Barrhead Housing is expanding its smart homes programme thanks to new funding from Glasgow City Region’s 5G Innovation Region (Smart & Connected Social Places) initiative.
Building on the success of an initial pilot project, the extended project will see sensor technology installed in 28 further homes across East Renfrewshire.
Installed in partnership with Aico and MCN, the smart sensors track real-time energy use, identify inefficiencies and provide tenants with insights via a user-friendly portal. The project is helping to tackle fuel poverty and improve tenant wellbeing, with tenants reporting significant improvements in comfort and peace of mind.
One tenant said, “The sensor lets me stay on top of things because I know when to open a window or check my heating.” Another tenant said, “I’ve saved money and I’m less stressed – it’s been life changing.”
Scott Stewart, director of assets and communities, Barrhead Housing, said: “The sensor installation project is a transformative initiative, demonstrating the potential of smart technology to tackle fuel poverty, enhance tenant wellbeing and inform strategic energy decisions.
“Despite funding and technical challenges, the partnership between Barrhead Housing, Aico and MCN has delivered a repeatable, scalable model for digitally-connected, energy-efficient social housing while improving tenants’ health and wellbeing.”
The second phase introduces new capabilities including void detection, damp prevention and enhanced energy efficiency. It will also support the development of a scalable model for wider IoT deployment across all of Barrhead Housing’s homes.
Barry McNally, lead consultant, Glasgow City Region Smart & Connected Social Places, said, “This project is a great example of how digital innovation can improve lives. Through the Smart & Connected Social Places programme, we’re supporting partners such as Barrhead Housing to use data and technology to keep people safe and well in their homes.”
