Green Energy and LEED Certification for Elevators: A Building Owner’s Guide

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.”

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