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The Society will bring together expertise from across the sector to drive forward best practice, safety, and innovation worldwide.
CIBSE has officially launched 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).
Michael Bottomley, Chair of SoVT said: “The Lifts Group has for the last 30 years been the backbone supporting CIBSE Guide D. 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.
Facilities & Estates Management Live will open its doors on 7th and 8th October at the Business Design Centre in London.
Brought to you by the people behind the Facilities Management Journal (FMJ), visitors can tour the exhibition stands featuring some of the leading FM service providers & product suppliers as well as enjoy a lively seminar programme.
There are two concurrent speaking schedules at the show: A series of KEYNOTE talks from thought leaders in FM and the built environment and a series of INNOVATION presentations from key suppliers in the market.
The programmes have been compiled by FMJ in consultation with members of the FMJ editorial steering group who represent client side FMs from a range of sectors, including public sector, not for profit, professional services and healthcare.
Securing your free pass and fast entry to the show couldn’t be easier, simply click here.
