Biggar pilot housing project with smart sensors hailed a resounding success
Sensors monitored property conditions such as temperature, humidity and motion.
A groundbreaking smart tech pilot project at a retirement complex in South Lanarkshire has been hailed a resounding success.
The recently-completed six-month project saw the installation of a range of unobtrusive sensors at a facility in Biggar.
And it is believed there could be 'significant benefits for both tenants and the housing providers' as well as an estimated annual saving of £18.5 million when applied across all of Scotland's sheltered housing developments.
Covering retired individuals at Bield's Langvout Court in Biggar, the project involved sensors being placed around communal spaces and ten individual properties at the development in order to monitor property conditions such as temperature, humidity and motion.
Gavin Wright, head of property management at Bield, commented: 'This project exemplifies how thoughtful innovation can support older people to live independently, safely and with dignity.
'We're proud to have played a key role in a partnership that's delivering real, positive change. The smart technology we trialled at Langvout Court has brought clear cost savings and improved safety. As a result, we're now exploring how this approach can be rolled out across our wider estate.'
Involving Glasgow-based digital health innovator Archangel alongside Bield Housing and Care and the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI), the completed project underwent a comprehensive assessment by Edinburgh-based digital technology consultancy firm FarrPoint.
The project, entitled 'Evaluating care delivery in rural settings', showcased the latest technology innovations and was funded by the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of the Glasgow City Region (GCR) 5G Smart and Connected Places Programme.
Data was relayed immediately to Archangel's ambient assisted living (AAL) secure technology platform and automatically monitored 24/7 to proactively address any potential issues that might arise in relation to the living conditions of tenants.
The sensors were connected via the Angelnet resilient connectivity network, with the data then becoming available to all stakeholders via the Archangel platform.
The project delivered an annual £7670 saving in heating costs and an annual £2825 saving in maintenance costs. An £18.5 million annual saving is estimated when factored out across all of Scotland's sheltered housing developments.
Tom Morton, CEO of Archangel, commented: 'The independent FarrPoint evaluation confirms real, measurable outcomes that address today's operational, financial and regulatory pressures as well as a return on investment within the first year. By aggregating data across housing and care environments, the Archangel platform delivers safer homes, reduces energy and maintenance costs, improves compliance and frees up staff time.
'This isn't about experimenting with innovation. It's about helping leaders turn information into action, confidently and cost-effectively. Our partners are empowered to deploy secure, proven, scalable solutions with real-time insights available 24/7 that drive strategic impact, operational efficiency and better outcomes for people and communities.'
The final report, produced by FarrPoint, demonstrates the considerable impact that the use of smart sensors can have in the housing sector:
■ Reduced utility costs
■ Reduced maintenance costs
■ Reduced manual checks
■ Improved tenant safety
■ Improved regulatory compliance
The use of smart technology can also be used to monitor other environmental conditions to detect risks such as legionella.
Kate Milne, economist at FarrPoint, who led the assessment, said: 'As independent consultants, we often do studies evaluating the real impact that technology can bring, and I'm pleased that this particular assessment showed positive benefits of intelligent sensors to residents at Langvout Court. Not only did it enhance their sense of safety and wellbeing but also supported Bield staff to deliver more timely, informed responses.'
The innovation scheme has been made possible through funding from the UK Government's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of the Glasgow City Region (GCR) 5G Smart and Connected Places Programme.
Janette Hughes, director of planning and performance with DHI (and Chair of the UKTIN Health Working Group), who alerted Archangel to the funding opportunity, added: 'This is ultimately about making housing more connected and safer, which allows for more responsive communities creating the conditions for people to live happier, longer and more secure lives in their own properties.'
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