by Shane Henson — February 6, 2013—Machine-room-less (MRL) elevators in the Americas exceeded hydraulic elevators by more than $160 million in 2012 with revenues of $1.4 billion, according to a recent study published by IMS Research, a division of IHS Inc. that provides market research and consultancy to the global electronics industry.
According to the IMS Research report on the study, titled The World Market for Elevators and Escalators, growth for MRL elevators would be faster if not for a sizeable portion of the industry still considering hydraulic elevators as being a more cost-effective solution for low- to mid-rise applications.
However, despite a higher average selling price—often more than double the price of hydraulic— MRL not only offers 50 to 75 percent more energy efficiency but also removes the need to construct a machine room, explains IMS Research. This trend alone has attracted a new breed of building owners looking to invest in energy-efficient building solutions such as lighting, insulation and elevators to keep energy costs down.
Conserving energy consumption in these elements is also considered when assessing a building’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, which allows approved buildings to qualify for tax rebates and zoning allowances. The trend to build more energy-efficient LEED-accredited buildings is another key driver for MRL elevators, says IMS Research.
