CIBSE Guide D 2025: What Building Owners and Managers Need to Know

Lifts and escalators are part of everyday life, yet ensuring they are safe, reliable and efficient requires continuous attention and expertise. That’s why the launch of the revised CIBSE Guide D 2025 last week is an important for the industry. 

Innovus’ Head of Lift Safety, Alex Powell, attended the launch event in Kettering last week, which also marked the formation of the new Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT). 

Reflecting on the day, Alex said: 
“The knowledge in the room was inspiring, and huge credit goes to those involved in revising and launching Guide D alongside the SoVT. These developments will help shape the landscape of vertical transportation for years to come.” 

What is Guide D? 

Published by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), Guide D is the principal industry reference for lifts, escalators and moving walkways. 

It sets out best practice for the design, operation and maintenance of vertical transportation and covers everything from traffic planning and capacity to safety, accessibility and energy efficiency. 

For building owners and managers, Guide D is significant because it: 

• Provides a clear benchmark for safety and compliance 

• Helps plan upgrades, replacements and long-term investment 

• Supports decision-making that reduces risk and ensures reliability 

The newly launched 2025 edition reflects updated standards, new technology and rising expectations around building safety. 

The role of SoVT 

Alongside the launch of Guide D, the event also introduced the Society of Vertical Transportation (SoVT). The Society aims to promote knowledge sharing, professional standards and stronger collaboration across the sector to help practitioners stay aligned as expectations continue to rise. 

Why this matters for clients 

For those responsible for keeping buildings safe and functional (from residential blocks to commercial and institutional estates) developments such as Guide D provide: 

• Clarity on what “good” looks like in lift and escalator safety 

• Confidence that maintenance and projects are aligned to best practice 

• Reassurance that the industry is moving in step with modern safety expectations 

Innovus welcomes these initiatives as part of our commitment to building safety and to keeping clients informed of the latest developments shaping the sector. 

Alex’s key takeaways 

• Collaboration is key – the new Society of Vertical Transportation offers a valuable platform for sharing expertise. 

• Clarity for clients – the updated Guide D gives clearer direction on standards and best practice. 

• Focus on compliance – expectations continue to rise around safety, reliability and accountability. 

• Forward-looking sector – there is strong momentum towards innovation and higher standards in vertical transportation. 

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