As colleges and universities pursue sustainability, resiliency, and enhanced campus mobility, lithium-ion batteries are becoming an increasingly important part of campus life. Whether supporting student transportation through e-bikes and e-scooters or serving as critical infrastructure through Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), these technologies provide meaningful benefits while introducing new fire protection and life safety considerations. As campuses continue to incorporate battery-powered technologies, institutions are increasingly focused on understanding associated risks and developing strategies that support both innovation and public safety.
Understanding the Fire Protection and Life Safety Challenge
While lithium-ion battery failures may be relatively uncommon, the consequences can be significant when they occur. Damaged, defective, improperly manufactured, or improperly charged batteries can experience thermal runaway, resulting in rapidly developing fires, intense heat release, smoke, and hazardous gases. For colleges and universities, where thousands of people may live, learn, work, and gather in close proximity, understanding these hazards is an important part of evaluating risk and supporting informed decisions about how battery-powered technologies are incorporated into campus operations and infrastructure.
Beyond Micromobility
While recent attention has focused on fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters, lithium-ion battery risks extend far beyond micromobility devices. From battery-powered maintenance equipment and campus vehicles to research applications and BESS, colleges and universities are incorporating these technologies across a wide range of operations. Although the applications differ, many share similar fire protection and life safety considerations related to charging, storage, emergency response, and operational planning. Evaluating these risks through a holistic, campus-wide lens can help institutions make informed decisions that support public safety while advancing sustainability and resiliency goals.
Taking a Campus-Wide Approach
Successfully managing lithium-ion battery hazards requires more than a single policy or department. Facilities, Environmental Health and Safety, housing, public safety, emergency management, and campus planning teams all play a role in understanding where battery-powered devices are used and whether existing policies, training programs, and emergency procedures adequately address associated risks. A coordinated, risk-informed approach can help institutions evaluate battery technologies holistically while supporting both safety and sustainability objectives.
How Code Red Consultants Can Help
The goal is not to discourage innovation or sustainability initiatives, but to ensure emerging technologies are incorporated into campus operations through a thoughtful, risk-informed approach to fire protection and life safety. As colleges and universities continue to adopt lithium-ion battery technologies, understanding associated hazards and evaluating mitigation strategies become important parts of supporting both public safety and institutional objectives.
Code Red Consultants works with colleges and universities to evaluate lithium-ion battery hazards associated with micromobility devices, BESS, and other emerging technologies. Whether your campus is addressing e-bike use in residence halls or planning for large-scale energy storage projects, our team can help develop practical solutions that support both safety and sustainability goals, including interface with local building and fire departments.