Decarbonising French social housing is a priority for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
The use of gas equipment may seem paradoxical in this context, but there are strategies and solutions to make this use compatible with energy transition objectives.
In 2023, Banque des Territoires carried out an Éclairages study to take stock of the energy mix in low-income housing. Among its conclusions, we note that more than half (55%) of the m² surface area in Hlm housing stock is heated with gas, compared with one-third in unoccupied housing. Existing housing stock therefore needs to be managed in line with targets for reducing GHG emissions.
Individual gas heating:
For individual gas heating, the use of a programmable central thermostat increases savings.
Ademe’s theoretical figure is now widely known. Installing this type of equipment can save up to 15% on heating energy. It is, however, possible to go even further.
Our observation: users don’t program their thermostats enough, if at all. This reality, which our landlord-customers are reporting from the field, can be overcome with our intelligent thermostat solution based on the analysis of user behavior. Eco-Touch controls heating for occupants according to their actual needs. The result: 20 to 25% energy savings. And all with a lightweight installation
Existing gas-fired district heating systems:
It will be difficult to do without gas altogether, especially in urban areas, given the unsustainable investment involved in a switch to all-electricity. Indeed, both distribution and production infrastructures will already have to ensure the supply of IRVE (Infrastructure de Recharge de Véhicule Électrique – Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure).
Alongside GRDF and industrial partners, we are involved in an R&D initiative to provide social landlords with a fine-tuned control solution.
Large new buildings:
Even the Shift Projet think-tank recommends “authorizing gas-fired collective boilers for certain large new buildings (50 dwellings or more) that can prove the absence of alternatives”. Indeed, PAC solutions are less developed for this segment, and alternatives (district heating networks, biomass) are not always available or suitable. Here, too, our Eco-Touch (smart thermostat) and Eco-Heating (solutions for connected boiler rooms) solutions are a step towards greater decarbonization
To sum up:
The idea that decarbonization will only be achieved through all-out electrification and load shedding mechanisms needs to be refined. The number of gas-fired buildings is considerable, so we need to reduce their impact and better control consumption with innovative, efficient solutions.
