UL Solutions invests in new global fire science centre in Illinois

Construction begins on fire science centre

UL Solutions has announced the start of construction on its Global Fire Science Center of Excellence at its headquarters in Northbrook, Illinois.

According to UL Solutions, the development is one of its largest laboratory investments to date and is intended to support research, testing and evaluation of fire risks in building technologies.

The company said the multi-building facility will combine updated fire laboratories with newly built spaces to expand its testing capabilities.

It added that the project will cover more than 110 acres and integrate laboratories with advanced fire testing infrastructure.

Jennifer Scanlon, president and CEO of UL Solutions, said: “Fire safety is fundamental to our mission of working for a safer world.

“By merging more than a century of fire science expertise with cutting-edge facilities, we are championing our commitment to protect lives, safeguard property and strengthen the resilience of communities globally.”

Testing capabilities and new technologies

UL Solutions reported that the facility will be equipped to test products and systems designed for sustainability within the built environment.

It said testing programmes will include evaluations of water-saving extinguishing systems, energy-saving ventilation technologies and energy-efficient wall assemblies.

The company explained that the site will also assess firefighting foams reformulated without PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.

It added that the upgraded laboratories are intended to meet the requirements of evolving building technologies worldwide.

The organisation noted that the new facility is expected to strengthen its ability to address environmental concerns in safety science.

Applied research and collaboration

UL Solutions stated that a dedicated applied research and development hub will form a central element of the project.

It said the hub will provide modelling and simulation tools to study fire behaviour in realistic scenarios.

The company explained that its safety science experts will work with manufacturers, consultants, trade associations and standards bodies.

It noted that this collaboration aims to help identify fire risks earlier in the product development cycle.

UL Solutions added that the approach could accelerate innovation while shortening the time required to bring new technologies to market.

Political support and local recognition

U.S. Representative Brad Schneider commented on the development at the Northbrook campus.

Brad Schneider said: “As a global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions is at the forefront of forging the future of fire safety right here in Illinois. That’s why I am so thrilled to join them as they break ground on their new Global Fire Science Center of Excellence in Northbrook, Illinois.

“UL Solutions’ work in fire safety is critically important to protecting our communities, and I’m proud to recognize their longstanding investments in our state.

“I look forward to continuing the partnership with UL Solutions to grow talent, support economic development and uphold Illinois’ legacy of innovation.”

Project timeline and service scope

UL Solutions confirmed that construction will take place in multiple phases, with completion scheduled for 2027.

It said that once finished, the site will provide certification services across multiple construction sectors.

The company explained that services will include testing for sprinklers, pipes, fittings and valves.

It added that fire extinguisher performance, foam formulations and water mist systems will also be evaluated.

According to UL Solutions, the laboratories will carry out assessments of exterior wall assemblies and fire barrier systems.

It said verification services will be available to help meet insurance requirements and compliance with international building codes.

International reach of the centre

UL Solutions reported that the Northbrook centre is intended to serve projects originating in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America.

It explained that the site will act as a global benchmark for product safety and performance compliance.

The company added that the laboratories will support both commercial and residential construction markets.

It noted that the facility is expected to strengthen the company’s role as a provider of safety certification worldwide.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The development of the UL Solutions Global Fire Science Center of Excellence is relevant to fire and safety professionals because it expands testing capacity for emerging building technologies.

The new facility will allow evaluation of products that address sustainability, PFAS-free foams and next-generation extinguishing systems.

It also creates opportunities for earlier collaboration between researchers, manufacturers and standards bodies.

The facility will provide certification services and testing resources that professionals in fire safety, construction and compliance can utilise for product development and regulatory approval.

UL Solutions invests in new global fire science centre in Illinois: Summary

UL Solutions has announced the construction of its Global Fire Science Center of Excellence in Northbrook, Illinois.

The development is one of the company’s largest laboratory investments.

The multi-building complex will combine modernised fire laboratories with new facilities.

It will test building technologies including water-saving extinguishing systems and PFAS-free firefighting foams.

A dedicated research hub will provide modelling and simulation of fire behaviour.

UL Solutions’ experts will collaborate with manufacturers and standards bodies.

U.S. Representative Brad Schneider attended the groundbreaking and praised the project.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by 2027.

Certification services will include sprinklers, pipes, extinguishers and wall assemblies.

The facility is intended to support products from global markets.