Fires in buildings fitted with sprinkler systems have significantly less impact on the environment than in buildings without sprinklers, according to new report.

The Bureau Veritas report, commissioned by the Business Sprinkler Alliance, found that fires in buildings with sprinklers are estimated to release between 8% and 22% fewer carbon emissions than those without sprinklers. It estimates there is a “net carbon benefit” of installing sprinklers over a 30-year lifespan of commercial and industrial buildings greater than 5,000-10,000m².

In addition, the quantity of water used to fight fires in commercial and industrial buildings is estimated to be anything from 17% to 0.02% of the quantity needed if sprinklers were not installed.

But the report says that because routine fire data does not include detailed information on the sustainability impact of fires, the estimates made must be treated with caution and are subject to certain assumptions.

However it still concludes that when sprinklers are activated, there is a reduction in carbon emissions and water used to control fires, and a reduction in the consequences for the wider environment and for local communities.

“The science is clear: the simple fire sprinkler can dramatically cut carbon emissions and water usage," said Iain Cox, chairman of the Business Sprinkler Alliance and the Chief Fire Officers' Association’s prevention and protection director.

“As the recent M1 fire and last year’s factory fire in Livingston showed, fire losses are felt right across the economy. They cost the UK £3.4 million every day, they also cost lives and now we have the proof that they cause terrible environmental damage.”

Assessing the Role for Fire Sprinklers