Exploring the Social Value of Home Sensor Systems

Aico recently collaborated with the University of Exeter on a series of guides exploring the use of home sensor systems and how those within the housing sector can see social value from them. Sam Collier, HomeLINK’s Head of Market Intelligence, provided expertise, information and costings for the social return on investment models used throughout these guides.

The Risks of Poor Housing Conditions

Condensation, damp, and mould in homes can cause serious health issues, particularly for vulnerable groups. These conditions also have degrading effects on the structure of the building, leading to higher maintenance costs. Action is therefore required to reduce the risks to resident health, and address challenges such as fuel poverty within properties. However, it is important to note that some housing providers might not be aware of the challenges present.

Luckily, home sensors can help tackle this challenge.

The Use of Sensor Systems

Identifying and reducing the risks caused by issues such as damp and mould, or poor ventilation, begins with monitoring the indoor environment. This allows housing providers and residents to detect adverse conditions, and act on the early warning provided, preventing issues from occurring. Additionally, sensors collect real-time data on a range of factors, including:

• CO2
• Air Quality
• Humidity
• Temperature

This data supports landlords in the form of proactive maintenance, improving the diagnosis of poor environments, enhancing living conditions, and reducing long-term costs.

Furthermore, the data provided promotes compliance to regulations like Awaab’s Law, which mandates timely action on damp and mould issues in social housing.

The Social Value of Home Sensor Systems

Social value is the measure of benefits of an activity, beyond the financial advantages, exploring the way that the activity positively affects people’s lives. The guides that have been published have analysed the social return on investment of home sensor systems, and how they can help landlords evaluate their properties’ environment, providing insights that support future budget allocations and funding.

By utilising home sensors and creating a healthier indoor home environment, there will be a reduction in damp-related issues like asthma, which will leading to fewer health interventions and less strain on health care services. Furthermore, proactive property management and repairs reduce inequality in housing conditions across a landlord’s portfolio. By enhancing maintenance quality and operational efficiency, there will be a wider impact on healthier and more affordable social housing.

Measuring social value helps housing providers align their impact with their long-term goals.

By enabling better health outcomes and more efficient property maintenance, these systems support the objectives of housing providers and contribute positively to the wider community.

Explore the full series of guides published by the University of Exeter here.