On 28^th October, the conference The Future of Flat Roofs: Safety and Sustainability took place at the Sava Centar in Belgrade, bringing together over one hundred professionals from industry, research, and engineering practice. The event, organised by Knauf Academy, focused on innovative solutions and best practices for flat roof systems, with particular attention to fire safety, energy efficiency, and long-term durability.

Among the invited speakers was Dr Aleš Jug, Head of the Department for Fire Research and Innovation at ZAG and Chair of the Slovenian Fire Protection Association. In his lecture, titled “Ensuring Fire Safety on Flat Roofs with Integrated Solar Technologies”, he discussed the increasing fire safety challenges posed by photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on flat roofs.

Drawing on large-scale fire testing, recent case studies, and European regulatory developments, Dr Jug emphasised the importance of coordinated design, installation, and maintenance practices to ensure both safety and system performance.

The conference provided an important regional platform for knowledge exchange, highlighting how collaboration between research institutions, industry, and regulators can help shape safer and more resilient building practices for the future.