Stirling Council’s housing service in running for national award
Stirling Council’s housing service is in the running for a COSLA 2023 Excellence Award in recognition of an innovative project that improves the health of homes and tenants.
The Healthier Homes project sees environmental sensors installed in a growing number of council properties. These monitor air quality, temperature and condensation, with the information being available to both the individual tenant as well as the Housing Service’s maintenance team.
This dynamic reporting system enables staff to proactively tackle any issues and reduce negative impacts on tenants. The data also identifies the least energy-efficient homes and allows improvements to be made, such as using solar technology.
The project is a finalist in the Service Innovation and Improvement category. The team will find out if they have been successful at the ceremony which takes place today.
Community wellbeing and housing convener, Councillor Gerry McGarvey, said: “Our Housing Service’s Healthier Homes Project is a fully deserving finalist at this year’s COSLA Excellence Awards.
“This innovative project helps to identify problems such as dampness, mould and condensation in council homes and resolve them quickly. The environmental sensors also have the potential for wider benefits by reducing the number of tenants living in fuel poverty.
“We have really positive feedback from our tenants on the service they receive and the roll out of this modern tech has played a part in this.”
Projects from across all 32 of Scotland’s local authorities have submitted bids to highlight the very best of the work being carried out in communities across the country.
Councillor McGarvey added: “To be recognised by COSLA and highlighted as an example of best practice in Scotland is fantastic endorsement of the work done by the team. I wish them the very best of luck for Thursday. Regardless of whether they win, they have done Stirling proud.”