Balance fire safety test programme for bio-based building materials. The programme brought together Nieman, Peutz, and Efectis to conduct fire tests on bio-based insulation materials and share the resulting findings and conclusions.

Bram Kersten from LBP│Sight then addressed the next phase of the test programme, including follow-up research and additional testing. This continuing work is important for developing a stronger evidence base for design decisions and future guidance.

NTA guidance for timber and bio-based construction

Patries Robijn from DGMR provided an update on the Dutch Technical Agreements for timber construction and bio-based materials. The presentation examined their current status, application, and potential implications for everyday building practice.

Together, these sessions showed how research, testing, standardisation, and professional judgement must reinforce one another as bio-based construction moves further into mainstream practice.

Knowledge sharing for safer sustainable buildings

SFPE Benelux and VVBA thank all speakers, participants, and contributors for making the expert meeting a successful day of learning and connection. The high turnout confirms the strong professional interest in combining sustainability ambitions with robust fire safety performance.

Explore upcoming SFPE Benelux events or become a member to take part in future technical meetings and professional knowledge exchange.