FAIN Ireland has launched ION Green, a new lift system combining ultra-low energy consumption with regenerative technology designed to remove the electrical and structural barriers that have traditionally made lift installation prohibitive in existing buildings across Ireland, as reported by Engineers Ireland.

ION Green operates from a standard single-phase 230V electrical supply without requiring an increase in contracted power in most buildings, addressing one of the primary cost barriers to retrofit lift installation in apartment blocks, office buildings, healthcare facilities, schools, and older residential properties.

The system captures and reuses energy generated during operation using technology comparable to the Kinetic Energy Recovery System found in Formula One racing cars. Energy produced during braking and descent is stored and redeployed, resulting in a lift that consumes approximately 400 watts during operation, delivering energy savings of up to 96% compared with hydraulic lifts and more than 80% compared with conventional electric lift systems. The product achieves the highest energy classification under the ISO 25745 standard.

ION Green uses recyclable materials, eliminates the need for hydraulic oils, and reduces maintenance requirements. Integrated battery technology enables the lift to continue operating for more than 100 journeys during a power outage, maintaining accessibility and reducing the risk of passengers becoming trapped.

Safety features include automatic emergency evacuation, firefighter operating modes, and continuous remote monitoring through FAIN 360°, the company's connected maintenance platform, which enables real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance. A video assistance feature allows passengers to view a live feed of the technician managing any breakdown incident, with particular benefit for those with hearing impairments.

Michael Kelly, general manager of FAIN Ireland, said: "Across Ireland, thousands of buildings would benefit from improved accessibility, but too often lift projects are delayed or abandoned because of electrical requirements, construction complexity or ongoing operating costs. ION Green changes that equation entirely. It has been designed to remove many of those barriers while dramatically reducing energy consumption, making modern lift technology accessible to far more buildings."

ION Green forms part of FAIN Group's wider ION platform and can be integrated with solar photovoltaic technology through the company's ION Solar solution, allowing building owners to further reduce energy consumption as part of broader sustainability programmes.