Fire poses risk in terms of safety to occupants, building integrity, business interruption and the economic health of a community. Consequently, reduction in the risk of fire for commercial buildings has been a significant goal for architects and builders alike and achieved through a better understanding of all the factors that contribute to fire risk.

Designing and building structures in compliance with building and fire code requirements severely reduce the fire risk. This is particularly pertinent in the education sector where protecting future generations is of primary importance.

Asona's products were chosen for the Hobsonville Point Primary and Secondary schools, the first PPP (public-private partnership) schools in New Zealand. The consortium LIP, which includes ASC Architects and Hawkins Construction, selected Asona's acoustic wall and ceiling systems because Asona could provide fire group rating 1-S products with high acoustic performance and 80% recycled content combined with a recycle and renewable programme for long term sustainability.

Their products were also specified at the Greenlane Regional Training Centre, which has a high volume of traffic, as both acoustics and fire ratings were of primary importance. Clever designs created by CPRW Fisher using Asona's Triton Cloud panels were installed in the café areas along with striking 3D Tiles in the meeting rooms, which all meet the 1-S fire rating required.

Asona's Triton Range of acoustic panels have now been independently accessed and certified as Global GreenTagCert Level A, all with a 1-S fire rating.