A major milestone this year was reaching a significant stage in the ongoing large-scale fire safety tests of EPS-based flat roofs in combination with photovoltaic (PV) panels. Coordinated by Dr Emanuela Gallo, the tests were conducted in collaboration with key partners such as IVH (Industrieverband Hartschaum e.V), DBI (The Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology) and KIWA BDA’s certification support. Two technical documents were published and are continuously updated on the EUMEPS website, providing the latest test development and practical recommendations to support a fire-safe installation practice of PV panels on flat roofs.

In 2025, EUMEPS strengthened its presence in key international technical events, supporting sector-wide dialogue on insulation, fire safety and performance in the built environment.

In July, EUMEPS, represented by Emanuella Gallo, participated in the prestigious Interflam Conference Royal Holloway, University of London. Widely regarded as one of the most respected international events on fire science and engineering, the conference provided an opportunity to follow the latest fire science developments and engage directly with leading experts in the field. For EUMEPS, this was an invaluable opportunity to share knowledge and contribute to the ongoing dialogue to advance fire safety in the construction sector through innovation and evidence-based solutions.

“Interflam continues to be a valuable platform for advancing fire safety science. Having the chance to speak directly with researchers, regulators, and engineers helps build a more practical understanding of where the field is going.”

A notable moment was the 7th European ETICS Forum in Milan, organised by the European Association for ETICS (EAE). EUMEPS was proud to support the event as a sponsor and contributor.

Represented by Jakub Stefaniak, Emanuela Gallo, and Bianca Sereinig, the association joined discussions with experts from across the ETICS value chain. Jakub participated in a panel on people-centred and sustainable façades, presenting how EPS contributes to the durability and circularity of ETICS systems. EUMEPS’s participation also included a visibility stand, reinforcing its role as the key voice for EPS in Europe.

“EPS is the most commonly used insulation in ETICS across Europe. This forum is important for EUMEPS because it brings together everything that defines the future of ETICS, legislation, performance, and technical credibility. Being present as a sponsor, speaker, and exhibitor allows us to share our knowledge, promote our solutions, and connect directly with suppliers, component producers and, hopefully, institutional voices.”

Within the Modern Building Alliance (MBA), EUMEPS contributed to discussions on integrated fire safety approaches, combining multiple layers of protection within building design and materials. These approaches emphasise the importance of holistic strategies to enhance overall building fire safety. During the C4E Conference, held in May 2025 in Croatia, a KnowledgeHub poster supported by EUMEPS received second prize, highlighting the sector’s proactive engagement in building safety.

Standardisation remained a key focus for EUMEPS in 2025.

The association continued to monitor and contribute to the evolution of CEN/TS 127 and related standards concerning façade fire testing and the combination of PV panels on roofs. Through its collaboration with the European Association for ETICS (EAE), EUMEPS also took part in an online FIEP Platform webinar in March, where the great fire performance of EPS-based ETICS was presented and discussed in the context of the new European harmonised test method.

EUMEPS also contributed to the revision of the European Assessment Document (EAD) for ETICS, resulting in a version that reinforces the role of EPS in external insulation systems. This was the outcome of several years of coordinated work, with EUMEPS inputs widely taken into account. The revised document supports mechanical stability and quality performance in renovation contexts aligned with EPBD goals.

In parallel, EUMEPS contributed to the CPR Acquis process on thermal insulation products. Thanks to the technical engagement of Jakub Stefaniak, EUMEPS comments were reflected in the preparatory work on future criteria for product performance and assessment (Milestone 3, Essential Characteristics and Assessment Criteria). This reinforces the association’s position as a trusted technical partner in European standardisation discussions.

Further technical activities are planned for late 2025 and early 2026. These include participation in the Polymer in Roofing Conference, which will be held in November 2005 in Brussels, and continued coordination on harmonised test procedures for façades and PV systems, ensuring that EPS continues to meet evolving fire safety requirements and performance expectations.

Internally, 2025 was marked by renewed coordination through EUMEPS’s technical and strategic bodies. These included the Regulatory Monitoring System (RMS), the Technical Standardisation Committee (TSC), and several ad hoc working groups. Their role remains essential in providing members with clear guidance, regulatory updates, and a space for joint technical discussion.