8 Ways KONE Is Transforming Urban Growth in the Philippines with Future-Ready Elevators and Escalators

KONE, a global leader in elevators and escalators, is stepping up its commitment to the Philippines with solutions designed to modernize buildings, extend infrastructure lifespans, and cut carbon emissions.

At its KONEct 2025 event in Manila, the company unveiled cutting-edge technologies and strategies that promise to make Filipino cities more sustainable, resilient, and efficient.

Here’s how KONE is shaping the future of urban living.

1. Full Lifecycle Building Support
KONE is expanding its role from just providing elevators and escalators to supporting buildings throughout their lifecycle. From construction and modernization to long-term maintenance, developers and property owners can optimize building operations while extending asset life and reducing unnecessary replacements.

2. Modernization Over Demolition
With 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already standing, KONE emphasizes upgrading existing structures rather than tearing them down. Modular upgrades, data-driven planning, and condition-based maintenance allow buildings in dense cities like Metro Manila and Cebu to improve performance without generating massive waste.

3. Energy-Efficient High-Rise Elevators
The KONE High-Rise MiniSpace™ DX elevator made its Philippine debut at KONEct 2025. Designed for buildings over 150 meters, it combines compact design with energy-saving technologies, including the UltraRope® hoisting system. Daily energy consumption drops by up to 30%, while replacing older systems can save up to 70%.

4. Reducing Carbon Emissions
Buildings contribute nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, with operations accounting for two-thirds. KONE’s solutions reduce emissions through carbon-neutral systems, regenerative drives, and gearless motors. Remote diagnostics cut technician travel and associated emissions, supporting the Philippines’ target of reducing greenhouse gases by 75% by 2030.

5. AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance
KONE 24/7 Connect leverages AI-based analytics to monitor elevator performance, predict maintenance needs, and minimize downtime. This smart approach enhances safety, ensures smooth operations, and provides a better user experience for building occupants.

6. Compact, Retrofittable Designs
Urban space is limited, but KONE’s High-Rise MiniSpace™ DX fits seamlessly into dense environments. Its small machine-room footprint makes retrofitting older buildings easier, while advanced destination control systems optimize people flow and cut wait times.

7. Preserving Building Value
Modernization packages allow key components such as guide rails and counterweights to remain in use. This approach cuts embodied carbon emissions by 78% and avoids unnecessary full-system replacements, saving money and reducing environmental impact.

8. Supporting Smart, Sustainable Cities
Anchored in KONE’s global Rise strategy for 2025–2030, the company integrates smart solutions for construction, maintenance, and modernization. By enabling low-carbon, resilient infrastructure, KONE contributes to safer, more efficient, and climate-conscious urban growth in the Philippines.

KONE’s innovations show that sustainable city development isn’t just about new buildings—it’s about rethinking how existing spaces can evolve efficiently.