As Australia advances its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the ozone layer, traditional fire suppression systems are being reevaluated.
The central challenge for facility managers is clear: How best to maintain the highest fire safety standards while embracing sustainability and minimising environmental impact?
Historically, fire suppression relied heavily on ozone depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse
gases (SGGs), which are widely recognised as harmful to both the ozone layer and the climate. Common agents
such as FM-200 and NAF-S-III have been staples in data centres and server rooms due to their fire-extinguishing
capabilities.
However, these agents carry a significant environmental cost. FM-200, for example, has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 3350, meaning it is 3350 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its contribution to climate change.
Embracing change in the fire suppression ecosystem
In response, the industry is steadily moving towards cleaner, safer alternatives. Since 2018, Australia has participated in the global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol.
This commitment includes reducing HFC imports by 85 percent by 2036, significantly changing the fire protection landscape.
DIS Fire Systems director and fire engineer Neil Zouaoui says demand for HFCs has declined due to the phase-down and the comparable cost of inert gas systems. “There are certainly more companies now that are willing to pursue alternatives to HFCs,” Zouaoui says.
“Business owners often realise they can save money and reduce environmental impact by switching to inert gases. It becomes a win-win.”
Beyond their chemical properties, avoidable discharges of fire suppression systems pose additional environmental risks. These events, often caused by human error or technical faults, release harmful agents and lead to costly downtime and refills.
Fortunately, viable alternatives exist that uphold high fire safety standards without the environmental consequences.
Inert gas systems are among the most promising. Using naturally occurring gases such as nitrogen and argon, these systems lower oxygen levels in protected areas to suppress fire. They leave no residue, produce no harmful by-products, and have no GWP. IG-541, a 50/50 blend of nitrogen and argon, is gaining popularity across Australia.
Zouaoui notes that once clients transition from HFC systems to inert gas solutions, they rarely go back. He attributes the rising demand for IG-541 as being an influence from overseas, especially Europe. “In Europe, FM-200 is almost non-existent now. They began moving towards inert gases 20 years before Australia did,” he explains.
Water-based suppression technologies have also evolved. Modern water mist systems release fine droplets that cool fires, displace oxygen and reduce radiant heat, making them ideal for areas with flammable liquids or sensitive equipment.
FK-5-1-12 (also known as Novec 1230) is another alternative gaining traction. This fluoroketone agent boasts a short atmospheric lifetime of just five days and is non-ozone-depleting. It can also be transported as non-dangerous goods.
However, it does have some known challenges. “It’s a much heavier liquid, so it’s difficult to keep it in the room during commissioning, especially in smaller spaces,” Zouaoui says. “That’s why we often recommend lighter inert gases like IG-55 or IG-541 instead.”
More recently, IG-541 has increasingly become the most common agent. “This is because IG-541 has a lower design concentration, which can save the number of cylinders for larger applications and reduce cost,” he adds.
Oxygen Reduction Fire Prevention (ORFP) systems offer a different approach by maintaining oxygen levels below 15 percent, preventing fire ignition altogether.
These systems are particularly valuable in environments housing sensitive materials, where they also reduce oxidation and extend equipment lifespan.
Real-world applications
Sydney Metro recently emerged as an example of how organisations can take leadership in moving to cleaner and more sustainable alternatives within the fire protection space. During the development of its control room at Rouse Hill, the organisation installed an IG-55-based suppression system. Promisingly, this project required a zero ozone depletion potential agent with minimal GWP, no adverse human health effects and approval for use in New South Wales.
This decision proved timely. When an accidental discharge recently occurred in the control room, the IG-55 system avoided the environmental damage typically associated with synthetic chemical agents. The project has a sustainability plan that aims to minimise our global warming potential.
From Metro Trains Sydney’s perspective, the safety risks and regulatory requirements around IG-55 are lower, which also brings operational benefits.
So, when might be an ideal time to make the transition to a cleaner agent? There are natural points during the lifecycle of a fire suppression system where change is particularly feasible. One of the most practical is the ten-yearly hydrostatic testing of system cylinders, as required under Australian Standard AS 1851. This costly
process often makes replacing ageing systems with sustainable alternatives an attractive option.
Unplanned discharges can also be used as opportunities for transition. Instead of refilling traditional systems, facility managers can assess alternative technologies that reduce future environmental risks. Successful transitions, however, depend on early planning and collaboration with qualified professionals.
Looking to the future, Zouaoui anticipates further change as Australia approaches its HFC reduction target. “I’d be very surprised if people were still importing HFCs by 2036. Most will be recovering and reusing the agent for service works and that’s already what we’re doing,” he says.
From a compliance standpoint, facility managers should be aware that anyone working with scheduled extinguishing agents must hold an Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence (EAHL) issued by the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board. Notably, those working with non-scheduled, environmentally friendlier systems do not require an EAHL, making it easier to manage contractors.
Sydney Metro’s broader sustainability commitment reflects this forward-looking approach, with the organisation aiming to continue reducing its climate change impact and replacing high-CO2 substances where suitable alternatives exist. The adoption of IG-55 fire systems is not only environmentally responsible but has also set a precedent for other major projects being adopted from within the organisation.
Transforming fire protection from an environmental liability into a sustainable asset requires commitment across the sector. Early engagement with professionals familiar with both compliance and new technologies is key. The long-term benefits, including reduced regulatory overheads, improved insurance outcomes, and stronger sustainability credentials, make the investment worthwhile.
As Australia deepens its environmental commitments, the fire protection industry has a critical role to play. The
shift away from ODS and high-GWP agents is no longer a niche consideration, but a necessary evolution. With
proven technologies, a clear regulatory framework and growing industry support, the time to act is now.
Robert Henningham is the communications coordinator ‒ ozone protection at Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board.
This article first appeared in the May 2026 edition of FM magazine. To download the entire edition for free, click here.
Images: Supplied
Read more: Ongoing fire safety negligence at facilities risks exacerbating compliance crisis
