What are the most effective ways to reduce energy usage in elevators and escalators?

1 Design and installation

One of the key factors that determine the energy usage of elevators and escalators is their design and installation. The choice of the type, size, speed, capacity, and configuration of the equipment should be based on the expected traffic patterns, building layout, and user needs. For example, installing regenerative drives can help recover some of the energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat, and using variable frequency drives can adjust the speed and torque of the motors according to the load. Moreover, the selection of the materials, components, and systems should consider their energy efficiency, durability, and compatibility. For instance, using lightweight materials, LED lighting, and low-friction belts can reduce the energy consumption and maintenance costs of the equipment.

3 Retrofitting and upgrading

A third effective way to reduce energy usage in elevators and escalators is to retrofit and upgrade the existing equipment with newer and more efficient technologies. This can involve replacing or modifying the motors, drives, controllers, cables, brakes, or other parts of the equipment that consume a lot of energy or cause losses. For example, upgrading to permanent magnet synchronous motors can reduce the energy consumption by up to 40%, compared to conventional induction motors. Retrofitting and upgrading can also improve the safety, comfort, and reliability of the equipment, as well as increase its value and attractiveness.

4 Benchmarking and auditing

A fourth effective way to reduce energy usage in elevators and escalators is to benchmark and audit the performance of the equipment against industry standards and best practices. This can help identify the gaps, opportunities, and potential savings that can be achieved by implementing energy efficiency measures. Benchmarking and auditing can also help track and measure the impact and effectiveness of the actions taken, as well as provide feedback and recommendations for improvement. Some of the tools and methods that can be used for benchmarking and auditing include energy meters, data loggers, software applications, checklists, and rating systems.

5 Renewable energy sources

A fifth effective way to reduce energy usage in elevators and escalators is to use renewable energy sources to power the equipment, such as solar, wind, or hydro. This can help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels, lower the greenhouse gas emissions, and cut the energy costs. Renewable energy sources can be integrated into the equipment either directly or indirectly, depending on the availability and feasibility of the resources. For example, some elevators and escalators can be equipped with solar panels or wind turbines that generate electricity on-site, while others can be connected to the grid that supplies electricity from renewable sources.

6 Innovation and research

A sixth effective way to reduce energy usage in elevators and escalators is to foster innovation and research in the field of energy efficiency and conservation. This can help develop new and better solutions, technologies, and practices that can enhance the performance and sustainability of the equipment. Innovation and research can also help create awareness and knowledge among the stakeholders, such as facility managers, engineers, manufacturers, users, and policymakers, about the benefits and challenges of reducing energy usage in elevators and escalators. Some of the areas and topics that can be explored and investigated include energy harvesting, energy storage, artificial intelligence, digitalization, and circular economy.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?