BREEAM Energy efficient transportation Systems
Contents |
[edit] Aim and benefits
BREEAM encourages the specification of energy efficient transportation systems within buildings and promotes the use of energy efficient features to save energy and operational costs.
This issue offers the following potential benefits to end users and clients:
- Reduced energy consumption / energy bills;
- Improved frequency of service due to lift traffic analysis; and
- Optimum lift quantity (reduced capital cost).
[edit] When to consider
This issue is not RIBA stage dependent.
[edit] Step by step guidance
Where lifts, escalators or moving walkways are specified, advise the design team that a building specific transportation analysis is required to determine the optimum number and size of equipment.
The energy consumption of at least two options (e.g. for lifts – hydraulic, traction or machine room-less) OR different system arrangements and control strategies should be considered, and the transportation system with the lowest energy consumption specified.
Lifts with speeds less than 0.15m/s fall outside the scope of ISO 25745 and can be excluded from the assessment of this Issue. This applies, for example, to lifts in single dwellings or those installed in other low-rise buildings, specifically for the use of persons with impaired mobility.
[edit] Questions to ask while seeking compliance
- Has a compliant transportation analysis been undertaken to inform the transportation specification?
- Has the energy consumption for the options been calculated.
- Has the use of regenerative drives been considered.
[edit] Lifts
Are the following three energy efficient features specified?
- A stand-by condition for off-peak periods
- Lift car lighting and display lighting providing average luminous efficiency of >70luminaire lumens per circuit Watt
- A drive controller capable of variable speed, variable-voltage and variable frequency (VWF).
[edit] Escalators or moving walkways
Has at least one of the following been specified for each escalator or moving walkway
- A load sensing device matching motor output to passenger demand through a variable speed drive OR
- A passenger-sensing device so that the equipment moves into standby mode when there is no passenger demand.
[edit] Tools and resources
[edit] Tips and best practice
BREEAM recognises that lift manufacturers / suppliers are often engaged to provide such specialist advice. Where the assessor is satisfied that the analysis has been carried out correctly, the analysis can be submitted as compliant evidence.
[edit] Typical evidence
[edit] Design Stage
The transport analysis. This can be in the form of a written statement justifying the lift selection.
Lift, escalator and moving walkway specifications.
[edit] Post construction
Photographic evidence.
[edit] Applicable Schemes
The guidelines collated in this ISD aim to support sustainable best practice in the topic described. This issue may apply in multiple BREEAM schemes covering different stages in the life of a building, different building types and different year versions. Some content may be generic but scheme nuances should also be taken into account. Refer to the comments below and related articles to this one to understand these nuances. See this document for further guidelines.
- BREEAM 2018
BRE Global does not endorse any of the content posted and use of the content will not guarantee the meeting of certification criteria.
--Tom Blois-Brooke 16:39, 01 Jul 2019 (BST)
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.