Imagine a building  a living organism with elevators that beat like a constant heart, rising and descending thousands of times a day, and escalators that carry the flow of people like a soft, endless wave.

But how efficiently does this heart beat?

How much energy flows  and how much is wasted — through these invisible veins?

It is time we ask a new question:

“How much energy do we consume going up and how much can we recover coming down?”

Energy efficiency is no longer just an environmental choice; it is a strategic necessity shaping the sustainable future of cities.

And in systems that operate 24/7, such as elevators and escalators, every watt matters.

In conventional systems, energy has traditionally been something that is simply consumed. Today, the paradigm has shifted. Modern intelligent vertical transportation systems not only consume energy — they also measure, manage, and regenerate it.

For instance, regenerative drive systems in elevators allow the motor to operate as a generator during downward motion, feeding recovered electricity back into the grid.

Similarly, escalators equipped with motion and occupancy sensors can slow down or stop entirely when no passengers are detected.

Thus, energy is no longer wasted during idle periods; it is deployed only when demand exists.

The efficiency of these technologies is evaluated under international standards — ISO 25745-2 for elevators and ISO 25745-3 for escalators — where the ultimate goal is achieving the A+++ energy performance class.

In short, elevators and escalators are no longer mere transport mechanisms; they are active components of a building’s intelligent energy ecosystem.

Across Turkey, major infrastructure projects demonstrate that this transformation is not a technological novelty but an emerging industry standard.

For example, Istanbul Airport operates thousands of elevators and escalators within a single integrated automation system.

Each unit adjusts its operating profile based on real-time traffic analysis — energy is consumed only when necessary.

Similarly, at Çukurova Regional Airport, energy-efficient access systems were prioritized from the earliest design phase as part of its green building certification strategy.

At Milas–Bodrum Airport, regenerative drive elevators have reduced annual electricity consumption by nearly 25%, translating directly into lower operating costs.

On an urban scale, Metro Istanbul employs time-based escalator operation modes — full capacity during rush hours, reduced speed at off-peak times — achieving approximately 30% energy savings while extending system lifespan.

These examples prove that the concept of green vertical mobility has moved beyond aspiration; it is the new normal.

Technology alone is not enough  human behavior plays an equally vital role.

Energy efficiency is not just an engineering principle; it is a cultural mindset.

Simple actions, such as stopping escalators when idle, avoiding unnecessary elevator use, or maintaining regular service schedules, can produce measurable energy gains.

Even more powerful, however, is system integration.

When elevators, escalators, lighting, and HVAC systems operate within the same automation network, the building begins to function like a living, responsive organism.

In Turkey, this integrated approach is rapidly spreading through new-generation public buildings, shopping centers, and office complexes.

When LED lighting, motion sensors, regenerative braking, and intelligent controls operate together, total energy costs can drop by up to 40%.

This underscores a simple truth: energy efficiency is not just about producing energy — it is about preserving it.

Financing the Green Transition: Incentives in Turkey

Behind this transformation lies not only vision but also strong institutional support.

For example, under the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry’s Efficiency Enhancement Project (VAP) program, modernization of elevators and escalators with energy-efficient components can receive up to 30% grant funding, capped at 15 million TRY per project.

The program continues today under the broader Energy and Carbon Reduction (EKA) framework.

Likewise, KOSGEB offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) financial assistance for energy audits, consultancy, and investment costs — giving smaller companies access to the same advanced technologies as large projects.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change (MoEUCC) updated the Building Energy Performance (BEP) Regulation in 2025, mandating higher efficiency standards aligned with TS 825.

Although elevator and escalator upgrades are not direct subsidy items, these performance requirements effectively mandate modernization within new buildings.

In short, public incentives are on the table.

The real question is: are we ready to seize them?

Picture a building where escalators pause through motion sensors, elevators recover energy through regenerative drives, and automation coordinates the entire system seamlessly.

That building represents the microcosm of a sustainable city.

Every step, every ride, every descent matters — as each saved watt means less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Energy is no longer only about production; it is about intelligent stewardship.

From engineers to facility managers, from technicians to users, we are all part of this collective ecosystem.

And perhaps one day, when you step onto an escalator, you won’t just be going up — you’ll be ascending toward a greener future.

“When used intelligently, energy becomes not just a cost — but an identity.”

Elevators and escalators are no longer mere instruments of transport;

they are the energy-neutral heroes of smart cities.

Every step is an opportunity,

every descent a recovery,

every ascent a vision.