Lift Report

The discussion about climate change and energy consumption – both in the political realm and society as a whole – is becoming more intense virtually every day. One nightmarish scenario follows hot on the heels of the next and there are repeated calls for quick and comprehensive action. The expectation here is not only that government respond but also that every individual make his or her own personal contribution to reducing energy demand.

The 2008 ELA annual Conference was held at the Meridian Hotel in Budapest, this year’s event was titled “Lift Modernization for the 21 Century”. The conference was attended by 100+ delegates which was above expectation. Amongst the delegates were; Joaquin Calvo Basaran from the European Commission, DG for Enterprise; Yuri Radin and Lev Volf-Trop from Russia and a number of local government officials from Hungary. As would be expected there were also many Lift Association representatives from all over the community along with Code specialists, Company lawyers and The Trade Press.

Athens, the capital of Greece, was populated around 5000 years ago. Of all the country’s cities, it is the most heavily populated and the largest in terms of surface area. This includes the whole of the greater metropolitan region of Athens rather than just the relatively small community which inhabits the city centre. Because of its cultural heritage, and because of its pivotal role as a turntable for traffic to and from the countless Greek islands through its Piräus sea port and newly constructed international airport, Athens is high up among the continent’s most frequently visited metropolises. Athens is also Greece’s most important economic, cultural and educational centre by a wide margin.

The summer Olympic Games are to take place in China for the first time this year. The capital city of Beijing, where the majority of the competitions will take place, is thus hard at work putting on the final touches. This is quite apparent to visitors right from arrival at Beijing’s International Airport.