Leeds City Council is planning to install environment sensors in up to 1,000 of it homes as part of a 12-month pilot on the use of internet of things (IoT) technology.
It has signed a contract with smart home specialist HomeLINK with the support of a £500,000 investment from GovTech Catalyst fund.
The project will involve deploying sensors for temperature, humidity and CO2 levels, with approximately 50 of the properties to also receive further technology including carbon monoxide alarm systems and the Aico SmartLINK Gateway for remote fire monitoring.
It will also involve testing new maintenance and wellbeing services for social housing residents and will be carried out in a partnership with the Universities of Leeds and York.
This follows an earlier deployment in six properties and interviews with tenants to set the objectives for the second phase, which include the integration of property management systems, mapping processes and the further development of a resident app (pictured). This will provide residents with data and suggested actions to reduce the risk of condensation, damp and mould.
Stephen Blackburn, data and innovation manager at Leeds City Council, said: “We’re keen to promote Leeds as an innovative city where new technology can be tested and trialled. This project offers us a great opportunity to better understand how new technology and data insight can help us further improve the service we deliver our tenants.”
The GovTech Catalyst is making £20 million available over three years to support the development of new tech solutions for public authorities.
