Modernizing an existing elevator instead of installing a brand-new one can reduce its environmental impact by up to 70 percent. This is shown by two recent life-cycle assessments conducted by students at Malmö University and Chalmers University of Technology, in collaboration with Motum.
The studies, which are based on both quantitative climate calculations and interviews with industry stakeholders, clearly show that the reuse of elevator components has significant environmental potential. By modernizing—rather than tearing out and installing new equipment—large amounts of material can be saved, leading to reduced carbon dioxide emissions throughout the elevator’s life cycle.
“Our report confirms just how much of a positive difference the decision to modernize makes for the environment. We also saw the significant impact of material choices—which shows that recycled materials in parts that cannot be reused are an important next step. For the industry to become more sustainable, both more life-cycle analyses and increased transparency throughout the value chain are required,” say Alice Willberg and Henrik Petersson, authors of the report.
