CIBSE Launches Society of Vertical Transportation to Advance Professional Community
London, Tuesday 23 September, 2025 – The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has officially launched the Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT), a professional community dedicated to elevating the design, engineering, installation, and innovation of lifts, escalators, and emerging vertical mobility systems.
The newly formed SoVT builds upon the strong foundation of the well-established CIBSE Lifts Group, which has been supporting technical excellence in vertical transportation for decades. The society offers a structured framework for professional membership, specialist continuing professional development (CPD), collaboration, and international engagement.
The launch of SoVT coincides with the release of the highly-anticipated CIBSE Guide D 2025 – Transportation Systems in Buildings. This internationally recognized reference for vertical transportation professionals covers all aspects of passenger and goods lifts, escalators, moving walks, lifting platforms, and emerging technologies. The guide offers practical advice for design, installation, commissioning, operation, and maintenance.
The new 2025 edition of the guide features a modular, multi-part format designed for clarity and usability. It provides comprehensive guidance on interior circulation, human factors, and inclusive design, as well as lift traffic planning and system performance optimization. The guide covers system components, controls, and drive technologies, along with considerations for accessibility, inclusivity, energy efficiency, and environmental performance.
Aligned with current UK legislation, safety codes, and international best practices, the guide is further complemented by resources available through the Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT).
“The Lifts Group has been the backbone of CIBSE Guide D for the last 30 years,” said Michael Bottomley, Chair of SoVT. “Now, with the guide proudly bearing the name and logo of the Society of Vertical Transportation, our ambition is to become the global 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.
For more information on the Society of Vertical Transportation and the latest edition of CIBSE Guide D 2025, please visit https://pressat.co.uk/.
