Historically, elevators used a significant amount of energy to make a single trip between floors. While many businesses have begun making targeted changes to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions, elevators continue to account for between 2% and 10% of a building’s energy use, on average.
Switching to a sustainable elevator design can significantly reduce a business’s environmental impact. Learn what makes an elevator “green” and the eco-friendly elevator upgrades businesses are investing in. Then, discover how you can enhance your elevator video monitoring as well.
Qualities of a “Green” Elevator
Elevators still have sizeable jobs, smoothly lifting and lowering hundreds or thousands of pounds of cargo. These machines will always require more energy than simpler technology, but manufacturers have begun taking steps to reduce the energy consumption necessary for vertical transportation.
Here are some of the qualities of an energy-efficient elevator:
- Regenerative elevator drives: Some systems leverage new technology that recovers energy normally wasted as heat during operations. This heat can be used as power or to light the elevator car’s interior.
- Machine room-less technology: Green elevators no longer require large-scale machine rooms. Instead, the elevator equipment is mounted at the top of the shaft. This allows for more efficient use of the business space and reduces the risk of hydraulic fluid leaks, which pose an environmental hazard.
- Minimizing lighter loads: In large-scale buildings with multiple elevator cars, many elevators have begun implementing computerized control features that minimize one- and two-person loads. Trips with fewer passengers use more energy due to the weight difference between the elevator car and its counterweight. These systems will stop using excess cars during slow periods and activate them when needed.
- Recycled materials: Modern elevators can contain up to 100% recycled or recovered materials in their cabs, facilitating a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
- Energy-efficient operations: Many modern elevators use gearless traction or pneumatic vacuum technology to support operations. These features harness gravity for descending and minimize the energy required for ascending.
- LED and motion-sensor lighting: Even small features, like LED lights that shut off when the car is not in use, can make a significant difference in the elevator’s energy consumption.
Collectively, these features have enabled many elevators to contribute to green building certifications.
Why Invest in Energy-Efficient Elevator Technology?
Choosing eco-friendly elevators for your business offers many tangible benefits:
- Saves money on energy bills
- Reduces carbon emissions
- May qualify you for green tax credits or other incentives
- Paints an environmentally conscious image of your business
- Improves your building’s performance overall
- Allows for longer-lasting elevator systems
Modernize Your Elevator Monitoring With ELEVATE
If you are researching what makes an elevator green, you may be looking for other ways to enhance elevator operations. ELEVATE Monitoring is here to improve your elevator safety with two-way video communication systems and specialists who are always available to assist in an emergency.
Contact us today at 877-990-9191 for more information about the latest technological innovations, then learn more about integrating elevators in smart buildings.
