CIBSE launches new Society of Vertical Transportation to elevate standards worldwide

CIBSE announced the official launch of the Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT), an international professional community for individuals and organisations working across the design, engineering, installation and innovation of lifts, escalators and emerging vertical mobility systems.

The SoVT builds on the legacy of the well-established CIBSE Lifts Group, which has supported technical excellence in vertical transportation for decades. The new society formalises this foundation, offering a recognised structure for professional membership, specialist continuing professional development (CPD), collaboration and international engagement.

The launch coincides with the release of the CIBSE Guide D 2025 – Transportation Systems in Buildings, an internationally recognised reference for vertical transportation professionals. Covering passenger and goods lifts, escalators, moving walks, lifting platforms and emerging technologies, the updated guide offers practical advice for design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.

The 2025 edition introduces a modular, multi-part format designed for clarity and usability, providing comprehensive guidance on interior circulation, human factors and inclusive design, as well as lift traffic planning and system performance optimisation. It covers system components, controls and drive technologies, alongside accessibility and inclusivity considerations, energy efficiency and environmental performance.

The guide aligns with current UK legislation, safety codes and international best practice, and is complemented by resources available through the Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT).

“The Lifts Group has for the last 30 years been the backbone supporting CIBSE Guide D,” said Michael Bottomley, Chair of SoVT. “Now the guide proudly bears the name and logo of the Society of Vertical Transportation. Our ambition is to become the worldwide hub for vertical transportation technology and education. Through CPD seminars and international engagement, we aim to educate, mentor and support professionals at every stage of their careers.”

The Society of Vertical Transportation provides pathways to recognition, development, and collaboration across the global built environment. Supporting all roles involved in moving people through buildings, the SoVT serves as a professional hub for advancing knowledge, skills, and innovation in vertical transportation.