KONE Greece, press release, August 22, 2024
The European Union recently unveiled a new package of measures called Fit for 55, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. One of the key areas of this package is energy efficiency in buildings.
Buildings account for 40% of energy consumed and 36% of energy-related direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. The energy performance of buildings directive, revised in 2024, aims to make buildings in the EU more energy efficient by 2030 and beyond.
The main goals of the directive are:
• all new buildings will be zero-emission buildings by 2030
• existing buildings will be transformed into zero-emission buildings by 2050
Fit for 55 focuses on improving the energy efficiency of buildings through various measures such as raising energy performance standards, renovating existing buildings and promoting the use of renewable energy.
KONE solutions can help reduce energy consumption and overal carbon footprint in buildings. Let's take a look at the key energy saving solutions:
1. KONE elevators, top quality elevators without machine rooms, are up to 90% more energy efficient compared to our models from the 1990s. KONE DX elevators can be manufactured as completely carbon neutral.
2. Eco-efficient hoisting:KONE EcoDisc is 50–70% more efficient than conventional models, saving energy and eliminating the need for oil.
3. Standby operation: Our advanced standby solutions power down the equipment when it is not in use, providing substantial energy savings, especially in buildings where the elevators experience long periods of inactivity, such as in office buildings outside of peak working hours or on weekends.
4. Monitoring energy consumption: Building owners should regularly monitor the energy consumption of building operations to identify areas where energy-saving measures can be implemented. Elevator lighting represents 40-55% of total elevator energy consumption. Eco-friendly LED lighting can save up to 80% of energy consumption.
5. Elevator regenerative drive can use the energy generated during elevator operation to reduce overall energy savings by up to 45%.
6. Elevator modernization: Old elevators can be energy-intensive and outdated, and often consume unnecessary energy. You can upgrade individual components, such as the electric installation, as well as a complete replacement.
7. LEED and BREEAM certification - KONE supports the construction of green buildings and helps to achieve green building certifications with its eco-efficient solutions.
These steps can help building owners achieve a better energy rating for their properties and meet the requirements of Fit for 55 and other building energy efficiency guidelines and standards. KONE offers technologies that enable modern lifts to significantly reduce the energy consumption of buildings and contribute to the overall sustainability and efficiency of buildings.
Want to learn more and ensure your building has a lower carbon footprint? Contact us and we'll advise you on the best solution for your building.
About KONE
At KONE, our mission is to improve the flow of urban life. As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, KONE provides elevators, escalators and automatic building doors, as well as solutions for maintenance and modernization to add value to buildings throughout their life cycle. Through more effective People Flow®, we make people's journeys safe, convenient and reliable, in taller, smarter buildings. In 2023, KONE had annual sales of EUR 11.0 billion, and at the end of the year over 60,000 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. in Finland.