The biggest environmental impact of an elevator is generated by its use. Consequently, reducing the environmental impact of an equipment is most effective when the product is being developed and the optimal solution for each building is being planned. For example, solutions such as the destination control system, where the passenger chooses his destination floor before entering the elevator, can significantly save energy by increasing handling capacity and decreasing the number of trips.
Through effective research and development, KONE continuously strives to improve the eco-efficiency of its solutions.
Carbon Footprint
The carbon footprint can be seen as the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service, measured in units of carbon dioxide. To study energy use, KONE analysed the carbon footprints of selected products using life cycle assessments. The studied elevators represented over 80 percent of KONE’s new elevators in Europe. The aim is now to analyse the most important Asian and North American products in the same way.
The amount of carbon dioxide emitted by an elevator varies a great deal, depending on its size and usage. For example, during its 25 years life cycle the standard elevator in a five-story residential building generates almost six times less carbon dioxide than a bigger elevator in a 16-story office building.
Focusing on Energy Efficiency
The carbon footprint can be lowered by reducing the energy consumption of an elevator over its life cycle. KONE’s solutions are energy-efficient thanks to a wide variety of features that combine both energy and space savings in the customer’s premises.
KONE set the trend with KONE EcoDisc®, a lightweight, highly efficient hoisting machine.
Reducing Standby Energy Consumption
When the elevator is idle, it still consumes energy. The standby energy is mostly consumed by the car lights, control devices, car ventilators, elevator drives and control systems. This standby energy consumption can account for 25 to 80 percent of the total energy consumed by the elevator, depending on its design and usage. Less frequent usage, for example in a small apartment building, means that a higher percentage of the electricity can be saved by reducing standby energy consumption.
KONE has developed various ways to save standby energy:
- After the last car call, the car lights and the car fan are switched off automatically; they come on again the next time the car is called.
- The usage of LED lights reduces the energy consumed in car lighting by up to 80 percent and they last up to 10 times longer than halogen lights.
- A few minutes after the last car call, the signalisation automatically switches to standby mode. This can reduce up to 80 percent of the energy consumed by signalisation.
- When the car reaches the floor, corridor illumination control automatically illuminates the floor, thus reducing overall electricity consumption for the building.
Corporate Initiatives
KONE takes care of the environment not only by its own proactive initiatives, but also by continuously monitoring the changes made to laws and recommendations related to its business.
Environmental issues are coordinated on a corporate level by the Assistant Vice President for Environment. KONE’s country organizations and production facilities are responsible for handling local environmental issues.
The ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is used in four production facilities and in seven country organizations. Certification work will continue during 2008.