CONVEYING SYSTEMS
Since elevators are engineered systems rather than off-the-shelf products, energy efficiency in relation to the entire project should be considered. The American Academy for an Energy-Efficient Economy estimates that elevators in North American buildings account for approximately 5% of the building's overall energy use. Conveying systems should be considered as part of the overall building system. See Energy Modeling.
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EFFICIENT ELEVATORS
EFFICIENT ELEVATORS AT HARVARD
BLACKSTONE (2006), SCHLESINGER LIBRARY (2005)
| MANUFACTURER | CAPACITY | SPEED | OTHER SPECS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kone, Inc. Ecospace Elevator Kone, Inc. Ecospace Elevator Architectural Planning Guide |
2000-5000 pounds | 150 feet per minute | Max. # of landings: 10 Max. travel distance: 83 ft |
BENEFITS
The Kone Ecospace elevator uses a patented hoisting machine to eliminate the need for a machine room. According to the manufacturer, energy savings of up to 60% compared to hydraulic power and 40% compared to geared systems can be achieved. Neither Blackstone nor Schlesinger Library's elevators require machine rooms or penthouses. However, space for a mechanical room is required by code. Blackstone has a mechanical room with a computerized user interface panel on the wall. This product was named a Building Green GreenSpec Top 10 product in 2004.
CONSIDERATIONS
Elevators without machine rooms are not yet allowed by Massachusetts Code (524 CMR Massachusetts Board of Elevator Regulations), therefore they require a variance. Blackstone and Schlesinger successfully applied for variances. According to Kone, over 100,000 machine room-less elevators are being used worldwide.
INFRASTRUCTURE DETAILS
See the Kone website.
APPLICABLE LEED CREDITS
EAc1: Optimize Energy Performance
EQc4.1-4.4: Low-Emitting Materials
RELEVANT SPEC SECTIONS
Division 14: Conveying Systems (14215 Machine Room-less elevators)
Updated: Friday, March 21, 2008 5:01 PM
