Going up? In an increasingly urban world, energy efficient elevators are imperative.

The world’s growing urban population presents unique challenges for our resources and land development, and will require sustainable infrastructure that can do more with less. As buildings rise higher and become more intelligent, efficient elevator and escalator systems will have a significant impact, allowing more people to travel farther and more efficiently.

Elevators and escalators make up 2 to 5 percent of the energy used in most buildings, but can reach as high as 50 percent during peak operational times. At 5 percent, that means the yearly energy consumption of U.S. elevators is approximately five times what is used in all of Washington, D.C. Yet most people don’t know the technology is available to address these issues. Otis Elevator Company, the legendary manufacturer that invented the first safety brake, has been at the forefront of developing efficient, sustainable, people-moving technology for more than 160 years.

Otis re-examined every aspect of the elevator to create an evolved, environmentally-responsible and highly efficient Gen2® elevator system. Coated steel belts replace standard elevator cables and provide greater strength, increased efficiency and enhanced safety. By pairing the innovative belt technology with the ReGen™ drive – which can harness electricity previously lost as heat – Otis elevators are 75 percent more efficient than conventional systems.

Additionally the system’s belts and gearless machine do not require any additional lubrication, making the Gen2®system cleaner for the environment.

“Otis has been at the forefront of developing energy-efficient elevator systems,” said Tom Vining, president, Otis Americas. “We are committed to innovation that supports green building because we know that it delivers both economic and environmental value for our customers and the communities where we work and live.”

Otis was built on innovation. Today, Otis is the world’s largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products, including elevators, escalators and moving walkways. The company is moving escalator technology forward with standard green features that save energy and minimize environmental impact. A “sleep mode” allows the escalator to slow down when it is not in use. A pressure-sensitive mat detects approaching passengers and powers the escalator gradually back up to full speed. The escalators also feature special drives to capture energy generated by the escalator on the way down and deliver it back to the building for use by other systems. This reduces energy consumption by up to 60 percent compared to conventional systems. An efficient automatic lubrication system maintains proper lubrication, while using up to 98% less oil than conventional systems.

Otis has redeveloped today’s elevator and escalator, considering everything from design and installation to operation and maintenance. The result is an evolved and highly efficient system, equipped to transport billions of people around the globe.

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