The latest studies from 2009 UNEP Sustainable Buildings & Climate Initiative show that the energy consumption of buildings accounts for 40% of global energy consumption. As the number of buildings increases, so does the amount of energy consumed. A lift, a crucial component of any modern buildings, consumes on average 3%-8% of all energy. There is then a great potential to improve energy efficiency by simply tuning the way they operate. As various countries pay more attention on environmental issues, more policies restricting emissions and focusing on energy saving will be introduced. Additionally, more lift manufacturers and users are putting lift energy efficiency and relevant assessment on their agendas. Many countries have also started to research and prepare relevant standards and regulations on lift energy efficiency.

     At present, VDI 4707 Part I of the Association of German Engineers is commonly used for the assessment of lift energy efficiency around the world. This standard was issued in March 2009, after the comprehensive testing and assessment of 33 lifts from eight major lift manufacturers in Europe by the Switzerland Energy Efficiency Agency in 2005. The standard is applicable for the energy efficiency assessment and classification of new passenger lifts and cargo lifts as well as existing lifts. There are seven classes of lift energy efficiency based on the energy required for operation and standby, indicated by seven coloured labels from A to G, among which Class A represents optimal energy efficiency and Class G means that lift energy efficiency needs to be improved urgently.

     TUV Rheinland is a third party testing and certification organization, which is well recognized around the world. It began testing and certifying lift energy efficiency in Asia in 2008. The lifts it has tested are used in landmark buildings, international commercial buildings and high-end residential buildings. So far, TUV Rheinland has issued almost 50 lift energy efficiency certificates, with more than 33 certificates issued by the Switzerland Energy Efficiency Agency in 2005. The industrial service unit of TUV Rheinland has also established a database of local lift energy efficiency attributes in Greater China. It has rich experience in testing lift energy efficiency.

     TUV Rheinland provides lift energy efficiency tests, along with proposed improvement plans based on the test results. In one case concerning a test of a 4-storey residential building lift, TUV experts graded its category of use at Class 2. The test results showed Class D standby energy needs, Class B operational energy needs and an overall energy efficiency of Class C. After careful analysis, engineers proposed a solution to improve the lift's energy efficiency. Re-testing showed Class B standby energy needs with 67% energy saved, the same Class B operational energy needs but with 10% energy saved and an overall Class B energy efficiency with 48% energy saved. Energy consumption after the improvement was 52% lower to previous level. Along with this gain, the CO2 footprint was reduced. If similar improvements are made across vast cities, the benefits in terms of emissions and cost are considerable.

     Currently, VDI 4707 Part 1 is not mandatory, but it is possible that it will become compulsory in the future. TUV Rheinland recommends that lift manufacturers and building owners who are unfamiliar with VDI 4707 should learn more about this standard. The team is here to discuss relevant technical issues together with you. TUV Rheinland is confident that their experts can help to reduce lift energy consumption and emissions as well as cutting customer's costs.