Home environmental monitoring systems are being installed by Grampian Housing Association in its homes at Huntly, in rural Aberdeenshire through Huntly 5G, a £1.5 million rural digital connectivity project funded by ACRD.

One presentation explored how home environmental monitoring systems can contribute to creating sustainable, healthy and adaptable homes for life.

The Association is committed to addressing the climate change challenge. With rising energy costs and increasing concerns over health and well-being, monitoring home environments is becoming crucial.

Stephanie Elliot, technology enabled care in housing lead at the SFHA, said: “The Technology in Housing programme, funded by the Scottish Government’s Digital Health and Care directorate and hosted by the (SFHA) is supporting housing providers, their tenants and customers to explore, test and embed digital opportunities across housing.”

The home environmental monitoring systems track air quality, temperature, humidity, light and movement. This provides real-time data that can enhance comfort and improve energy efficiency, ensuring long-term habitability of homes and tenancy sustainment. Tenants also benefit from reduced energy costs in line with the Association’s aim to address fuel poverty.

By integrating environmental monitoring technology, homes can be more resilient to changing conditions, promoting better physical health and well-being.

Environmental sensors provide remote updates improving customer satisfaction and giving customers choice on how their landlord delivers services as the Association looks at ways to provide better services through The Grampian Deal, it’s new customer experience initiative.

The presentation also highlighted practical applications, from reducing damp and mould to ensuring optimal air quality, while also reducing carbon footprints, supporting the vision of a “home for life” that evolves with the needs of Grampian’s tenants.

Craig Stirrat, Grampian Housing Association’s chief executive, said: “We have an ageing population, and we know that within the next 10 years over 64% of our tenants will be aged 65 years and over.

“Now is the time to be considering homes for life and the measures that can be implemented to meet changing housing needs in the future which is all in line with delivering our wider social policy objectives in areas such as health and social care and an ageing population.

“From an asset management perspective compliance and regulation will drive change and Grampian will need to work smarter by increasing customer engagement and connecting with them to understand their needs.”