Ten Scottish local authorities have been selected as ‘test cases’ for the potential deployment of an internet of things (IoT) energy monitoring solution – to cut emissions in buildings.
The councils have submitted diverse project proposals that could help drive down energy usage across a range of local government buildings including schools, leisure centres, depots and workshops, and large offices.
The programme was initiated thanks to a partnership between Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, Perth & Kinross Council, and Aireavu, an AI-powered building performance system.
It is hoped sensors, enabling real-time data collection on energy usage, will enable councils to cut emissions and carbon across their estates.
The programme received a grant from the Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform (PSR) Invest to Save fund, aimed at improving public services and driving efficiencies across the sector.
A mini competition using the Scottish Government Internet of Things (IoT) Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS)was undertaken, and Aireavu was selected as the delivery partner.
By identifying inefficiencies and supporting councils in their carbon reduction commitments, the initiative will help reduce costs and provide a robust evidence base for future sector-wide adoption.
In collaboration with the Scottish Energy Officers Network (SEON) and Scottish Heads of Property Services (SHoPS), an Expression of Interest process has been undertaken, resulting in 10 councils submitting diverse project proposals that serve as excellent test cases for the solution.
This includes schools, leisure centres, depots and workshops, and large office buildings. Now the procurement process is complete, a review of expressions of interest is underway to confirm what can be delivered within the project timescales and budget, and Digital Office will commence engagement and detailed planning with councils selected.
Colin Birchenall, chief technology officer, Digital Office, said: “We are excited by the opportunity to work with council energy managers and property managers to explore innovative digital approaches to identify practical opportunities for reducing energy consumption and minimising carbon emissions.”
Nic Shulman, chief executive, Aireavu, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the Digital Office and Scottish councils on this energy saving initiative. Aireavu’s platform delivers the crucial data and insights needed to quickly uncover wasted energy, cut carbon emissions, and drive essential cost savings across public sector buildings. We look forward to demonstrating how data-driven building performance will help Scotland ‘Operate with Insight’, support Scottish Net Zero ambitions and deliver real value for public services”.
Thomas Glen, chief executive, Perth and Kinross Council, said: “As Chair of the Digital Office Board, I’m delighted that the team secured this funding to support greater use of technology in addressing energy efficiency in our public estate. This is a key area in delivering on our climate ambitions, financial efficiency and wider public service reform and through our estates and energy networks I’m pleased that a number of councils across Scotland have taken the opportunity to be involved in this project.”
