KONE Expands Sustainable Offerings

LISLE, Ill., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- KONE, a leading provider of elevator and escalator equipment and services, further reinforced its environmental leadership today by introducing the next generation Machine Room-Less (MRL), MonoSpace (http://www.kone.com/countries/en_US/Elevators/MonoSpace/Pages/default.aspx) elevator at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Greenbuild 2008 Conference and Expo.

The next generation MonoSpace utilizes the same proven design and technology of the MonoSpace system which was released for sale in 1996; however, the hoisting machine now has two possible configurations; the side and rear of the hoistway. The next generation MonoSpace now allows for the hoisting machine to be placed at the rear of the hoistway further minimizing the space needed for the elevator and optimizing the rentable floor space.

"At KONE, we've long been an industry leader in sustainability," says Vance Tang, KONE EVP and Area Director for Americas. "We are committed to using our knowledge and resources to develop innovative products and services that not only promote eco-efficient building (http://www.kone.com/countries/en_US/sustainability/Pages/default.aspx), but a sustainable living environment. The introduction of the next generation MonoSpace system offers an excellent opportunity to continue to set the bar for the rest of the industry, as we have already done with the introduction of the EcoDisc technology and regenerative drives."

The MonoSpace MRL platform is one of the most environmentally sound elevator concepts in the industry. Developed using KONE's EcoDisc technology, the MonoSpace is a testament to KONE's continued commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable products. KONE's Machine Room-Less elevator consumes 70 percent less energy than a hydraulic elevator and 40 percent less than a geared traction elevator drive, making it the most eco-efficient elevator in the market today.

The introduction comes only a few months after KONE's installation of the 200,000th MRL elevator in March of 2008. KONE is proud to be the company that invented and introduced the innovative MRL elevator solution for building owners. Since its introduction in 1996, the use of MRL solutions has saved as much energy as produced by a typical 250 megawatt power plant. The measure of sustainability of the MRL solution since 1996 is also comparable to saving 2,000,000 barrels of oil and reducing the CO2 emissions of 100,000 cars.

KONE has also developed regenerative drive systems that can recover up to 25 percent of the total energy used by an elevator to be applied in other applications, such as lighting a building.

"KONE truly believes in sustaining the environment," says Tang. "Whether it's our products and services or our internal business processes, as a leader in sustainability we will continue to honor our commitment to make our environment a better place"

For more news or information on KONE products, visit http://www.KONE.com or call 877-276-8691.

About KONE

KONE is one of the world's leading elevator and escalator companies. It provides customers with industry-leading elevators, escalators and innovative solutions for maintenance and modernization. KONE also provides maintenance services for automatic building doors. In 2007, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 4.1 billion and 32,500 employees. Its class B shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd in Finland.

http://www.kone.com

SOURCE KONE

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