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VM Elevators featured in High End Hospitality Magazine.
VM Elevators featured in High End Hospitality Magazine.
We’re thrilled to appear in the March 2025 edition of High End Hospitality Magazine, the UK’s No.1 Hospitality Platform. This fantastic feature highlights our work with Leyton Orient Community Partnership and Eleven Sports Media, showcasing how we proudly support both our local community and the wider hospitality sector.
It’s an honour to be featured alongside some of the world’s top chefs and iconic hospitality venues.
📖 Find us on pages 56 & 57: https://lnkd.in/ehtDgiWW
At VM Elevators, we work with hospitality venues across London, Essex and the South East, keeping their lifts running smoothly to ensure guests and staff are always on the move.
📞 Call us today on 0800 448 8615 to see how we can elevate your business and check out our case studies here.
How Much Energy Does a Modern Lift Use?
We look at how much energy a modern lift uses in 2024
We recently revisited an old blog article exploring lift energy consumption and CO2 impact, sparking curiosity about how much progress has been made since then.
The sources to those articles can be found at the end of this article.
Over fifteen years ago, the energy efficiency of lifts and the carbon emissions they caused was an issue of concern. This article will look at how much has changed in that time and demonstrate how lifts are now incredibly energy efficient
Advancements in lift technology have significantly reduced the energy consumption and carbon footprint of vertical transportation in buildings. While older lifts were relatively inefficient, modern designs employ energy-saving innovations that have greatly reduced emissions and costs to run.
Let’s explore how much energy modern lifts consume, the carbon emissions associated with their operation, and how they compare to their predecessors.
The Basics of Lift Energy Use
The energy consumption of a lift depends on several factors:
- Building height and lift travel distance: Taller buildings require more energy for longer trips.
- Lift load: Lift cabins empty at the top of a lift shaft travelling down or carrying maximum weight at the bottom going up consume the most energy at these points.
- Lift technology: Modern machine-room-less lifts and those with regenerative drives are far more efficient than older hydraulic systems.
- Usage patterns: Frequent stops, standby power, and the number of trips all add to the total energy consumed.
Modern Lifts: A Leap in Energy Efficiency
Recent advancements in lift technology have revolutionised energy efficiency, making them greener and more sustainable. Here are three key innovations driving this transformation:
- Machine-Room-Less (MRL) Lifts
Modern lifts often eliminate the bulky machine room by incorporating the motor directly into the lift shaft. This reduces both space requirements and energy consumption. - Regenerative Braking
One of the biggest innovations in lift technology is regenerative braking. This system captures the energy generated when a lift travels downward with a heavy load or upward with a light load, converting it back into usable electricity for the building. - Standby Power Reduction
Older lifts consumed a significant amount of energy even when idle. Modern systems use intelligent standby modes, dramatically lowering their consumption during periods of inactivity.
Energy Consumption of Modern Lifts: 2024 vs 2007
Energy Consumption of Modern Lifts: 2024 vs 2007
Using current data, we can estimate the energy consumption of modern lifts and compare it with adjusted figures for older systems based on the same number of floors.
Energy Per Trip
Modern Lifts 2024:
A modern lift in a mid-rise building (5–10 floors) consumes approximately 0.0039 to 0.075 kWh per round trip, reflecting significant energy efficiency advancements.
Lifts in 2007:
Based on scaling down from 20-floor data, 2007 lifts would consume approximately 0.02375–0.0475 kWh per round trip.
Comparison: Modern lifts consume up to 83% less energy per trip than 2007 systems when operating in the same conditions. This improvement is due to advanced technologies like regenerative braking and more efficient motors.
Daily Energy Use
Modern Lifts 2024:
Assuming four rides per person per day (e.g., to work, out for lunch, back, and home), modern lifts consume approximately 0.016–0.3 kWh per person per day.
Lifts in 2007:
With the adjusted energy use of 0.02375–0.0475 kWh per trip, older lifts would consume 0.095–0.19 kWh per day for four trips.
Comparison: Modern lifts use up to 83% less daily energy than 2007 lifts, demonstrating their superior efficiency for regular usage.
Annual Energy Use
Modern Lifts 2024:
Over a working year (200 days), modern lifts consume approximately 3.2–60 kWh per person.
Lifts in 2007:
Older lifts would consume 19–38 kWh annually under the same conditions.
Comparison: While modern lifts have a similar range of annual consumption for lower-end usage, their advanced features make them significantly more efficient under higher usage scenarios.
Carbon Emissions: A Modern Perspective
The carbon emissions associated with lift use depend on the carbon intensity of the electricity grid. Using the UK’s current grid average of 0.2 kg CO₂ per kWh, we can calculate emissions for both modern and older systems.
Daily Emissions
Modern Lifts 2024: 0.0032–0.06 kg CO₂ per person per day.
Lifts in 2007: 0.019–0.038 kg CO₂ per person per day.
Comparison: Modern lifts emit up to 84% less CO₂ daily, reflecting their energy efficiency and reduced reliance on inefficient systems.
Annual Emissions
Modern Lifts 2024: 0.64–12 kg CO₂ per year for 200 working days.
Lifts in 2007: 3.8–7.6 kg CO₂ annually.
Comparison: Modern lifts produce significantly lower annual emissions, particularly for higher usage levels, thanks to energy-saving innovations and cleaner grid electricity.
Future Innovations
Looking ahead, the integration of AI for traffic optimisation, solar-powered lifts, and further improvements in energy efficiency could make lifts almost entirely carbon-neutral. As buildings grow taller and cities densify, these technologies ensure that vertical transportation remains sustainable.
So, next time you step into a lift, rest assured: modern engineering is doing its part to keep the ride efficient and eco-friendly!
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/blog/2009/sep/04/lifts-energy-take-the-stairs, https://fatknowledge.blogspot.com/2007/02/how-much-energy-does-elevator-use.html
Lift Apprenticeship Scheme – Earn While You Learn with VM Elevators LTD
February 7, 2025
Exciting opportunities have opened at VM Elevators for two Lift Apprenticeship placements. If you’re looking for a hands-on, technical career in a dynamic and fast-paced industry, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Why Apprenticeships Matter at VM Elevators
At VM Elevators, we believe in developing talent from the ground up. Apprenticeships are a vital part of our industry, ensuring that the next generation of lift engineers are trained to the highest standards. Instead of just learning in a classroom, our apprentices get real-world experience, working alongside experienced professionals while earning a recognised qualification.
We’re passionate about passing down knowledge, building careers, and shaping the future of the lift industry. We don’t just see apprentices as trainees—we see them as future leaders in our company.
What You’ll Gain from a VM Elevators Apprenticeship
✔ Earn While You Learn – Get paid while you develop your skills and work towards an industry-recognised qualification.
✔ Work with Experts – Gain hands-on experience alongside experienced engineers in lift maintenance, lift repairs, lift installation, and lift modernisation.
✔ Study with L.I.T.S Limited. – Our partnership with L.I.T.S ensures you receive high-quality, structured training, leading to a Level 3 NVQ in Lift Servicing, Repair, Modernisation and Installation.
✔ Problem-Solving & Technical Skills – No two days are the same in lift engineering. You’ll develop practical skills, from troubleshooting issues to understanding electrical and mechanical systems.
✔ A Career, Not Just a Job – On completion of your apprenticeship, opportunities exist to progress into Service Engineering & beyond.
✔ Make Lifelong Friends – You’ll be working closely with a team, building strong relationships, and being part of a company that values teamwork and respect.
✔ Dedicated Mentor – You’ll be supported every step of the way, with a dedicated mentor to help you complete your books and guide you through the programme.
Who Can Apply?
We’re looking for motivated individuals with a keen interest in engineering, electrics, and mechanics. You don’t need prior experience, but you’ll need to be 18+ with:
🔹 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 and above, including Math, English & Science.
🔹 A strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and listen, with an interest in the lift industry.
🔹 Good communication and teamwork skills.
Not Sure if an Apprenticeship is Right for You?
We get it—choosing a career path can be daunting. If you’re unsure whether an apprenticeship is the right move for you, give us a call at 0800 448 8615, and we’ll happily talk you through it.
How to Apply
Interested in becoming a Lift Apprentice? Submit your application to info@vmelevators.com and one of our Talent Managers will get back to you.
Take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career.
💡Your future starts here—apply today!
PROUD TO BE A LEYTON ORIENT COMMUNITY PARTNER
As part of last weekend’s fixtures, some incredible imagery was captured of VM Elevators within the grounds of Brisbane Road.
We sat down with our Managing Director Simon Whitbread and asked him what it means to be a Community Partner with Leyton Orient.
Simon, what does it mean to you to be a partner with Leyton Orient?
Simon: For us, it’s about being more than just a business in East London—it’s about being part of the community. We take immense pride in supporting initiatives that make a real impact, whether that’s through football, education, or other local projects. This partnership is about strengthening those local ties and showing our commitment to the community.
How do you feel VM Elevators’ involvement benefits the community?
Simon: Our involvement is about creating opportunities. From grassroots football to outreach programmes, we’re backing initiatives that give young people and local businesses the chance to grow. This is all about investing in the future and reinforcing the values that drive both VM Elevators and Leyton Orient.
What excites you most about the future of this partnership?
Simon: The opportunity to see it evolve. The future holds so much potential—whether it’s supporting local talent, providing resources, or simply helping to unite East London. We’re excited to continue building on this partnership and create more meaningful opportunities for everyone involved.
Tell us about VM Elevators and how it supports East London and Essex businesses with its lift services.
Simon: At VM Elevators, we’re more than just a lift services provider—we’re an active part of the East London community. Our roots are deeply embedded here, and we’re passionate about helping local businesses thrive. We do this through the services we provide, ensuring that local businesses, whether they’re shops, offices, or residential buildings, have the reliable and safe lift solutions they need to keep things running smoothly.
We know how crucial it is for businesses to have their lifts in top condition, and that’s where we come in. By offering high-quality lift installations, modernisations, and maintenance, we’re helping businesses stay efficient and accessible, supporting their growth and success.
But it’s not just about the services—we’re also dedicated to creating opportunities in East London. We actively support local talent through apprenticeships and job creation, ensuring that the next generation has a chance to thrive in the lift industry.
We want to make sure East London businesses aren’t just surviving, but thriving. And that’s what we’re committed to doing every day.
Call us today on 0800 448 8615 to discuss your lift requirements or visit service pages for more information and to obtain a free quotation: https://vmelevators.com/lift-services/
