In a couple of days, we celebrate #NoElevatorsDay 2025, our international initiative encouraging everyone to #UseTheStairs instead of the elevator. This simple yet powerful act promotes physical activity and mental wellbeing.

Last year, almost 68,000 people took part in #NoElevatorsDay across the globe, demonstrating that even simple activities can have a significant impact. From workplaces to universities, participants embraced the challenge.

This year, we are looking forward to seeing how participants #UseTheStairs once again. Every individual who chooses the stairs contributes not only to their own health, but also a more sustainable future.

Why take the stairs?
Choosing the stairs offers a wide range of benefits:

• Improved Physical Health: Stair climbing is an excellent cardiovascular exercise. It strengthens the muscles and burns significantly more calories than taking the elevator.
• Enhanced Mental Wellbeing: Physical activity, even in short bursts, has been shown to reduce stress,increase energy levels and strengthen mental wellbeing. Taking the stairs can provide a valuable #BrainBreak during a busy day.
• Environmental Impact: Elevators consume considerable amounts of electricity. By choosing the stairs, we help reduce energy consumption and, in turn, contribute to lowering carbon emissions. A small but meaningful step towards a greener planet.
• Time Efficiency: In many cases, particularly for short distances, taking the stairs is faster than waiting for and using the elevator, especially during busy periods.  Are you not convinced? Watch our race between the stairs and the elevator!

How to get involved
Participation in #NoElevatorsDay is simple. Register your event on our website. Use our resources. Encourage colleagues, friends, and family to take the stairs. And share your efforts on social media by tagging NowWeMove, #NoElevatorsDay, and #UseTheStairs and with ISCA's Communication Consultant Kasper Bøgsted Kristensen on kbk@isca-web.org.

Whether you are climbing just a few flights or committing to a day without elevators, your participation matters. Together, we can promote healthier lifestyles, raise environmental awareness, and inspire others to take that first step - quite literally - towards a better future.