Context:
Paris is utilizing an underground cooling system that employs water from the Seine River to cool over 800 buildings, including iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum and the French Parliament.

About the Seine River:

• Origin: The Seine River originates from the Langres Plateau in northeastern France.
• Length: Approximately 777 kilometers long.
• Major Tributaries: Aube, Marne, Yonne, Oise, and Eure rivers.
• Navigability: The river is navigable for about 560 kilometers, supporting both commercial and recreational transport.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The banks of the Seine in Paris were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Underground Cooling System:
Since 1991, Paris has operated an underground cooling network that uses water from the Seine River to regulate temperatures in buildings across the city. The system currently spans over 110 kilometers of subterranean pipes and serves more than 800 buildings, including museums, offices, and government institutions. The water is chilled in underground stations and circulated through buildings via heat exchangers, providing an energy-efficient alternative to traditional air conditioning.

Environmental Benefits:
This system offers several environmental advantages:

• Reduced Carbon Emissions: By decreasing reliance on individual air conditioning units, the system helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and refrigerant leakage.
• Energy Efficiency: The centralized cooling approach reduces overall energy consumption compared to decentralized air conditioning systems.
• Water Conservation: Utilizing river water for cooling purposes helps conserve potable water resources.

Expansion Plans:
To address increasing temperatures and growing energy demands, Paris plans to expand the cooling network. The goal is to triple the network's length to approximately 250 kilometers by 2042, extending services to additional buildings, including hospitals, schools, and retirement homes.

Conclusion:
Paris's innovative use of the Seine River for an underground cooling system exemplifies a sustainable approach to urban climate adaptation. By leveraging natural resources and investing in infrastructure, the city is enhancing resilience against heatwaves while reducing environmental impact.