Greening and Upgrading Today’s Vertical Transport Systems

The conveyance industry has come a long way since the country’s first passenger elevator was installed in a New York City store, back in 1856, by Elisha Otis. Today, we ride up and down an estimated 900,000 elevators in the United States, collectively making 18 billion passenger trips per year, according to the National Elevator Industry.

Growth in escalators and moving walkways, which debuted at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago, can double that figure in certain markets, such as airports. But that is not the only new development in the world of vertical transport.

After reading this article, you should be able to:

? Describe the benefits of new technology solutions for building vertical transportation systems in terms of energy efficiency, safety, and spatial flexibility.

? Discuss the applications of such energy-saving systems as machine-roomless elevators, double-decker and twin elevators, and destination-based controls.

? List several green building techniques and initiatives related to vertical conveyance systems.

? Explain how new codes affect elevator and escalator designs, and cite two or more examples of specific codes affecting their application, particularly with regard to sustainability.

To earn 1.0 AIA/CES Discovery HSW/SD learning units, complete the reading and take the 10-question exam.

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