The UK Government set an objective to halve the energy use of new buildings by 2030. It’s widely accepted in the industry that elevators represent between three to seven per cent of a building’s energy consumption, so the use of regeneration to improve the energy effi ciency of elevators and escalators can play a part in achieving these targets. Here Brian Preston, general manager at elevator drive specialist CP Automation explores how regenerative braking systems can improve lift effi ciency and help building owners enjoy signifi cant benefi ts. In most lifts, the counterweight is sized such that if a half load is placed in the cabin, and the mechanical brake is lifted, the lift doesn’t move. The counterweight is heavier than the cabin so, for example, with an empty lift cabin travelling up, the motor would overhaul and push energy backwards. Similarly, if the cabin is at full load and travelling downwards, it will be heavier than the counterweight — again, overhauling the motor.