Sontay is helping to create the right climate at the new Incity Tower building in Lyon, France thanks to the recent installation of sensor and measurement devices combined with Distech Controls’ products.

The skyscraper office, which peaks at 200m will be the first large-scale building, encompassing 40,000m², to achieve HQE (High Environmental Quality) certification in a city centre in France. After its inauguration in October 2015, the Incity skyscraper will be the highest tower in Lyon, the third tallest in France. Designed for the well-being of the user, it emphasises natural light and 90% of offices are lit by daylight. It is one of the first high-rise constructions with BBC (Low Consumption Building) energy certification and a BREEAM® Excellent (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) rating. 

Working with Distech Controls, an innovation leader in energy management solutions, Sontay provided 240 of its GS-CO2-D carbon dioxide sensors, which were installed by local system integrator Iris Regulation. For a building of Incity Tower’s size required a scalable and modular Building Management System (BMS) that could be easily adapted to the needs of the occupants. A BACnet system was chosen to allow all HVAC equipment to work together seamlessly and in the most efficient way. 

The GS-CO2-D duct mounted carbon dioxide sensors from Sontay were chosen for their reliability and accuracy. The sensor range uses a non-dispersive infrared sensor for measuring CO2 concentrations, utilising microprocessor based electronics and a unique self-calibration algorithm to improve long-term stability and accuracy. The GS-CO2-D provides real-time detection of CO2 levels and offers a three-colour ‘traffic light’ LED system to report levels on the device. 

The sensor was installed to ensure there was adequate ventilation within the building while maximizing energy savings by ventilating at the optimum level. This aspect of the devices makes them ideal for all types of ventilation in commercial buildings, industrial plants, laboratories and public spaces, such as schools. 

(Image credit: Valode and Pistre Architectes)