CIBSE Launches SoVT

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the international professional body headquartered in London, U.K., has announced the official launch of the Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT), an international professional community for individuals and organizations 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. The new society formalizes this foundation, offering a recognized structure for professional membership, specialist continuing professional development, collaboration and international engagement. The launch coincides with the release of the CIBSE Guide D 2025 – Transportation Systems in Buildings, an internationally recognized 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 optimization. It covers system components, controls and drive technologies, alongside accessibility and inclusivity considerations, energy efficiency and environmental performance. The guide aligns with current U.K. legislation, safety codes and international best practice, and is complemented by resources available through the SoVT.