The Smart & Connected Social Places Programme consists of four core projects covering connected digital transformation in Social Housing and Health & Social Care. These core projects are underpinned by the Asset Based Connectivity project.
Deploying 5G and AWT enabled digital & data solutions across social assets to improve the health and performance of the asset and the wellbeing of the citizen.
Glasgow City Region is leveraging smart sensor technology to create healthier living environments and optimize housing management. By deploying sensors to monitor CO2, humidity, and temperature levels, we can proactively identify environmental conditions that contribute to damp and mould, enabling early maintenance interventions before issues escalate.
This data-driven approach extends beyond maintenance. By analysing sensor data, we can detect unexpected void periods in properties, improving stock usage and helping housing providers address inefficiencies. The sensors also offer insights into fuel poverty by identifying homes with consistently low temperatures or poor energy efficiency. This allows us to design targeted interventions that support residents and reduce inequalities.
The initiative aligns with our broader goals of fostering Smart Social Housing and creating connected, sustainable communities. By harnessing real-time environmental data, we can not only enhance the quality of living spaces but also improve resource allocation, reduce costs, and ensure housing stock meets the needs of our tenants.
Through this innovative project, Glasgow City Region is taking meaningful steps to improve housing conditions and support residents in the face of modern challenges.
Leveraging connectivity, digital, and data solutions to keep people safe, well, and socially connected in their own home or in their local communities.
Telecare services support independent and safe living for individuals, particularly those with health conditions, disabilities, or the elderly who may be at risk. These services rely on technology such as sensors, alarms, and monitoring devices to detect emergencies or changes in a person’s condition, sending alerts to family members, carers, or response centres.
Historically, telecare systems operated on analogue landline telephone networks. However, with the UK-wide Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off, these systems are transitioning to digital networks. This shift introduces significant challenges for the telecare sector.
The Connected Care and Wellbeing project aims to test Amazon Alexa smart speakers as alternative alert devices to the telecare industry’s existing digital offerings, with the long-term goal of establishing their use as proactive telecare units. The project will evaluate the safe and encrypted connectivity between Amazon Alexa devices and the alarm receiving service platform (ARC).
Central to the solution is the use of a battery-powered eSIM-connected hub, which reduces reliance on 4G SIM cards while providing six hours of battery backup during power outages. This device is designed to be:
- Scalable: Capable of supporting multiple devices and users.
- Secure: Using encrypted communications to safeguard user data.
- Resilient: Offering backup power and redundant communication pathways.
The hub’s device-agnostic design enables integration with existing consumer-grade sensing and monitoring systems, with Amazon Alexa serving as the initial test system. This approach addresses connectivity and resilience challenges currently faced by local councils while enabling a platform for future telecare innovations.
Harnessing the potential of connectivity, digital and data solutions to support net zero and energy efficiency outcomes in social homes and other social assets.
Glasgow City Region is at the forefront of using technology to achieve Net-Zero social housing. By combining data from CO2, temperature, and humidity sensors with insights from heating system probes and smart meters, we can gain a holistic view of energy performance across our housing portfolio.
This initiative enables us to measure the real-world impact of energy efficiency interventions, ensuring resources are directed where they have the most significant effect on the journey to Net-Zero. Beyond portfolio analysis, the project empowers tenants by providing actionable insights to heat their homes more efficiently, reducing energy waste and lowering costs.
With a data-driven approach, we can better understand housing stock performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and design tailored strategies that benefit both residents and the environment. By aligning technology and sustainability, Glasgow City Region is setting a new standard for social housing in the digital and Net-Zero age.
This innovative project underscores our commitment to creating a smarter, greener future while improving the quality of life for our communities.
Assess the potential for aggregating and sharing data and providing actionable insights to transform services and improve lives.
Glasgow City Region is pioneering a Data Aggregation & Business Intelligence project to harness the full potential of new data sources from initiatives like mobile connectivity mapping, smart sensors, and Net-Zero social housing. By consolidating these diverse datasets, we aim to develop innovative solutions that transform decision-making across local authorities and the wider public sector.
Through advanced business intelligence tools, this project will uncover revolutionary use cases—such as predictive maintenance, optimized resource allocation, and enhanced energy efficiency strategies. Data integration will also enable a deeper understanding of housing performance, connectivity gaps, and resident needs, driving smarter and more impactful interventions.
This initiative ensures that the wealth of data generated across the region is not siloed but instead leveraged to deliver actionable insights. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Glasgow City Region is setting the stage for a data-driven future that benefits communities, improves public services, and accelerates progress toward key objectives like Net-Zero.
The Data Aggregation & Business Intelligence project reflects our commitment to using technology and data to build smarter, more sustainable cities for everyone.
Mapping 5G and Advanced Wireless Technology Coverage across the Glasgow City Region, and liaising with industry to fill the gaps.
In the digital age, seamless mobile connectivity is essential for personal, professional, and service-oriented needs. Yet, many residents, businesses, and councils face challenges due to limited and inaccurate mobile coverage data, leading to costly mistakes in network choices and reduced productivity.
To address this, Glasgow City Region is partnering with Commsworld and Streetwave through the UK Government’s 5GIR programme, Smart and Connected Social Places. This initiative funds a comprehensive mobile network mapping project that will provide detailed insights into connectivity across the region.
The interactive map will assess the signal strength, upload/download speeds, latency, and practical network performance for all four major Mobile Network Operators (EE, Vodafone, VM02, and Three UK) at every address. On-foot surveys will analyze high-density areas like Glasgow City Centre and stadiums during peak events, while refuse trucks equipped with mobile data devices will collect coverage data across the region.
This project also includes a LoRaWAN proof of concept trial to support emerging Smart Social Housing and Digital Health services. By bridging the connectivity gap, Glasgow City Region aims to future-proof its digital economy and empower its communities.
