Energy efficiency is becoming an increasingly important consideration across the built environment, and upcoming changes to the Building Regulations will bring lifts more firmly into that conversation.
Under amendments introduced as part of the Future Homes and Buildings Standards, fixed lifts, escalators and moving walkways in new buildings will be included within the definition of “fixed building services” for the purposes of Building Regulations in England.
The changes are due to come into force from 24 March 2027, with separate commencement arrangements applying to certain higher-risk building work.
For developers, building owners and those responsible for specifying new lift systems, the changes mean that lift efficiency, commissioning and associated information requirements will become increasingly important during the design and installation process.
What is changing for lifts?
Historically, fixed lifts have not been treated in the same way as many other fixed building services under Part L of the Building Regulations.
As a result, the specific energy efficiency and commissioning requirements applying to fixed building services have not generally applied to lifts, escalators and moving walkways. Their energy consumption has also not been fully incorporated into calculations of a building’s energy performance.
The 2026 amendments change this by expanding the definition of fixed building services to include:
- Fixed lifts
- Escalators
- Moving walkways
This applies to installations within new buildings other than individual dwellings.
Communal areas within developments containing multiple homes, such as blocks of flats, can therefore still fall within the scope of the changes.
Why are the regulations changing?
The Government has identified a gap between the way lifts are currently treated and the wider effort to reduce the energy consumption of buildings.
Lifts can remain in service for many years, and their overall energy use is influenced by far more than simply how frequently they travel between floors.
Elements such as drive technology, controls, lighting, standby power consumption and the way in which a lift has been designed for a particular building can all affect its long-term efficiency.
By incorporating lifts into the fixed building services framework, the updated regulations are intended to encourage greater consideration of energy efficiency at the design and specification stage.
What will this mean for new lift installations?
For developers and specifiers, selecting a lift will increasingly involve looking beyond capacity, speed and appearance.
Energy performance will need to be considered as part of the wider building design.
Depending on the project and lift specification, this may involve considering factors such as:
Efficient drive technology
Modern lift systems can offer significantly more efficient operation than older equipment.
Selecting equipment appropriate to the size, expected usage and travel requirements of the building can help minimise unnecessary energy consumption over the lift’s lifetime.
Standby energy consumption
A lift can spend a significant amount of time sitting idle.
Modern systems can reduce energy consumption while the lift is not being used by managing lighting, displays and other electrical components more efficiently.
Intelligent controls
Control systems can help manage lift movement more efficiently, particularly in buildings where multiple lifts operate together.
Correct specification can reduce unnecessary journeys and help the lift system respond more effectively to passenger demand.
Commissioning
The forthcoming requirements will also place greater emphasis on commissioning.
Correct commissioning helps ensure that a newly installed lift operates in accordance with its design specification and performs efficiently once the building becomes operational.
Are existing lifts affected?
The new definition relates specifically to lifts within new buildings, so it should not be interpreted as a requirement for every existing lift to be replaced or upgraded when the changes come into force.
However, the direction of travel across the construction industry is clear.
Building owners are placing greater emphasis on reducing energy consumption, improving operational efficiency and extending the lifespan of existing building systems.
For older lift installations, this creates another reason to assess whether modernisation could be worthwhile.
Could modernising an existing lift improve efficiency?
In many cases, a complete lift replacement is not the only option.
Lift modernisation allows individual elements of an existing installation to be upgraded while retaining parts of the system that remain suitable for continued use.
Depending on the condition and age of the lift, modernisation could include upgrades to:
- Lift controls
- Drive systems
- Motors
- Door operators
- Lighting
- Electrical equipment
- Safety systems
Alongside improving reliability and passenger experience, upgrading ageing equipment can also help reduce energy consumption.
The right approach will depend on the condition of the existing lift, how it is used and the requirements of the building.
Planning ahead for the 2027 changes
Although the regulations are not due to take effect until March 2027, lift systems are often specified relatively early within a development.
Developers, architects and contractors working on future projects should therefore be aware of the changes now rather than waiting until they come into force.
Considering lift efficiency during the early design stages can make it easier to select equipment that meets the operational needs of the building while also supporting wider energy-efficiency objectives.
Speak to Sheridan Lifts
Sheridan Lifts works with organisations across a wide range of commercial and residential environments, providing lift installation, maintenance, repair and modernisation services.
Whether you are planning a new development, considering replacing an existing lift or looking at ways to improve the reliability and efficiency of your current installation, our team can help you identify the most appropriate solution.
Contact Sheridan Lifts to discuss your lift requirements and find out how we can help with your next project.