On Tuesday 23 September, 2025, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) officially launched the Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT), a professional community dedicated to the design, engineering, installation, and innovation of lifts, escalators, and emerging vertical mobility systems.
This new society is built upon the foundation of the long-standing CIBSE Lifts Group, which has been promoting technical excellence in vertical transportation for many years. The SoVT aims to formalize this legacy by offering a recognized structure for professional membership, specialized continuing professional development (CPD), collaboration opportunities, and international engagement.
The launch of the SoVT coincides with the release of the CIBSE Guide D 2025 – Transportation Systems in Buildings. This internationally recognized reference for vertical transportation professionals covers a wide range of topics, including passenger and goods lifts, escalators, moving walks, lifting platforms, and emerging technologies. The updated guide provides practical advice for design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.
The 2025 edition of the guide introduces a modular, multi-part format that is designed for clarity and usability. It offers comprehensive guidance on interior circulation, human factors and inclusive design, lift traffic planning, and system performance optimization. The guide also covers system components, controls and drive technologies, as well as accessibility and inclusivity considerations, energy efficiency, and environmental performance.
In addition to aligning with current UK legislation, safety codes, and international best practices, the guide is complemented by resources available through the Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT).
Michael Bottomley, Chair of SoVT, stated, “The Lifts Group has been the backbone supporting CIBSE Guide D for the last 30 years. Now, we are proud to see the guide bear 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. It supports all roles involved in moving people through buildings and serves as a professional hub for advancing knowledge, skills, and innovation in vertical transportation.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.