Glasgow City Council has implemented a pilot scheme for the use of internet of things (IoT) sensors in the maintenance of social housing.
It has been working with IoT technology company North and two registered social landlords (RSLs) – West of Scotland Housing Association and Southside Housing Association – to provide 30 homes with Tempus sensors to monitor temperature and humidity levels.
They will share real time data through the IoT Scotland network, managed by North, to record and analyse readings every 30 minutes. This will support the council and RSLs in proactively taking steps to minimise potential problems such as damp and mould in the properties.
The step has been taken as part of Glasgow’s Digital Housing Strategy, which includes an intent to develop a standardised approach to the collection, storage and analysis of data among the partners in the sector.
The council said that more 75% of the RSLs in the city have confirmed they would welcome the use of IoT devices, and there are hopes that the pilot could be followed by installing sensors in hundreds more homes.
Improving lives
Cllr Kenny McLean, city convenor for housing at Glasgow City Council, said: “Our work with our partners on this pilot IoT project will see the use of technology that will hopefully improve the lives of residents and the condition of their homes.
“The success of this pilot could pave the way for wider adoption of such technology to optimise energy efficiency, in turn reducing fuel poverty and the impact of housing on the environment and improve the delivery of housing and other services to households.”
