Smart heating system using energy monitoring and wireless sensors
About this good practice
Owning approximately 3,500 public buildings, the City of Paris is one of the largest energy consumers. To meet the ambitious targets of the Paris Climate Plan for 2050, the city has committed to exemplary measures focusing on its building stock, where heating accounts for 70% of total energy use. Paris is actively driving innovation to minimize its carbon footprint by investing in heating upgrades aimed at decarbonisation, promoting renewable energy, minimizing energy consumption through efficiency improvements, better control of production and distribution, and implementing an energy sobriety plan.
The initiative began with City Hall, a historic monument spanning 55,000 square metres. It includes offices, meeting, and conference rooms, with an annual energy consumption of 159 kWh per square metre, 65% of which is heating. Around 30% of Parisian buildings are connected to the urban heating network, including City Hall, which is linked to the City Freshness system in its basements. The district heating system comprises 21 networks using historic low-pressure steam distribution technology.
Since 2022, about 100 wireless temperature sensors have been installed in City Hall, integrated into the building’s network automation system. This monitoring solution enables rapid and precise remote control of heating, tailoring demands to each room’s thermal characteristics.
Resources needed
The full implementation of the heating system at the City Council, including connected laptops, mobile supervision, new electric boxes, and optical fibre installation, cost €250,000 (tax included). Around 40 person-days were required, mainly due to the complexity of City Hall.
Evidence of success
The supervision enables real-time remote monitoring and immediate alerts before occupants report discomfort. Wireless probes allow quick diagnostics and precise room-by-room heating control to maximize savings. Since implementation, no complaints have been recorded, and temperatures are better standardized. The 2022-2023 heating season saw a 14% climate-adjusted energy saving, attributed equally to the supervision system and sobriety plan. Paris plans to connect 1,300 public sites by 2026.
Potential for learning or transfer
First, this innovation sets an example and shows a municipality commitment to meet its goals on its own stock.
Second, it is replicable and particularly suited for buildings that have an in-house team to manage heating systems. It also requires qualified labor in monitoring, remote control of heating production equipment and maintenance. At last, it requires a gradual adoption by the users, specifically the employees, particularly in regulating and programming the equipment.
Third, it is intended to be innovative as it combines the development of renewable energy with a monitoring system aimed at optimizing energy consumption.
Fourthly, this system requires a reasonable investment that would be recouped fairly quickly. Indeed, energy savings are estimated at 7% when the system is implemented.
Good practice owner
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