The PRIA Fire Safety of Buildings conference brings together, year after year, experts from public authorities, construction companies, and the energy sector to discuss the latest regulations and technologies related to fire safety and energy efficiency. According to the Romanian Standards Association (ASRO), the 2025 edition of the conference focused on “the new P118 regulation, the EPBD Directive, the PNRR funds, and many other essential details on how to apply and implement these changes in Romanian legislation, while discovering the best materials, systems, and projects for building fire safety and energy efficiency.” The event, accompanied by a technical exhibition and interactive panels, gathered fire inspectors, developers, engineers, and material manufacturers in a shared dialogue on innovation and safety.
Through its participation, Haptic R&D Consulting reaffirmed its commitment to the construction and sustainability sector, contributing with expertise on new regulatory frameworks and digital solutions. As Daniel Chirtes, CEO of the company, stated:
“We are proud to be part of this event, aligning with a vision for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. We look forward to collaborating with potential partners and driving innovation in these critical areas.”
The New P118 Regulation: A Modern Framework for Fire Safety
Pic Source: ChatGpt
One of the central topics of the event was the P118 Regulation on fire safety in buildings, recently updated in 2025. The new P118-1/2025, effective from May 8, 2025, replaces earlier versions (P118/1999, P118:2/2013, and P118:3/2015). Its main goal is to align Romanian practices with current European requirements regarding fire safety design.
A major conceptual shift replaces the old notion of “fire resistance grade” with a “fire stability level,” which explicitly correlates building height, function, and performance of structural elements. This means that fire safety is now assessed holistically—considering not just material performance, but also building use, height, and the presence of active protection systems such as sprinklers.
The unified P118 framework now covers all essential aspects of fire protection design—from architectural compartmentation and evacuation routes to detection, suppression, and fire-fighting access. It introduces specific requirements for modern construction solutions commonly used today: ventilated façades, curtain walls, photovoltaic panels on roofs, and green roof systems. For each, the regulation specifies the minimum fire reaction class of insulating materials and the mandatory use of non-combustible barriers, with stricter conditions for tall and high-rise buildings.
Overall, the new P118 adds clarity and rigor to fire safety design, encouraging the use of non-flammable materials and well-segmented layouts to provide critical evacuation and intervention time during a fire.
The EPBD Directive and Energy Efficiency in Buildings
In parallel, the European Union revised the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD4) in 2024. The new directive mandates that all new buildings must be zero-emission by 2030, and new public buildings by 2028. Moreover, it introduces mandatory renovation targets for existing buildings with poor energy performance.
The directive also requires Member States to phase out fossil-fuel-based heating systems, ending public incentives for individual gas boilers by 2025 and eliminating all fossil-fuel heating by 2040. In Romania, this directive must be transposed into national law by May 29, 2026.
This transition represents a strategic opportunity for the modernization of the Romanian building stock. It will involve updating energy performance certification systems, introducing digital renovation passports, and creating one-stop-shops for financing and advisory services — all measures that enhance both energy efficiency and safety by eliminating high-risk heating sources.
PNRR Funding: Supporting Safer and Greener Renovations
The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) provides significant funding for thermal rehabilitation of residential and public buildings, as well as the replacement of polluting heating systems. These funds directly support the implementation of the EPBD and P118 frameworks.
Haptic R&D Consulting offers expert consultancy for accessing PNRR financing, helping public institutions and private developers integrate fire-resistant materials and high-efficiency energy systems into modern, compliant projects.
Advanced Materials and Systems for Fire Safety and Energy Performance
A crucial technological area remains passive fire protection, achieved through the choice of appropriate materials. Mineral wool insulation, such as stone or glass wool with Euroclass A1 or A2 ratings (non-combustible), significantly delays flame propagation and acts as a natural thermal barrier.
In the event of a fire, these materials preserve structural integrity and limit the spread of flames and smoke between compartments—offering valuable time for evacuation and emergency response. Manufacturers emphasize that non-combustible insulation and finishing systems are essential to maintaining both safety and energy performance.
In addition to passive protection, active systems such as smoke detectors, alarm systems, and sprinklers remain critical for early detection and suppression. The P118 regulation encourages the use of such systems, along with dedicated evacuation routes and smoke-proof staircases in tall buildings.
When combined—non-combustible materials, smart building systems, and automatic protection—these measures create resilient, energy-efficient, and safer structures.
Digital Transformation and AI Innovations
Haptic R&D Consulting also drives digital transformation in fire safety through artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies. The company’s conceptual project, HAPTIC IGNIS AR, envisions full digitalization of fire safety processes—from consulting complex regulations to generating technical estimations for ISU approval files.
The platform integrates AI to automatically produce fire safety scenario sketches, manage digital documentation, and simulate equipment placement using AR visualization. Additionally, an AI assistant provides instant answers to domain-specific questions. Although still conceptual, HAPTIC IGNIS AR demonstrates how technology can simplify the design and coordination of fire protection strategies.
Another key innovation is the AI-Assisted Construction Site, a digital platform that automates and standardizes site reporting. In Romania, construction site journals are mandatory documentation; by digitizing and automating the process, the AI journal enhances project efficiency, safety, and traceability. It monitors project progress, identifies deviations in real time, and generates compliance-ready reports for project managers and inspectors alike.
As Mr. Daniel Chirtes notes,
“Digital tools like these are no longer optional. They are essential to ensure that construction sites remain efficient, predictable, and compliant with both safety and sustainability standards.”
AI-Driven Research in Next-Generation Building Materials
Beyond software, Haptic R&D Consulting explores AI-assisted materials research to shape the future of construction alongside to Romania Cofraje SRL. The company’s R&D projects include as well The Efficiency of Formworks on the Construction Site with AI Assistance.
Every project bridges science and practical application, contributing to the creation of buildings that are more durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Participation in the PRIA Fire Safety of Buildings conference highlighted how technological innovation and new regulations—such as P118, the EPBD Directive, and PNRR funding—are converging to redefine the future of construction in Romania.
Through its commitment to digitalization (via HAPTIC IGNIS AR and the AI Construction Site) and research into sustainable materials, Haptic R&D Consulting demonstrates how the integration of AI, AR, and data-driven design can accelerate the transition toward safer, smarter, and greener buildings.
By connecting legislation, innovation, and practice, these initiatives pave the way for a new era in construction—one where safety, efficiency, and sustainability coexist by design.
For more information:
Join our Free Webinar: AI and Building Materials, organized by Haptic R&D Consulting SRL, where we will explore practical applications and real-world examples from the industry.
Date: October 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Online (link provided after registration)
Participation is free, but spots are limited.
Register now: https://forms.gle/3xSGZrrtz75gHVhaA
Free Webinar: AI and Building Materials – Haptic