Otis Elevator Company Launches End-to-End Environmental Commitment

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FARMINGTON, Conn., Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis Elevator Company, a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX), today announced a major global environmental program, The Way to Green™, which spans every aspect of its operations, from design and manufacturing to products and end-of-life recycling. Designed to significantly enhance the company's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, The Way to Green encompasses improved products and services that reduce energy consumption and offer optimum performance, as well as energy-saving manufacturing processes that help reduce the company's carbon footprint. The Way to Green will constantly encourage environmental awareness among Otis' 60,000 global employees, while also spurring the company's vast network of suppliers and customers to embrace environmentally sensitive practices.

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"As a worldwide leader, Otis has been working hard to establish a direction for our industry that preserves the planet for future generations," said Didier Michaud-Daniel, president of Otis Elevator Company. "We have introduced energy-efficient products and established two sustainable manufacturing sites, while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. Today, we underscore Otis' steadfast commitment to show customers and suppliers The Way To Green by continuing to set aggressive goals, maintain our innovative edge and foster a strong culture of continuous improvement and efficiency."

As a multi-faceted, 'end-to-end' initiative, The Way to Green integrates and builds upon the company's significant accomplishments to date, which include:

Products and services

• The award-winning line of Gen2® elevator systems featuring ReGen™ drives reduce energy consumption by up to 75 percent compared to conventional systems with non-regenerative drives.  Under the prestigious European VDI 4707 standards, which assess elevator energy performance, the combined energy efficiency rating across the full range of Gen2 systems with standard configurations is class A, the highest rating possible.  Verein Deutscher Ingenieure VDI (The Association of German Engineers) established its 4707 standards to assess elevator energy performance.  
• The Gen2 system's coated steel belts and machine require no additional lubrication, eliminating the need for storage, cleanup and disposal of hazardous waste.  
• LED illumination is now standard on Gen2 systems and lasts up to 10 times longer than conventional fluorescent lamps.  In addition, the advanced, automatic switch-off mode makes the lighting up to 80 percent more efficient than conventional options.    
• On Otis escalators and moving walkways, optional ReGen drives reduce energy consumption by up to 60 percent, an efficient automatic lubrication system reduces annual oil usage by up to 98 percent versus conventional systems, and LED lighting options are up to 30 percent more energy efficient.    
• In maintaining its service portfolio of 1.7 million units worldwide, Otis proactively audits all operations, monitoring vehicle fleets, and optimizing service routes. This has enabled Otis to reduce worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by 12 percent from 2006 to 2010.  Recycling, safe waste removal and environmentally friendly cleaners are also incorporated in all Otis' operations worldwide.  

Operations and manufacturing

• Otis implements processes that recycle 97 percent of industrial waste produced by Otis facilities.
• The Otis manufacturing facility in Madrid uses solar panels to generate about 60 percent of the site's energy needs.
• The Otis TEDA Manufacturing Center in China has achieved Gold-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.  Advanced technologies in use at this location reduce energy usage by at least 25 percent compared to conventional design and manufacturing methods.
• By incorporating more efficient vehicles, by "right-sizing" vehicles to the job being performed and by launching innovative training programs focused on reducing fuel consumption, Otis has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from the company's transportation fleets by 11 percent.
• Otis facilities have reduced water consumption by 12 percent by optimizing conservations through rainfall collection, recycling and the use of water-efficient fixtures.
• As a unit of United Technologies, Otis will take part in the corporation's voluntary pledge to reduce energy intensity by 25 percent over the next decade. This commitment was made through the U.S. Department of Energy's Save Energy Now LEADER program.

More than 200,000 Gen2 elevator systems, covering a wide range of applications, have been sold to date, making it the fastest selling product in Otis company history. Notable installments of the system include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building) and Shanghai World Financial Center.

"Otis' global presence and growth will enable The Way to Green to generate immediate and continuing environmental benefits for the thousands of markets we serve," explained Michaud-Daniel. "Working with our employees, suppliers and customers, we look forward to continuously improving our environmental technologies and practices in the years to come."

About Otis Elevator Company

Otis Elevator Company is the world's largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products including elevators, escalators and moving walkways. With headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut, Otis employs 60,000 people, offers products and services in more than 200 countries and territories and maintains over 1.7 million elevators and escalators worldwide. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries.

SOURCE Otis Elevator Company