The future of the elevator sector in India is bright, not just in terms of speed, efficiency, and a better passenger experience, but also in terms of our sustainability journey
In the heart of India's bustling cities, where the urban landscape is reaching new heights, the demand for more sustainable buildings is greater than ever. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), India is a net zero building leader, with 75 LEED Zero projects certified worldwide as of August 2023 and 30 more projects seeking certification. LEED is a globally recognized building rating system; LEED Zero certifies net zero goals in existing buildings.
Modern, efficient, and increasingly smart elevators have a key role in this transformation to more sustainable buildings. Cities will be transformed, and skylines reshaped as the sector continues to develop more efficient, sustainable products that reduce customer costs and help reduce their environmental impact.
Supporting the nation’s journey
Notable projects, such as Terminal 2 at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, demonstrate how the sector can help to meet developers’ sustainability visions. Terminal 2 is setting a new benchmark with 100 percent usage of renewable energy and as the largest terminal in the world to be pre-certified with a platinum rating by the USGBC. Leading global original equipment manufacturers have helped support these efforts through commitment to delivering smart technologies and modern elevators and escalators, integrated with building management systems, to enhance passenger comfort and contribute to cost savings.
Seamless integration for smoother journeys
Digitally connected technology can help support sustainability goals.
Smart destination dispatching technology reduces wait and journey times for passengers by consolidating passengers and stops to a group of floors or zone. Regenerative drives capture the energy created by elevators moving through the building and feed it back into the building’s electrical grid for use by other systems. This energy would otherwise be lost as heat during braking.
And integration between Internet of Things (IoT) elevators and the service provider’s remote monitoring system improves the passenger experience by maximising elevator availability. Connected elevators make each maintenance visit more efficient by providing detailed reports on elevator status. If there is an issue, engineers can resolve it faster when they are provided in advance with fault information and come prepared with the required parts and equipment.
Smarter motors, smoother rides
At the heart of every elevator is its motor. Advanced ‘permanent magnet’ motor technology provides optimal energy efficiency. These motors significantly decrease energy consumption and operating costs compared with conventional power induction motor technology. ruction costs.
Environment and impact
In addition to innovative products and solutions, the elevator sector must design, manufacture, install and service equipment responsibly and effectively. That means being committed to promoting sustainability in our own operations to support our customers and communities and continuing to build on strategies to deliver long-term sustainability value to our stakeholders.
The impact on the environment through the operations of factories, real estate and vehicle fleet must be carefully considered, with clear targets. Achieving certification like ISO 14001 shows a commitment to the internationally agreed standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. Other commitments can include carbon neutrality for factories, and to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as setting goals for zero waste to landfill.
A bright future
The future of the elevator sector in India is bright, not just in terms of speed, efficiency, and a better passenger experience, but also in terms of our sustainability journey. With innovative products and services, supportive government policies, and growing demand for more sustainable solutions, India's modern buildings can be part of a sustainable future.
Sebi Joseph is President, Otis India.