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EP 5: Sustainability vs. Fire Safety - Can We Build Green Without Getting Burned?
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Can a building be both green and safe? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the overlooked tensions between sustainability and fire safety. Joined by fire safety engineer and lecturer Rhoda, we unpack how eco-friendly building materials—like wood—offer climate-conscious benefits but introduce new fire risks. From concrete’s carbon footprint to the vulnerabilities of informal settlements, this conversation explores the complex trade-offs in designing for both people and the planet.
We examine why safety must be built into sustainability from the start, how regulations are struggling to keep up with innovation, and why public awareness is just as critical as good policy. The episode wraps with a candid confession segment that encourages listeners to reflect on the blind spots in their own sustainability choices.
Key Takeaways:
- Going green shouldn’t mean compromising safety.
- Fire risks must be considered early in the design process.
- Wood is sustainable but combustible—innovation must be paired with caution.
- Fire safety regulations often trail behind rapid changes in materials and design.
- Informal settlements face unique challenges that demand context-specific solutions.
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration is key to creating truly resilient spaces.
Whether you're a designer, policy maker, or conscious consumer, this episode will spark reflection on how we balance ambition with responsibility in the built environment.
Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos
Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos
Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack
Chapters
1. Introduction to Sustainability and Safety (00:00:00)
2. Understanding Fire Safety in Sustainable Materials (00:01:07)
3. Personal Perspectives on Sustainability (00:03:07)
4. The Conflict Between Sustainability and Fire Safety (00:05:28)
5. Innovations in Fire Safety and Sustainability (00:08:20)
6. Balancing Innovation and Safety Regulations (00:10:52)
7. Materials That Balance Sustainability and Fire Safety (00:13:20)
8. Public Awareness and Regulation in Fire Safety (00:15:39)
9. Lessons for African Cities from Global Practices (00:18:17)
10. Candid Confessions and Closing Thoughts (00:20:36)
5 episodes
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