How Eco Lifts Drive Sustainability in the Lift Industry
Modern lifts have become a staple of our everyday lives, and chances are you’ve never considered how these convenient machines are harming the environment. Sadly, however, we live in an age where we must become more conscious of how our contemporary ways of life are impacting the world around us. Behind the smooth rides and quick trips between floors that modern lifts provide lies a hidden environmental cost, especially when outdated technology is still in use.
The good news is that the development of eco elevators is working to reduce the environmental impact of modern lifts. These elevators are designed not just for speed and reliability, but also to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions and support more sustainable buildings overall. And at ADL Lift Services, we’ve been helping clients across Scotland modernise their systems to meet these new demands.
But what exactly makes a lift “eco”? We break it down below.
Why Older Lifts Aren’t Built for a Green Future
If you’re managing a building with a lift that’s been around for 20 or 30 years, chances are it wasn’t designed with energy savings or sustainability in mind. Older lifts tend to come with:
● Outdated motors and control systems that guzzle electricity
● Inefficient lighting (think old fluorescent bulbs or worse, incandescent!)
● No standby mode, meaning energy is wasted even when the lift isn’t in use
● Non-recyclable or unsustainable materials used throughout the cabin and mechanics
These systems are not only costly to run, but they’re also contributing to unnecessary energy consumption - something many building owners are keen to change.
However, this isn’t to say that you have to rip the whole lift out to make a difference. Upgrading to a modern lift or switching to an eco lift solution can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and running costs.
What Makes a Lift “Eco”?
An eco lift isn’t just a lift with a snazzy new design, it’s a smarter, cleaner and more efficient way to move people between floors. There are a few key ways that modern, energy-saving lifts stand out from the crowd.
Energy-Efficient Motors & Drives
Traditional lifts often use hydraulic or geared systems, which can be noisy, high-maintenance and power-hungry. Eco lifts use gearless traction motors with variable frequency drives, which offer smoother operation and consume less energy, especially during acceleration and braking.
Regenerative Braking Systems
Just like in electric vehicles, many modern lifts now feature regenerative drive technology. That means when the lift slows down or goes downwards, it generates electricity and feeds it back into the building’s power system. Clever, right?
LED Lighting
Eco elevators use LED lights, which are far more efficient and long-lasting than older bulbs. Many systems also include automatic lighting controls that dim or turn off the lights when the lift isn’t in use.
Sleep and Standby Modes
Why keep a lift fully powered when no one’s using it? Modern lifts can go into standby mode, powering down non-essential functions and saving a significant amount of energy throughout the day.
Recyclable and Sustainable Materials
From the flooring to the wall panels and even the cables, recycled and low-impact materials are becoming the new standard. Eco lifts are built with sustainability in mind - not just during operation, but through their entire lifecycle.
The Benefits of Eco Lifts for Your Building
So what does all of this mean for building owners, property managers and organisations across Scotland?
Lower Energy Bills
Let’s start with the obvious one. An energy saving lift can significantly reduce your electricity consumption. For buildings with high traffic (think hospitals, schools and offices), the savings can really add up over time.
Better Building Ratings
Whether it’s BREEAM, EPCs or other green building certifications, having a modern lift can improve your sustainability score – a big plus for future lettings, resale or corporate reputation.
Future-Proofing Your Property
Regulations around building efficiency are only going to get stricter. Installing or upgrading to an eco lift now means you’re staying ahead of the curve, and not to mention avoiding the scramble to comply later on.
Improved Accessibility
Let’s not forget the people who actually use the lift. Modern lifts are quieter, smoother and more reliable. For tenants, customers or employees, that’s a much better experience all round.
Who’s Making the Switch?
You might think only flashy new buildings are using eco lifts, but that’s not the case at all. Across Scotland, a wide range of clients are upgrading their systems with help from the team at ADL Lift Services. Here are just a few examples:
Housing Associations
Older blocks of flats with outdated lift systems are a prime candidate. Not only do upgrades improve safety and reliability, they also help tackle fuel poverty by reducing communal energy costs.
Local Councils
Many councils are working hard to reduce their environmental impact. Eco lift upgrades in public buildings like libraries, schools and council offices are a great way to meet sustainability goals.
Private Developers
New-builds are increasingly being designed with sustainability at the core. Eco elevators help developers meet planning requirements and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
Hotels and Hospitality
Hotels using lifts round the clock benefit hugely from energy-saving features, especially when it comes to lowering their carbon footprint without compromising on guest experience.
Why Choose ADL Lift Services?
Here at ADL Lift Services, we’ve been working with clients across Scotland to modernise, upgrade and maintain their lift systems with a strong focus on sustainability.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team works closely with you to understand your building’s needs and find the right eco lift solution, whether that’s a complete install or a clever upgrade to your existing system.
We’ve helped everything from housing associations to office blocks reduce energy costs, meet environmental standards and provide better access for everyone using the building.
And because we’re a local business, we know the unique challenges Scottish buildings can face - from historic structures with tricky access, to new builds where efficiency is key.
Make a Difference with Eco Lift Solutions
If you're considering an upgrade or want to find out how to make your lift system more energy efficient, ADL Lift Services is here to help. We offer everything from modern lift installations to sustainable refurbishments and ongoing maintenance - all tailored to your needs. Fill out our enquiry form or give us a call on 01698 277 009 today to arrange a visit from a member of our team.
