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KONE 2013 | CORPOR ATE RESPONSIBILIT Y REPORT
MEGATRENDS AND OUR SOLUTIONS
9
Our industry is driven by four
megatrends
The global elevator and escalator
industry is driven by four megatrends:
urbanization, demographic change,
the increasing importance of safety
and the concern for the environment.
KONE contributes to sustainable
urban development by developing
energy-efficient solutions that move
people smoothly and safely in urban
environments.
ENVIRONMENT
The demand for energy-
efficient solutions for
moving people in and
between buildings is driven
by voluntary sustainability
ratings and national
green building ratings.
These are becoming
more common and are of
increasing importance to
our customers. Sustainable
urban building refers to
building practices that
improve energy efficiency,
use sustainable materials
and reduce a building’s
negative impacts on
human health and the
environment.
Read more on p. 20–31.
URBANIZATION
Urbanization is an
important megatrend
within the global elevator
and escalator industry. It is
expected to drive demand
for years to come. For the
first time in history, an
equal number of people
live in urban and rural
areas. The concentration
of people in urban areas
increases the importance
of moving them efficiently
from one point to another.
The growth of urban
areas is most evident in
Asia, where long-term
population growth and
migration from rural
communities is expected to
continue.
Read more on p. 10–11.
DEMOGRAPHIC
CHANGE
The global demographic
structure is changing.
Economic growth translates
into higher standards of
living for a larger part of
the world’s population. The
number of people classified
as middle-income earners
is expected to grow by 2.7
billion by 2030. Middle-
income earners expect
more spacious and better-
equipped apartments,
which drives higher
demand for elevators.
The world’s population
is also aging at an
unprecedented rate.
The growing number of
older people raises the
importance of accessibility
in buildings and urban
infrastructure.
Read more on p. 10–11.
SAFETY
Urban infrastructure
systems in certain markets
are aging. National and
international safety codes
and standards play a key
role in determining the
safety level of elevators
and escalators. Particularly
in Europe, many countries
have adopted strict
standards for safety and
modernization in recent
years.
Millions of people use
elevators and escalators
every day, and our top
priority is to keep them
safe.
Read more on p. 36–39.