“We want to help them get the best service they can get – and have safe elevators for the riding public – so we’re trying to spread the word about the (International Union of Elevator Constructors) IUEC, about ElevatorInfo, and about safe conveyances across the country,” said James Demmel, Assistant National Director for the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF), speaking at in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

He continued, “Here at (the) BOMA (International Conference and Expo), you have everything from skyscraper building owners to three to four story condominium owners… whether you have a billion dollar building or a couple hundred thousand dollar multifamily building with an elevator, you can get premium service, you can have the safest conveyance in the world, and we can make sure that you’re happy with your contractor and happy with your experience riding elevators”

Established in 1907, BOMA is an organization that was set up to support commercial building owners, managers, and other professionals in the field by providing opportunities for connection, education, and advocacy. Their annual International Conference and Expo is held at a different major city in the United States each year. This year, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International Conference & Expo will take place from June 28 to July 1, 2025, at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center (located at 415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210).

BOMA’s International Conference and Expo is a venue for building owners and building management representatives to come together to talk about current trends in the industry, see the latest technologies in real estate markets, and learn ways to better maintain their investments. The theme for this year’s BOMA International Conference and Expo is “Reset, Refresh, Reinvent”.

As BOMA partners, representatives from ElevatorInfo and EIWPF will be in attendance at this year’s conference in Boston. You’ll be able to find them at booth #937 as well as on the floor of the conference, connecting with building owners and managers to share information and answer questions about maintenance and service for elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other conveyance equipment in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. The 2025 conference will be the eighth time ElevatorInfo / EIWPF has participated in BOMA’s International Conference and Expo, and the first time that the group will be hosting a live presentation.

During the information / Q&A session on Monday, June 30th, from 2:00 – 3:00 PM, building owners, managers, and other real estate professionals will have the opportunity to learn about the benefits of elevator Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs) for their elevators, escalators, moving walks, and other vertical transportation equipment.

ElevatorInfo recently published a blog post on The Importance of Elevator Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs) for Building Owners and Managers. The article begins with the basics – what an MCP is, how an MCP is developed, and why these proactive maintenance plans are important for all building owners and managers to set up with their elevator service companies.

“A Maintenance Control Program (MCP) is exactly what it sounds like: a plan to ensure that an elevator, escalator, or other conveyance equipment is maintained correctly throughout its life. It contains specific written information that indicates what maintenance should be performed, how that maintenance should be performed, when it should be performed, and how often it should be performed.” – The Importance of Elevator Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs) for Building Owners and Managers, January, 2024.

“Every elevator comes from the manufacturer has recommended maintenance – and the maintenance control program is a contract you’ll sign with your elevator provider to do all of the necessary maintenance, all of the inspections, and all the upkeep to make sure that the unit that you bought is still running in 10, 15, 20 years,” said James Demmel.

“When we buy a car, we change the oil every three or five thousand miles. When you buy an elevator, what do you do? Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs) are something we can help a building owner or manager understand. The MCP tells them what they need to have done on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis to their elevators or escalators, and to make sure they are getting that coverage through their contractor. This the elevator manufactures telling you how to get the most out of their equipment.”

Topics covered during the 2025 ElevatorInfo / EIWPF Elevating Elevator Maintenance presentation will include:

  • What maintenance should be performed on your elevators, escalators, and other conveyance equipment
  • How often your conveyances should be serviced
  • Why it is important to have a building access plan
  • How a Maintenance Control Program can improve satisfaction with your elevator and escalator service
  • How you can set up a Maintenance Control Program for the conveyance equipment in your building

Maintenance control programs can be tailored to be flexible to meet the needs of your particular building, your equipment, and your schedule.

“If you’re in an apartment building or a condo,” explained James Demmel, “you’re going to be busier on the weekends. Nine to five during the week, you’re not going to have a lot of traffic – (it’s a) great time to do your maintenance. In an office building, Saturday and Sunday is a great time to do your maintenance. You can build these into your maintenance control program and that will help you get the maximum effect and maximum use time out of your elevator,” he said.

“We are here to partner with you. You will get premium service by the best IUEC-trained and qualified elevator mechanics, apprentices, and service providers to make sure your elevators, escalators, moving walks, or wheelchairs lifts are the safest they can be – with the highest standards and latest technologies – so that they experience minimal downtime, adding value to their investment.”

During and after the presentation, staff from the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF) and ElevatorInfo will be at booth #937 on the floor chatting with building owners and managers about how to connect with a service-forward, reliable elevator company experienced in setting up and implementing maintenance control programs for conveyance equipment in industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.

Along with representatives from EIWPF and ElevatorInfo, some of the industry’s major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and largest elevator companies, such as Otis, Schindler, TK Elevator, KONE, Fujitec, and Mitsubishi – plus a number of IUEC-affiliated independent elevator companies, will be in attendance at the conference. They will have information booths set up on the conference floor, and will be participating in panel discussions on topics of interest for people who work in real estate and in the commercial, residential, and industrial building sector.

By working with IUEC-affiliated elevator companies, building owners and managers have access to the best-trained maintenance and service professionals in the industry. During their apprenticeship, they are enrolled in the industry’s highly respected National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), a four-plus year USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program where they complete eight semesters of college-level learning and work 8,000 supervised hours under the direction of an experienced mechanic. Once they’ve completed their coursework and earned their hours, they sit for a capstone validated Mechanic Exam they must pass to earn journeyman mechanic status.

Their education and training doesn’t end with apprenticeship – NEIEP also offers dozens of classroom-based and online continuing education courses for mechanics, where they can become certified in forklift operation, American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR/First Aid/AED, OSHA 10 and 30 Construction and General Industry, SAIA Scaffolding, an ANSI-accredited Signaling and Rigging program, and more.

And a number of colleges and universities recognize the work completed as a student in the NEIEP apprenticeship program as equivalent to up to 45 college transfer credits. The Community College of Baltimore County, Ivy Tech Community College, Roger Williams University, Rowan University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Thomas Edison State University, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha are just some of the schools that have partnered with NEIEP.

Many IUEC elevator mechanics continue their education further by becoming elevator inspectors through the Qualified Elevator Inspector Training Fund’s ANSI-accredited Certified Elevator Inspector program. By meeting a series of prerequisites based on their experience in the elevator industry, completing an intensive training program that teaches them how to navigate and interpret ASME, NEC, and other building and safety codes, and passing the industry’s most rigorous certification exam, these elevator code experts earn a certification that qualifies them to inspect elevator and escalator equipment throughout the United States and Canada. While some open their own businesses or become state or provincial inspectors, others continue on in their work as elevator mechanics who bring an additional layer of expertise to the work they do for their companies and their customers.

If you’re in Boston at the end of June, be sure to stop by booth #937 – and, if you’re at the conference on Monday, June 30th, attend our Elevating Elevator Maintenance information / Q&A session from 2:00 – 3:00 PM to see how working with an IUEC-affiliated elevator maintenance and service company to implement a Maintenance Control Program for your elevator, escalator, and other vertical transportation equipment can improve your elevator service and reduce unplanned downtime for your building.

Mark Your Calendars: June 23-27, 2025 | Atlanta, Georgia

The 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) represents more than just a competition—it’s a national initiative designed to elevate the next generation of trades professionals. Once again, the elevator industry is rising to the occasion.

Returning to Atlanta with a booth twice the size of last year’s footprint, the elevator industry conveys a powerful message: We are here to recruit, inspire, and educate the workforce of tomorrow. Led by the National Elevator Industry Educational Program (NEIEP), the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), the National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII), and the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund (EIWPF), this year’s initiative builds on the momentum from all industry sector partners.

The Future Is in the Field – and in the Hoistway

“I want everyone that walks through this booth to understand that you can be a part of something that’s an actual career and that will benefit the rest of your life,” said Sarah Miller, NEIEP Director of Diversity, during last year’s event. That sentiment has only grown stronger.

With SkillsUSA hosting more than 18,000 students, educators, and industry leaders from across the country, the elevator industry’s immersive exhibit is designed to demystify what elevator constructors do, and why it matters.

The trade itself may be unfamiliar to many students, but it connects deeply to the skills they already possess. “Every single thing you do in vocational school could be transferred into our trade because our trade has so many domains,” said Desalia Gomes, an elevator constructor apprentice based at IUEC Local 4 in Boston, MA. Desalia came into the elevator trade through a Boston-based building trades pre-apprenticeship program called Building Pathways. From welding and electrical systems to hydraulics and safety procedures, the elevator industry encompasses a broad range of disciplines found in career and technical education (CTE) programs nationwide.

Elevating Learning Through Hands-On Experience

This year’s booth will feature NEIEP’s hands-on demonstration zone, including:

– Cutaway Valve Displays – Allowing students to see how hydraulic valves function.

– Working Elevator Hoistway Exhibit – A real-time, scaled system that visually explains how traction elevators operate.

– Escalator VR Simulators – A game-changing tool to demonstrate the mechanics of escalator systems and the safety protocols for devices students can’t typically access.

– Virtual Reality Simulations – Interactive simulations showing what elevator apprentices do across construction, maintenance, and modernization work.

“You can actually see the device safely, see how it operates, and understand the operation of the step chain… where we can’t see it in the field,” explained Rick Myers, a Subject Matter Expert who develops curriculum and lab materials for NEIEP. By showing students what lies beneath the surface—literally and figuratively—NEIEP is making the case for elevator work as both a science and a career

A Real Career. A Real Future. No Student Debt.

The message to students is straightforward: the elevator industry offers one of the best skilled trades careers in America—and you get paid to learn.

“As an elevator mechanic, you would come in as an apprentice. You’re gonna work, and earn money while you go to school,” said Lester White, NEIEP’s Head of Development.

“My classes are on Wednesdays. I report to my local. It’s from four to eight after work. And I’m learning these things to make me the best at my trade,” said Desalia.

With union support, NEIEP apprentices not only learn technical skills; they also receive competitive wages, pensions, annuities, and comprehensive healthcare. “Hopefully they’ll also learn that this is where their life will start changing,” Desalia shared. “You join the trade and you’re gonna have a pension and an annuity.”

This financial and lifestyle security is a major draw for students who may not see a traditional college path as the right fit. And the numbers back it up: elevator constructors are among the highest-paid tradespeople in the construction sector.

Representation Matters: Meet the People Who Built Their Career Here

Representation is another powerful tool. At the booth, students interact directly with NEIEP instructors, union representatives, and current apprentices—some just a few years older than the students themselves.

These conversations matter. Whether a student is unsure about their next step or eager to jump into a specific trade, talking with someone who’s been there, done that, and found success helps bridge the gap between aspiration and action.

Built-In Safety, Built-In Support

Another key message the elevator industry brings to SkillsUSA: safety is non-negotiable.

“Every new program has safety built in. There are hazards in every aspect of our trade. So as you’re learning an aspect of our trade, you’re also learning the safety for that particular aspect,” said Scott Russell, an IUEC National Organizer and member of Local 32 in Atlanta, GA. The use of VR, scaffolding, PPE demos, and real-world simulations helps make that commitment tangible.

By integrating these technologies and standards from the very first interaction, NEIEP ensures that future elevator constructors develop a culture of safety from day one.

But safety in the elevator trade goes far beyond protecting workers—it is also about safeguarding the public. Elevators are an essential part of daily life for billions of people worldwide. From hospitals and schools to office buildings and high-rise housing, elevators must operate with precision and security. Every elevator technician plays a vital role in public trust and infrastructure reliability. A small error in installation or maintenance can result in serious consequences. That’s why safety training in this field is rigorous, standardized, and continuously updated.

IUEC-affiliated elevator companies recognize this responsibility and heavily invest in workforce training and certifications. They understand that protecting elevator users means first protecting the workers who install and maintain them. This culture of accountability and care is what distinguishes the elevator trade and reinforces why it’s not just a job—it’s a public safety mission.

Why Highly Skilled Workers are Non-Negotiable in the Vertical Transportation Industry

The elevator industry isn’t just about moving people — it’s about moving them safely, reliably, and efficiently in environments where failure is not an option. In major metropolitan areas and small communities alike, elevators are lifelines in high-rises, hospitals, transit systems, and residential towers. That means the people behind their installation and maintenance must operate at the highest levels of skill and focus.

Elevator systems today are complex, integrating digital controls and advanced hydraulics. It takes deep technical training, precision, and a commitment to lifelong learning to install and maintain them properly. The NEIEP apprenticeship model isn’t just a training program, it’s a quality assurance system that ensures the highest safety and performance standards are upheld in every building where elevators operate.

Moreover, this is a global industry. Regardless of the country or region, people depend on elevators every day. Indeed, vertical transportation is one of the few infrastructure systems that spans all continents, cultures, and sectors, from hospitals to hotels, airports to apartment buildings. As population growth and urbanization continue to rise, the demand for new systems and the skilled workers to build and maintain them is steadily increasing.

This workforce need is urgent, but it also presents a historic opportunity. Companies that value safety and quality understand they must invest in highly skilled workers. This means that apprenticeships, ongoing certifications, and partnerships with labor and educational institutions are not just optional—they’re essential. The elevator industry is responding to that call, and SkillsUSA is one of the most important places to connect with tomorrow’s workforce today.

Industry Collaboration at Its Finest

This year’s SkillsUSA effort is the result of an extraordinary partnership between:

– NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program)

– IUEC (International Union of Elevator Constructors)

– NEII (National Elevator Industry, Inc.)

– EIWPF (Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund)

These organizations collectively bring the power of union training, employer partnerships, public-private collaboration, and decades of experience to the table. Together, they are creating a clear, welcoming on-ramp to elevator careers for America’s best and brightest students.

Final Word: There’s a Place for You in the Elevator Industry

“What we want people to take away from this booth is that there’s a place for you here in the elevator industry, and we are looking for the best and brightest,” summed up one Sarah Miller. “That’s why we’re here. Hopefully, someone will walk away from here interested and excited about getting into the elevator industry.”

From hands-on learners and robotics hobbyists to students with an interest in electrical and mechanical engineering, the elevator industry is wide open for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Visit Us at SkillsUSA NLSC 2025

Make your way to the Elevator Industry Booth in Halls B/C of the Georgia World Congress Center. Try the tools. Ask questions. Meet the pros. And learn how technically-oriented students are elevating their careers —one floor at a time.

For more information, visit www.elevatorinfo.org or connect with your local IUEC representative.

This blog was developed in partnership with NEIEP, IUEC, NEII, and EIWPF to support career awareness, recruitment, and public outreach at the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

What is Green Energy & LEED Certification?

Green or renewable energy is all about sustainable power sources and technologies – such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact small hydroelectric sources – that ultimately minimize environmental impact. A renewable energy source may not be considered ‘green’ if, for example, some carbon emissions are associated with the processes used to generate the energy – such as the building or infrastructure.

When we talk about green energy for elevators, we’re specifically looking at systems that: 1) use less electricity; 2) recover energy when possible, and; 3) operate more efficiently overall.

LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the gold standard of green building ratings worldwide. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it’s essentially a report card for how environmentally friendly, or “green”, a building is. The LEED certificate rating system awards points across various categories, with a maximum designation of 110.

There are four distinct certification levels that a project can obtain:

  • Certified (40-49 points)
  • Silver (50-59 points)
  • Gold (60-79 points)
  • Platinum (80+ points)

It’s important to note that while no LEED category explicitly exists for elevators, your vertical transportation system(s) can help earn points in several key areas, particularly as it relates to energy efficiency.

Why Does Green Energy and LEED Certification Matter?

What Your Tenants Want

Today’s tenants expect more from their buildings. Increasing awareness and concern over the impact of an excessive carbon footprint has led to a growing number of consumers willing to pay more for “sustainable offerings”. In the commercial sector, the vast majority of tenants now consider sustainability when selecting office space – often driven by their own sustainability commitments that require LEED-certified spaces.

The Environmental Case

Buildings require a lot of energy. For example, commercial buildings account for approximately 35% of electricity consumption in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.1 Within those same buildings, elevators consume a moderate percentage of the total energy usage.

The Financial Reality

As a building owner or manager, green elevators aren’t just good for the planet, they’re good for your bottom line too:

  • Lower operating costs: Energy-efficient elevators can reduce related energy consumption by a significant margin, according to studies by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).2
  • Increased property value: LEED-certified buildings typically command higher sale values than conventional buildings, according to a study by the CoStar Group.3
  • Higher rental income: Research by CBRE found that green buildings command rental premiums of 4% on average.4
  • Reduced vacancy: LEED-certified buildings have been shown to have higher occupancy rates than non-certified buildings.

The Regulatory Push

Building regulations are getting stricter every year, and staying ahead of the curve is just good business. Green elevator systems can help you comply with:

  • Local energy codes. New York City’s Local Law 97, for example, set carbon caps with financial penalties for non-compliance beginning in 2024.
  • State energy efficiency standards that are constantly evolving
  • Federal incentive programs that reward energy efficiency

Perhaps not surprisingly, green building regulations are not uniform across the country. Several states have taken the lead with mandatory green building standards; 24 states have green energy mandates. Please check with your local and state Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) for more information.

Here are a few examples that apply specifically to vertical transportation systems:

  • California: Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards set specific energy performance levels for new construction and renovations, including requirements that affect elevator systems.5
  • Washington: The State Energy Code includes provisions specifically addressing elevator efficiency.6
  • Massachusetts: The Stretch Energy Code, adopted by over 300 municipalities, includes elevator efficiency standards.7
  • New York: The Energy Conservation Construction Code includes specific provisions for vertical transportation systems.8

The implementation of green energy and the associated LEED certification [process] matters. It impacts your tenants, existing and prospective; it impacts your community, locally and more broadly; it impacts the environment, now and far into the future; and it impacts your wallet, in small and big ways.

How Green Elevators Benefit You as a Building Owner or Manager

As a building owner or manager, all of this can impact your bottom line, including the practical benefits of upgrading your elevator systems to be “green”.

The most immediate benefit comes from reduced operational costs:
1. Energy Savings You’ll See on Your Bills:

  • Regenerative drives can cut elevator energy consumption considerably, according to major service providers.
  • LED lighting with motion sensors reduces lighting energy by up to 80%, as documented by the Department of Energy.9
  • Sleep mode technologies greatly assist with cutting standby power*.
  • Destination dispatching is also an energy saving addition to current systems.

2. Maintenance Costs That Actually Go Down:

  • Modern systems with predictive (MCP) maintenance can reduce callbacks.
  • You’ll see extended component lifespan due to less heat generation and stress

The efficiencies gained, financially and operationally, by way of green energy and its varying forms are undeniable – and the opportunity for meaningful and lasting change is much more far reaching.

*Check your local regulations before implementing.

What Are the Goals of LEED Certification – Why Pursue It?

LEED certification examines all aspects of buildings through the lens of sustainability. As initially outlined: upon certification, projects are granted a rating. These ratings can then be used to demonstrate the verified sustainability of a property (and the benefits that accompany them).

The certification’s targeted building strategies emphasize the following:

  • Reducing the contribution of buildings to climate change (35%)
  • Improving human health (20%)
  • Preserving freshwater resources and enhancing water efficiency (15%)
  • Preventing biodiversity loss and protecting ecosystems and their services (10%)
  • Supporting regenerative, long-term material use (10%)
  • Building thriving communities and fostering neighborhood development (5%)
  • Conserving natural resources (5%)

LEED Points That Add Up Quickly

If you’re already pursuing or considering pursuing LEED certification, your elevator system(s) can help earn points across several categories.

Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credits:

  • Optimize Energy Performance (up to 18 points) via AC Drives and soft starts on hydraulic elevators
  • Advanced Energy Metering (1 point)
  • Demand Response (2 points) through elevator load management: e.g., updated control systems and dispatching

Materials and Resources (MR) Credits:

  • Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (2 points): e.g., updated control system, dispatching
  • Construction Waste Management (2 points), such as sealed bearings on AC motors and oil that comes from renewable sources

Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credits:

  • Low-Emitting Materials (1 point): e.g., led lighting, lowering of heat load with removal of generators, and switching to AC motors
  • Acoustic Performance (1 point) – achieved by way of removing generators

Innovation Credits:

  • Exemplary performance in energy efficiency (1 point). Examples include: AC motors, dispatching, removing generators
  • Pilot credits for vertical transportation efficiency (1 point)

So, what are some of the applicable ways you as building managers and owners can begin to integrate green solutions around and within your vertical transportation systems?

Implementing Green Elevator Solutions

Green Technologies Worth Your Investment

When planning for elevator systems with a high ROI – whether that be financially or environmentally – here are some technologies you should consider:
1. Regenerative Drives

  • This technology is considered the most important feature [currently] for energy-efficient elevators, capturing energy during braking and feeding it back into your building’s electrical system
  • They’re most effective in high-rise buildings with heavy traffic

2. Machine Room-Less (MRL) Designs

  • These compact gearless machines fit within the hoistway itself
  • You reduce energy consumption
  • Particularly beneficial for retrofits

3. Destination Dispatch Systems

  • These smart systems group passengers going to similar floors, reducing stops and starts
  • They can reduce energy consumption significantly while improving traffic flow
  • Best for buildings with heavy, predictable traffic patterns

4. LED Lighting and Smart Controls

  • Replace traditional cab lighting with LEDs and motion sensors
  • This is a simple upgrade with fast payback (typically under 1 year)
  • You can implement this independently of other mechanical upgrades

5. High-Efficiency Motors

  • Look for NEMA Premium efficiency ratings or better
  • Variable frequency drives optimize performance at all loads
  • These reduce heat generation and extend component life

Not all changes require extensive renovations – switching to LED lighting is an example of this. Existing buildings can improve performance and energy efficiency through simple technology as well as thoughtful design.

Future Trends

In the elevator industry, technology is always evolving. Here’s what you should keep an eye on as you look to increase green energy solutions:

Innovative New Technologies

1. Energy Storage Integration

  • Elevator systems with built-in battery storage to capture regenerated energy
  • Integration with building microgrids and demand response systems

2. AI and Predictive Analytics

  • AI-driven traffic management optimizing elevator dispatching
  • Predictive maintenance reducing downtime and extending component life
  • Real-time energy optimization based on usage patterns

An Investment Worth Making

As a building owner or manager, green elevator systems represent a strategic investment that balances upfront costs against long-term returns. In addition to meeting regulatory requirements and environmental benefits, these systems offer real financial advantages through lower operating costs, enhanced property value, and improved tenant satisfaction.

With thoughtful planning, smart financing, and phased implementation, green elevator upgrades can become a cornerstone of your building’s sustainability strategy and financial performance. Whether you’re pursuing LEED certification or simply looking to reduce operational expenses, today’s elevator technologies offer solutions that make both environmental and economic sense.

 

References

1 U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). “About the Commercial Buildings Integration Program.”
2 National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2023). “Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings.”
3 CoStar Group & USGBC. (2022). “LEED and the U.S. Office Market.”
4 CBRE. (2022). “Green is Good: The Enduring Rent Premium of LEED-Certified U.S. Office Buildings.”
5 California Energy Commission. (2023). “Building Energy Efficiency Standards – Title 24.”
6 Washington State Building Code Council. (2023). “Washington State Energy Code.”
7 Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. (2023). “Stretch Energy Code.”
8 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. (2023). “Energy Conservation Construction Code.”
8 U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). “LED Lighting.”