The Elevator Federation unveils its roadmap and figures for the 2023 sector

Promoting a sector of the future, societal responsibility marked by social and professional inclusion, and environmental responsibility resolutely oriented towards the reuse and renovation of the park: these are the main axes in the short and medium term.

This meeting was also the occasion for a passing of the torch between Philippe Boué and Olivier Rouvière, now the new President of the Elevator Federation. Following on from his predecessor, the latter therefore opened this new mandate with his ambitions to:

• Promote the know-how of the sector;
• Respond effectively to environmental and societal challenges;
• Become increasingly committed to the security and reliability of vertical mobility and inclusion equipment;
• And actively participate in public and institutional debates.

2023 figures for the sector

In a context of a significant slowdown in construction in France, and an unprecedented housing crisis, the Profession presented a mostly positive assessment, driven by its capacity for resilience and the maintenance of its dynamism.

• A turnover of 2,8 billion euros (+ 5,6% compared to 2022)
• A fleet of 645.000 devices in operation, with a sales volume of new devices of 11.000 units (- 9% compared to 2022)
• Beyond that, the complete device replacement activity is maintained but at a low level (2.880 devices, or +1% in this segment), and a turnover in terms of modernization sales at 261 million euros. (+3,6%)
• A stable workforce of 17.200 employees, 70% of whom are field workers dedicated to park maintenance

It is in this context that the Federation recalls the state of the park in France, under-equipped and dilapidated. Our country is lagging significantly behind its European neighbors: 9 elevators per 1.000 inhabitants in France compared to 22 per 1.000 in Spain, 17 per 1.000 in Italy, the European average being 11 per 1.000. In addition, 50% of existing devices are over 30 years old and 25% are over 40 years old. However, renovation is considered important and a priority for 94% of French people, according to the latest IPSOS barometer “The French and the elevator”.

The Federation and its new President Olivier Rouvière will present before this summer, 10 proposals from a brand new Manifesto, to respond to the 2 major challenges of our society: energy and demographics.

CSR at the heart of the news and innovations of the Profession

With 100 million trips made every day in France, the elevator is proving to be a valuable ally in meeting the challenges of our society. Climate change, demographic pressure, (r)evolution of lifestyles and habitats, ever-increasing expectations of the French for easier mobility for all... More than a simple device, the elevator is a solution. This is why the Federation of Elevators will share in a few weeks "its solutions to make the elevator an architect of social ties, the guardian of accessibility, an actor in the ecological transition, a driver of innovation and economic development”, as Olivier Rouvière points out.

And to go further: “In continuation of the work carried out for 3 years by my predecessor Philippe Boué, I would like to recall the urgency of renovating the park, equipping public spaces and housing to effectively support all ages. and in every situation in life where accessibility is essential, even vital. There is no city without elevators. There will be no city of tomorrow without verticality. Adapt, encourage and facilitate, these are the key words of a very concrete roadmap. To do this, we will, in our next Manifesto, present the 10 proposals of the Profession, broken down into 3 themes:

• Societal: The renovation of elevators, a pillar of universal accessibility and mobility.
• Environmental: The renovation of elevators, a pillar of efficiency and sustainability.
• Professional, in line with our training to be an elevator operator: A sector of the future serving a more sustainable society.

And our agenda has also adapted to this ambition, with a 2024 edition of the Elevator Trophies placed under a new sign and its 6 categories redesigned to better respond to current events in the profession linked to CSR, including 2 distinct from now on: one dedicated to environmental responsibility (energy, eco-responsibility, reduction of the carbon footprint), and another dedicated to social responsibility (integration, inclusion, recruitment, training, retraining, feminization of the sector). The call for application(s) has just started, and will mark a new turning point in the recognition of customer-member duos, of our professional, construction site and human know-how, through the daily user benefits, the support of life course, social inclusion and professional integration! »

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.