On September 12th, the Czech National EPS Association hosted its 113th Membership Meeting in partnership with the Slovak National Association. This gathering offered a crucial opportunity for industry leaders to discuss the future of fire safety, sustainability, and standardisation in EPS construction.
Representing EUMEPS, Emanuela Gallo delivered key updates on two major fire safety projects, solidifying the organisation’s leadership in this vital area. The event not only provided technical insights but also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the Czech and Slovak associations, as they work together to meet the industry’s evolving demands.
Key Takeaways from the Joint Meeting
Fire safety emerged as a central theme. EUMEPS provided important updates on the large-scale fire test of façades and ongoing efforts to ensure the safe installation of PV panels on flat roofs. Mr. Valko from Polyform SK (a member of Hirsch) further enriched the discussions with test results from the Broof (T4) standard for roof compositions, reinforcing the importance of safe construction practices.
Pavel Zemene, President of the Czech EPS Association, underscored the relevance of these discussions: "Fire safety is one of our most important goals. This meeting provided invaluable insights on how we can further enhance safety standards for building constructions, particularly in relation to façades and roof applications."
Fire Safety and Sustainability in the Czech Republic
The Czech EPS industry has made significant strides in recent years, especially in fire safety and circular economy practices. Pavel explained that the association has been working on an in-depth analysis of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), which will inform a new national fire safety standard.
On the sustainability front, he also highlighted the association’s decade-long efforts in waste EPS recycling. By 2025, the goal is to achieve a 50% recycling rate, a milestone that would place the Czech Republic among Europe’s leaders in EPS circular economy practices.
EUMEPS’s Support for National Associations
Pavel acknowledged EUMEPS’s critical role in helping national associations navigate EU regulations, especially in areas like environmental legislation, microplastics, and recycling. He additionally emphasised the importance of EUMEPS’s advocacy at the EU level: “What cannot be negotiated at the European level cannot be achieved at the national level. EUMEPS’s strong presence in Brussels is essential for our success."
Looking Ahead: Energy Efficiency and Fire Safety
Looking forward, the Czech EPS Association will continue to focus on energy savings through the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD4). Pavel also mentioned the association’s participation in an advisory group for the national New Green Savings programme, which has played a key role in reducing energy consumption in houses over the past 15 years.
Emanuela Gallo, reflecting on EUMEPS’s contributions, added: "At EUMEPS, we are constantly pushing the boundaries to ensure EPS solutions meet the highest fire safety standards across Europe. Our involvement in harmonising fire tests for façades and developing safe solutions for PV installations on flat roofs is fundamental for the future of sustainable building practices."
EUMEPS: Leading the Way in Fire Safety and Innovation
As the EPS industry evolves, EUMEPS continues to lead in both fire safety and sustainability, ensuring EPS remains at the forefront of Europe’s transition to greener and safer construction practices. Collaboration with national associations like the Czech EPS Association ensures that EUMEPS address the industry's most pressing challenges.