Key Takeaways
- Resource Innovation Institute (RII) has published a new guide, Fire Safety in High-Tech Production Greenhouses.
- The guide addresses challenges in navigating fire and building code compliance for controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities.
- Developed with input from growers, architects, engineers, insurers, and fire safety experts.
- Key topics include occupancy classifications, fire suppression alternatives, and alarm system design for humid environments.
- The guide is available as a free download on RII’s website.
RII Publishes Industry Guide on Fire Safety
Resource Innovation Institute (RII), a non-profit organization focused on advancing resource efficiency in controlled environment agriculture, announced the release of Fire Safety in High-Tech Production Greenhouses. The guide is designed to assist code officials, fire marshals, developers, and greenhouse operators in understanding and applying fire and building codes specific to CEA facilities.
The resource was developed in response to feedback from greenhouse operators and industry stakeholders who identified fire code compliance as a recurring challenge and a frequent source of delays in large-scale greenhouse construction projects.
A Collaborative Approach
The guide was developed by RII’s Fire Safety Working Group (FSWG), which brought together engineers, architects, insurers, fire safety consultants, and growers. The group reviewed codes, examined case studies, and created consensus-based recommendations to better align regulations with the realities of greenhouse operations.
Contributors to the FSWG included representatives from Hortica, GMA Architects, Hagelunie, Baker Engineering, Greenhouse Design LLC, Stuppy Greenhouse, Greenhouse Engineering, and Gotham Greens.
Key Focus Areas
The guide presents practical, scalable strategies tailored to the unique environment of high-tech greenhouses, which differ significantly from conventional buildings. Lead author Rob Eddy, Horticulture Manager for Education & Training at RII, emphasized that the publication does not compromise safety standards but instead helps regulators and operators address greenhouse-specific conditions.
Key topics covered include:
- Occupancy classification strategies.
- Alternatives to conventional fire suppression systems.
- Exit and egress planning for large-scale facilities.
- Material flammability ratings and recommendations.
- Alarm system design for high-humidity environments.
- Risk-based fire barrier and access solutions.
RII Resource Availability
The guide reflects RII’s mission to provide neutral, peer-informed resources that support compliance while enabling innovation in agricultural infrastructure. It is available for free download.
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