A Glasgow housing association is expanding its smart homes programme to tackle fuel poverty and improve tenant wellbeing, thanks to a government 5G innovation fund.
Barrhead Housing is set to instal sensor technology in 28 further homes across East Renfrewshire, using insights gained from a pilot study.
Installed in partnership with Aico and MCN, the smart sensors track real-time energy use, identify inefficiencies, and provide tenants with actionable 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 – I know when to open a window or check my heating.” Another added, “I’ve saved money and I’m less stressed. It’s been life changing.”
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 (Internet of Things) deployment across all Barrhead Housing homes, while demonstrating the funding required for full implementation.
Scott Stewart, director of assets and communities at Barrhead Housing, said: “The sensor installation project is a transformative initiative that demonstrates the potential of smart technology to tackle fuel poverty, enhance tenant well-being, and inform strategic energy decisions.
“Despite funding and technical challenges, the partnership between Barrhead Housing, Aico, and MCN has delivered a replicable, scalable model for digitally connected, energy-efficient social housing whilst improving our tenant health and wellbeing.”
Funding for the project came via Glasgow City Region’s 5G Innovation Region (Smart and Connected Social Places) initiative.
Barry McNally, lead consultant for the Glasgow City Region Smart and Connected Social Places programme said: “This project is a great example of how digital innovation can improve lives.
“Through the Region’s Smart and Connected Social Places programme we’re supporting partners like Barrhead Housing to use data and technology to tackle fuel poverty, improve wellbeing and to keep people safe and well in their homes.”
Glasgow City Region was announced in November 2023 as one of ten regions across the UK to share £36 million in funding from the UK Government through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) for the 5G Innovation Region programme.
Following the success of the initial phase, the region secured a share of a further £7 million in March 2025 to continue developing its smart social Housing and social care projects.
