Gold Standard’s new methodology: Energy-saving through Elevator Regenerative Power System Implementation

On Monday, April 7, 2025, Gold Standard approved and announced the application of a new methodology: Energy-Saving through Elevator Regenerative Power System Implementation, that would be intended to reduce emissions from elevators through the capture and reuse of regenerative energy. Typically, elevators account for between 2% and 10% of a building's total energy consumption; however, during peak periods, usage can rise to as much as 50%, depending on factors such as building height and occupancy patterns.

This new methodology was developed by a Taiwanese company APh ePower , which has been active in supporting businesses and developing voluntary carbon reduction initiatives, as well as participating in international carbon credit programs. The approach enables the installation or adaptation of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) in both passenger and freight elevators.

The system functions by capturing kinetic energy typically lost during standard elevator operation and reusing it to power elevators or other building systems. This results in a reduction in conventional energy use, while also contributing to lower carbon emissions, particularly during high-traffic periods. The methodology applies to elevators equipped with regenerative energy storage and distribution capabilities, and it leverages the elevator’s potential for energy recovery to reduce emissions.

This approach integrates both a Battery Management System (BMS) and an Energy Management System (EMS) to ensure efficient control and dispatch of energy from elevators to the broader building infrastructure.

According to Gold Standard documentation, the methodology includes a financial viability assessment that emphasizes the role of carbon credit revenues in offsetting upfront costs. It establishes a Penetration Rate benchmark of 20% as a validation metric for adoption. The methodology also outlines Emissions Quantification procedures and specifies Monitoring Requirements for accurate data collection. Furthermore, it addresses Uncertainty Management and details the process for Crediting Period Renewal.

Monitoring guidelines cover CO₂ emissions, electricity usage, the number of elevators, and regenerative electricity generation. The methodology places strong emphasis on quality assurance to ensure compliance and reliability in emission calculations.

The methodology is applicable to elevators powered by both renewable and non-renewable energy sources, regardless of whether they are connected to the grid or rely on self-owned energy systems. It has undergone technical review and validation and is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13.

The document outlines the baseline scenario for existing elevator technologies and describes the methodology’s applicability in two areas:

• New elevators: installing new elevators equipped with ESS within the defined activity boundary or replacing existing elevators with new models that incorporate ESS.
• Retrofitting: equipping existing elevators with ESS, which involve retrofitting older elevators or renovating them to enhance their energy efficiency.

Monitoring the methodology is crucial to ensure its accuracy, reliability, and effectiveness in achieving the desired outcome. In addition, the integrity of the data collected for evaluating the performance of Elevator Regenerative Power Systems (ERPS).The document proposes:

1. Monitoring Data and Information Requirements.
   The standard focuses on the accuracy of measuring equipment. The project developer must include calibration details in the PDD/VPA-DD. Electricity consumption data can be rounded to one decimal place for most devices, but for mechanical meters, whole numbers can be used if rounding is not possible.
2. Data and Parameters Monitored.
   The data collected will cover elevator energy use (both yearly and monthly), elevator units, and regenerative electricity. Systems such as EMS or similar tools are important for gathering and managing this data effectively.
   1. Each elevator's electricity consumption must be independently quantified using electricity meters or equivalent measuring devices.
   2. The data should be sourced from electricity meter monitoring, Energy Management Systems (EMS), or other equivalent devices. If independent measuring devices are unavailable, formula calculations may be used.
   3. The monitoring devices must comply with regional or national specifications and regulations, including calibration frequency, to guarantee data accuracy and prevent manipulation.
   4. The monitored data should include annual and monthly elevator energy consumption, the number of elevators, and regenerative electricity produced during the project crediting period
3. General Requirements for Quality Assurance and Quality Control.
   The project developer must measure the project's electricity consumption in compliance with standards and regulations. The PDD/VPA-DD must disclose the data selection process, equipment used and quality assurance. Independent metering devices must monitor electricity consumption without interruption, with details such as product specifications, maintenance records and device information documented in the PDD/VPA-DD.

Lastly, compliance with relevant national or international regulations governing elevator operations will be assessed. The project must demonstrate that the proposed activity is not legally mandated or undertaken due to legal obligations, such as binding agreements, covenants, decrees, or contracts with governmental or private entities.