Reducing elevator energy use: A comparison of posted feedback and reduced elevator convenience

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Behavioral Science
• Engineering

Background:

• Elevator energy consumption is a significant factor in building operational costs and environmental impact.
• Previous interventions like feedback and signage have shown limited success in reducing energy use.
• Behavioral strategies are being explored to promote energy conservation in building systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of two distinct procedures for reducing elevator energy consumption.
• To assess the impact of feedback, educational signage, and door-closing delays on energy use.
• To investigate the long-term effects and user acceptance of energy-saving interventions.

Main Methods:

• A multiple-baseline design was employed to assess intervention effects.
• Procedure 1 involved posting energy consumption feedback and health/energy-saving signs.
• Procedure 2 introduced a delay to the elevator door closing mechanism.

Main Results:

• Neither energy feedback nor educational signs significantly reduced elevator energy consumption.
• Implementing a delay in elevator door closing reduced energy consumption by one-third.
• The door delay also decreased the number of passengers using the elevator.
• Gradual reduction of the delay interval maintained energy savings.

Conclusions:

• Modifying elevator operational parameters, specifically door-closing delays, is an effective strategy for energy conservation.
• Behavioral interventions like feedback and signage are less effective than operational changes.
• Reduced convenience through door delays can lead to substantial energy savings and is a viable conservation strategy.