Elevators are everywhere, yet we rarely consider their energy use or the opportunities to improve their performance.
Elevators and escalators can account for 2–7% of a building’s total energy consumption. Thankfully, new technologies offer ways to cut elevator energy use by 40% or more. More efficient elevators include upgrades to motors, lighting, ventilation, controls, and standby power. These efficient elevator systems can also cut down on operating costs.
In this recorded roundtable hosted by New Buildings Institute in partnership with the California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) program, experts explore modernization strategies. Panelists discuss emerging elevator technologies, evolving code requirements, and available incentives for upgrades. They also examine how improved systems can enhance the rider experience while lowering emissions. As a key part of the building lobby, elevators reflect a building’s quality and design.
Watch the recording to learn how smarter elevators can benefit both building owners and occupants.
View the presentation slides here: Microsoft PowerPoint – Complete Efficient Elevators Presentation Slides 202504
Panelists
Harvey Sachs, Retired, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
Harvey Sachs, a former Visiting Fellow at ACEEE, has worked on building codes, standards, and market transformation for residential and commercial sectors, evaluating emerging technologies, and energy-saving programs. He joined ACEEE in 2001 as director of the Buildings Program. Before this, Harvey earned a Ph.D. in geological oceanography from Brown University and taught at CWRU and Princeton, focusing on indoor air pollution and energy efficiency. He has served in various policy roles, including assistant commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Commerce, technical director at the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, and was active in ASHRAE.
Jeff Montgomery, Full Chain Project Manager, KONE
Jeff Montgomery is a full chain project manager at Kone with over 25 years in the vertical transportation industry, including more than 15 years at the director level. His expertise spans elevator electrification, signalization, product change management, and leadership of large, multinational teams across the Americas, Saudi Arabia, and the Asia-Pacific region. Jeff has successfully led major projects, driven global service strategies, and developed customer support frameworks while managing P&L responsibilities.
Craig Collins, Senior Associate, PAE
Craig has over a decade of experience in power systems. With a keen interest in advancing the integration of renewable energy, he has worked on numerous projects involving distributed generation and smart/micro grid systems. Craig excels at designing robust facilities systems for critical infrastructure.
Moderator
Susan Harris, Moderator, New Buildings Institute
Susan focuses on communications and strengthening stakeholder relationships with project documentation, outreach, and management that enables tech transfer of research and guidance.
This webinar was put on in partnership with New Buildings Institute.
