Going up! Otis Elevator launches sustainability initiative
Otis Elevator Co. on Tuesday announced a major sustainability initiative spanning every aspect of its operations, from design and manufacturing to products and end-of-life recycling.
Never heard of them? The company is responsible for 1.7 million lifts around the world, including some high-profile installations, including Los Angeles International Airport; the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building; the Eiffel Tower; and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
The Farmington, Conn.-based company said its "The Way to Green" program will reduce its energy consumption, carbon footprint and streamline its manufacturing processes.
A rundown of what the initiative encompasses:
Products. Otis' line of Gen2 elevator systems feature regenerative drives that reduce energy consumption by up to 75 percent compared to conventional systems.
The line's coated steel belts and machine require no additional lubrication, and LED illumination is standard, as is an automatic switch-off mode.
On Otis escalators and moving walkways, optional "ReGen" drives reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent. An automatic lubrication system reduces annual oil usage by up to 98 percent versus conventional systems. LED lighting offers more energy savings.
Maintenance. Otis has a service portfolio of 1.7 million units worldwide. By auditing operations, monitoring vehicle fleets and optimizing service routes, Otis says it has reduced its worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by 12 percent from 2006 to 2010.
The company says it's also recycling, practicing safe waste removal and using environmentally friendly cleaners.
Operations. Otis recycles 97 percent of industrial waste produced by its facilities.
The company has deployed more efficient, "right-sized" vehicles as well as trained drivers to save fuel, reducing transportation fleet emissions by 11 percent.
Its manufacturing facility in Madrid uses solar panels to generate 60 percent of the site's energy needs. Its manufacturing facility in China manages LEED gold certification. Worldwide, its facilities have reduced water consumption by 12 percent through rainfall collection, recycling and the use of water-efficient fixtures.
Corporate. Otis will align with its parent company, conglomerate United Technologies, to reduce "energy intensity" by 25 percent over the next 10 years.
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com