Shaping safer spaces: Honeywell’s Steve Kenny discusses advancements in fire safety
Iain Hoey
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By Steve Kenny, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Fire, Europe at Honeywell Building Automation
As we approach 2025, the building landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by new technological advancements and the pressing need for enhanced fire prevention solutions.
Honeywell has been a longstanding player in the fire and safety industry, through brands such as Gent, Esser, NOTIFIER and VESDA, in Europe.
Our primary goal is to shift from traditional fire detection to proactive fire prevention.
This transformation is crucial, especially as fire risks in modern environments become more complex, with new materials and technologies adding to the challenge.
The importance of early detection
One of the most significant innovations in the industry is the development of early fire detection technologies.
Traditional smoke alarms operate by waiting for smoke to rise to the ceiling, which can delay detection.
However, aspirating smoke detection technology changes this paradigm.
Instead of waiting for smoke to reach a detector, the system continuously samples air within a room, detecting smoke particles early and allowing for faster response times.
This is critical in environments like data centres, hospitals and hyper distribution centres, where life and asset protection through early detection can be the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
Equally important is a new technology addressing lithium-ion battery fires.
These batteries, ubiquitous in applications from renewable energy to electric vehicles, pose a unique fire risk due to very quick progression from smoke to fire and explosion.
Innovative products based on off-gas detection enable pre-emptive measures that can help prevent battery fires.
This is a significant, particularly as large batteries get deployed across buildings to support energy transition.
Integration and compliance
Fire detection systems no longer operate in isolation.
Today, they can be integrated with building management systems, security systems and even HVAC systems, providing building operators with a holistic view of their facility’s safety and operations.
This integration is not just about convenience; it plays a vital role in helping remain compliant with the latest fire safety regulations.
Digital records of maintenance and sensor testing streamline compliance processes, moving away from outdated analogue methods like paperwork.
The introduction of self-testing sensors is another game-changer.
These sensors can help reduce maintenance time by automating the testing process, producing a small amount of smoke to verify functionality.
With a shortage of skilled labour in the fire safety industry, this innovation helps buildings remain compliant while helping to optimise the personnel required for manual testing.
Looking ahead
Emerging smart technologies will play critical roles in helping make buildings safer and more efficient.
Meanwhile, integrating fire detection with other building systems will help enhance operational efficiency and compliance.
Ultimately, I hope to see a future where early fire prevention is the norm, enabled by cutting-edge technologies and smarter building management systems.
About the IFSJ Influencer
Steve Kenny is the VP and General Manager of Commercial Fire, Europe at Honeywell Building Automation.
Previously, he held VP and GM roles in Honeywell’s Building Management Systems and Electrical Products, overseeing major brand growth like MK by Honeywell.
With 25 years at Honeywell, Steve has led significant integrations and initiatives, backed by a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Psychology from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
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