Elevator Energy Performance & Green Buildings: Your Guide

Elevators use a surprising amount of building energy, anywhere from 2% to 10% through the year, and even up to 40% during the busiest times. With the latest elevator drive technologies, though, it’s now possible to save as much as 30-75% compared to old systems.

This article explores how improving elevator energy performance is essential for optimising building efficiency, reducing costs, and supporting robust sustainability credentials for commercial properties across Essex, London, and the South East.

Understanding Elevator Energy Consumption in Commercial Buildings

Elevators impact energy use through several key systems, forming the bridge between the building’s efficiency and daily operation. Typically:

• Motors drive elevator movement, accounting for 60-70% of overall energy use
• Lighting and controls make up 15-20% of consumption due to cabin equipment and displays
• Cabin HVAC consumes 10-15%, especially in passenger lifts
• Standby power draws 5-10%, often between 3,750 W idle and 15,000 W under load

For a 30-storey building, elevators consume about 35,000 kWh per year. The average journey uses 0.0039–0.075 kWh per trip, depending on car load and travel height. Strategic monitoring of these energy factors allows facilities managers to implement tailored improvement actions. Understanding consumption patterns directly informs green building efficiency and certification efforts.

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Traditional Elevator Energy Waste Sources

Older elevator systems generate substantial waste through inefficient drives and continuous operation. Key contributors:

• Motor-generator technology typically uses 8-10% of building energy
• Modern systems cut this to only 2-3%
• Examples include excess heat from brake resistors, always-on cabin lights, and motors running in idle

This persistent waste makes upgrading a priority for property owners motivated to cut annual costs and carbon emissions.

Standby Mode Energy Impact Analysis

Elevators in standby mode can represent a significant energy drain, especially in residential blocks:

• Standby power ranges from 60 W to 490 W per lift
• In some cases, standby systems account for 80% of total elevator energy consumption
• Key contributors include control panels, floor displays, and lift car lighting

Targeted upgrades to control systems, motion sensors, and display shutoffs can result in quick, measurable energy savings for building operators.

Modern Energy Efficient Elevator Technologies

Advanced elevator technologies now enable dramatic improvements in building energy efficiency:

• Regenerative drives: lower elevator energy use by 30-50% and, in best-case scenarios, cut consumption by up to 75%
• Machine room-less cabins: save 70-80% energy versus hydraulic lifts and require 15-20% less space
• Destination dispatch systems: group passengers and reduce unnecessary lift trips for further savings

Integrated energy monitoring provides real-time data, allowing property owners to maintain compliance, save on annual costs, and improve both efficiency and reliability.

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Regenerative Drive Systems and Energy Recovery

Regenerative drives capture kinetic energy during elevator descents, converting braking energy into usable power for the building:

• Up to 43% of power can be regenerated
• Modern regenerative drives yield 30-75% less energy consumption compared to conventional systems
• Example: energy from a heavily loaded descending lift can offset the ascent of another car

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This process directly cuts building energy costs and supports green building certifications.

Green Building Certification Requirements for Elevators

Elevator systems contribute directly to green building credits and certification attainment:

• LEED v4, BREEAM, VDI 4707, ISO 25745, ASHRAE 90.1 certify energy and documentation standards
• Up to 3 BREEAM credits can be awarded for high-efficiency lifts
• Class A energy ratings for lifts support rating applications

Effective elevator upgrades make green building compliance simpler and more cost-effective.

LEED Certification Elevator Contributions

LEED schemes recognise elevator systems for supporting:

• Energy and Atmosphere (EA) credits
• Materials and Resources (MR) credits
• Innovation in Design (ID)
• Requirements include ASHRAE 90.1 compliance and documentation of power consumption, standby mode, and lighting efficiency

Including these upgrades increases the likelihood of successful certification and operational savings.

ASHRAE 90.1 Elevator Requirements

ASHRAE 90.1 Section 10.4.3 standards specify:

• All installations must meet or exceed Class E efficiency
• Documentation covers usage category (1-6) and verified performance metrics
• 2022 updates require improved fan, lighting, and movement efficiency

Staying current with these standards provides both cost and certification benefits.

BREEAM Assessment Criteria for Lifts

BREEAM systems award credits for efficient elevator operation:

• Lifts rated above 0.15 m/s require consumption analysis and regenerative drive consideration
• Up to 2 credits for optimal traffic management and documented ISO 25745 performance data

Specifying lowest energy consumption and smart passenger grouping increases the likelihood of full credit allocation.

VDI 4707 Energy Efficiency Classification

VDI 4707 rates lift efficiency using clear metrics:

• Classes A-G, with A as best-in-class
• Criteria: travel height, speed, load, and frequency
• Major brands (KONE, Schindler, ThyssenKrupp) all offer lifts routinely attaining Class A

Using this rating guarantees robust energy performance for commercial assets.

Environmental Impact and Carbon Footprint Reduction

Energy-efficient lifts cut both energy consumption and emissions:

• Traditional systems generate up to 35 tons CO2 per lifetime
• Modern lifts can offer 65-75% emission reductions
• Example: 778 kg CO2 saved per regenerative drive installation annually

Lift upgrades significantly support ESG goals and compliance.

Building Carbon Footprint Contribution Analysis

Elevators can lower the collective carbon footprint of commercial buildings:

• 15-25% reduction possible through advanced technology
• 80% of elevator emissions arise during operation, not construction
• Regenerative systems outperform older models for lifetime emissions

This reduction in lift power consumption is immediate and supports green building documentation.

Renewable Energy Integration Benefits

Regenerative lifts support broader decarbonisation:

• Their outputs can be stored or cycled with building solar systems
• Contribute to grid stability and smart energy monitoring
• Enable predictive maintenance and ongoing optimisation

Lift modernisations are compatible with most renewable infrastructures, supporting clients’ decarbonisation plans.

Closing Thoughts

Upgrading to modern elevator systems uniquely combines direct energy savings, operational reliability, and certification potential. For commercial buildings in Essex, London, and the South East, these improvements deliver tangible financial returns, improved asset values, and robust environmental credentials.

Facilities managers looking to achieve advanced sustainability can select Future Lift Services for full installation, emergency repairs, and modernisation, all delivered by trusted engineers 24/7.

To find out more about our professional lift installation services, or to request a quote, contact us today.

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