Resource Innovation Institute (RII) has announced the release of a new industry guide: "Fire Safety in High-Tech Production Greenhouses." This essential resource is designed to support code officials, fire marshals, and greenhouse developers in navigating the complexities of fire and building code compliance in CEA facilities.
The guide was developed in response to extensive feedback from large, high-tech greenhouse operators and industry stakeholders who consistently identified fire code compliance as a major source of project delays in new greenhouse construction. Through a collaborative working group of engineers, architects, insurers, fire safety experts, and growers, the guide presents practical, scalable, and code-informed strategies tailored to the unique characteristics of modern commercial greenhouses.
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"This guide is not about lowering the bar on safety, it's about aligning the code with the actual conditions in greenhouses, which are fundamentally different from conventional buildings," said Rob Eddy, Horticulture Manager for Education & Training at RII and the lead author of the guide. "Growers are operating in low-occupancy, high-humidity, non-combustible environments. This resource helps everyone involved, developers, fire marshals, inspectors, get on the same page faster, to move forward with nuanced discussions."
A collaborative process
The contents of the guide were shaped by the Fire Safety Working Group (FSWG)—a cross-disciplinary team of professionals brought together by RII to bridge the gap between regulatory intent and on-the-ground implementation. The group included representatives from greenhouse operations, design firms, fire safety consulting, and insurance.
The Fire Safety Working Group consists of several contributors with diverse expertise in safety services, architecture, engineering, and horticulture. Zach Bruce, CSP, serves as the Director of Safety Services at Hortica, while Brian Campbell is a Senior Project Manager focusing on architecture at GMA Architects. Olaf van Marrewijk manages Greenhouses Horticulture International at Hagelunie. Tony Ordile is a Principal Engineer at Baker Engineering and Risk Consultants, Inc., specializing in Level II projects. Gregg Short, P.E., is a Senior Partner at Greenhouse Design, LLC. Matt Stuppy, the President of Stuppy Greenhouse and a former President of the National Greenhouse Manufacturers Association (NGMA), brings additional leadership to the group. Alex Turkewitsch, P. Eng., provides expertise in greenhouse engineering, and Mike Zee, as the Senior Director of Development and Construction, represents Gotham Greens.
RII's working group model creates a neutral, peer-informed platform for knowledge exchange between sectors. Through a series of facilitated discussions, the group examined real-world examples, reviewed applicable codes, and offered consensus-based recommendations that reflect both regulatory frameworks and operational realities.
The guide addresses several key topics crucial for fire safety management in various facilities. It covers occupancy classification strategies to ensure proper categorization and compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, it explores alternatives for fire suppression systems, allowing for tailored solutions based on specific needs. The guide also discusses exit and egress planning for large-scale facilities, ensuring safe and efficient evacuation routes. Material flammability ratings and recommendations are provided to guide the selection of safer materials. It includes insights on designing fire detection and alarm systems suitable for humid environments, highlighting the need for technology that can operate effectively under such conditions. Finally, the guide presents risk-based fire barrier and access solutions, emphasizing customized approaches to reduce fire-related risks while maintaining accessibility.
The full guide is available for download at the link here.
For more information:
Resource Innovation Institute
[email protected]
www.resourceinnovation.org
