SFPE Engineering Solutions Symposium for Fire Safety and Sustainable Building Design

The SFPE Engineering Solutions Symposium for Fire Safety and Sustainable Building Design will be held November 29-30, 2023 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, in partnership with FRISSBE, H2020 ERA Chair European Project (www.frissbe.eu).

Description:

As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, the construction industry is recognizing the importance of creating sustainable buildings, which includes that they are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible. In this context, it is of utmost importance to also continue to provide a high level of fire safety in the built environment.

To put focus on the link between fire safety and sustainability, this  2-day, in-person, event in Ljubljana, Slovenia, will focus on sustainable design principles and how they can be applied without reducing the fire safety. The event will also explore the integration of fire safety measures into environmentally responsible building practices to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants while minimizing the impact on the environment. Several panel discussions are incorporated into the program schedule to allow speakers to answer audience questions and offer different perspectives on topics discussed.

SFPE and FRISSBE are excited to have attracted an outstanding panel of experts to come together to share their knowledge and best practices. The presentations and discussions aim to highlight the critical role fire safety plays in sustainable building design and the relationship between fire safety, sustainability, andresilience. The program will discuss design concepts, tools, and approaches for fire-safe buildings and emphasize the importance of fire safety in sustainable design and education. 

The invited speakers will share research, policy and engineering solutions on topics related to topics such as sustainable building design, reducing embodied carbon, the fire performance of sustainable construction products, fire testing, fire service challenges and opportunities, holistic building performance design, and building information modeling (BIM). The event will also present insight into the fire safety challenges and latest research with respect to external living walls, battery/energy storage systems, façade systems, photovoltaics, and mass timber. 

The SFPE Board of Directors approved a position statement in their July 13, 2023 meeting:

It is the position of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) that sustainability and fire resilience are important objectives for the built environment and that every built environment project should balance these objectives. More sustainable technologies and measures should be embraced but they should not create unintended and intolerable fire risks. Fire risk mitigation should include the mitigation of environmental and social impacts of fire. Designs for the built environment should be developed and implemented such that they are resilient to the effects of climate change on both the natural and built environment and reduce fire risks to society
Link to board-approved position statement can be found here. 

Program Committee Members:

Co-Chair Grunde Jomaas, PhD, FRISSBE, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG)
Co-Chair Brian Meacham, PhD, PE, CEng, Meacham Associates
Chris Jelenewicz, P.E., FSFPE, Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
Jimmy Jönsson, JVVA Fire & Risk
Aleš Jug, FRISSBE, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), University of Zagreb
William Koffel, PE, Koffel Associates, Inc.
Margaret McNamee, PhD, Lund University
Bart Merci, PhD, University of Gent
Benjamin Ralph, CEng,Foster + Partners
Jose Torero, PhD, CEng, University College London

Registration Fees 

Registration must be submitted online. Full payment is due upon registration to secure your space. We encourage all interested to register early to help us plan accordingly.  Registration fees are in U.S. Dollars.

*Non-member registration includes 12 months of free SFPE Membership.

Registration includes 2 days of instruction eligible for professional development credit hours upon completion of an online evaluation, 1 reception and two complimentary lunches, morning and afternoon breaks, access to PDF of presentations as authorized by invited speakers. This registration also covers all applicable fees.

Registration does not include: travel, airport transfers, hotel, breakfasts and dinners.  

Cancellation Policy

To cancel or transfer your registration, SFPE must receive your request in writing by November 15, 2023. A $100 USD administrative fee will be deducted for all cancellations. SFPE cannot refund registration fees after the cancellation cutoff date. All requests for transfer or cancellation must be submitted in writing to education@sfpe.org. No refund will be processed if the registrant is a no show.

Hotel Information

InterContinental Ljubljana, Slovenska cesta 59, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

InterContinental Hotel Ljubljana provides luxury accommodation in the heart of Ljubljana. Inspired by its location overlooking the Old Town and Park Tivoli, the hotel combines breath-taking views and excellent service only steps away from the pedestrian center of the city.

Hotel InterContinental Ljubljana is located in the center of the vibrant capital of Slovenia. The hotel is conveniently located near many attractions, including Ljubljana Castle, the Triple Bridge, and the city's old historical center. Enjoy Gourmet dining and panoramic views from the tallest hotel in Ljubljana. A soaring glass façade sets the scene for a memorable stay.

Reservation Link: InterContinental 
Negotiated Rates 195.00 £ with breakfast included (must be booked before November 8th to qualify) 

You can email to ljubljana.reservations@ihg.com using special code: I9N for adding additional days pre and post event at the contracted rate.

The sustainability program of InterContinental Ljubljana Hotel, named "Journey to Tomorrow," is a comprehensive approach to sustainable development and responsible management implemented by the hotel in its operations. The program is designed to reduce the hotel's negative impact on the environment and promote sustainable tourism. You can learn more about the Journey to Tomorrow program at: Journey to Tomorrow - Responsible Business - InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (ihgplc.com)

Airport

Lubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is 25 km away
Franjo Tudman Airport Zagreb (ZAG) is 150 km away
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is 230 km away

Ground Transportation Information from Airport

From LJU: Taxi service at the airport, Cammeo, or GoOpti
From ZAG: GoOpti
FROM VCE: GoOpti

Hotel on-site parking

For convenient parking near Prešeren Square, the valet service at InterContinental Ljubljana hotel is priced at 35.00€ per night. Alternatively, self-parking is available in a public garage just across the street.

Questions? Please contact us at education@sfpe.org.

Kristin Griffes manages corporate relations and business development for SFPE. If you're looking for sponsorship, advertising, exhibition programs, and/or a custom marketing solution to help your business grow within the SFPE community, please reach out to Kristin to explore options today.


Kristin Griffes
Manager, Corporate Relations & Business Development
Email: kgriffes@sfpe.org
Phone: 301-915-9721