Smart energy solutions for sustainable housing.

Location: Barrhead

The Sheltered Energy Sensors project is transforming how tenants in Barrhead Housing’s sheltered housing complex manage energy usage. Funded by the £600,000 5G Glasgow City Region (GCR) Smart and Connected Social Places Innovation Fund, this initiative aims to combat fuel poverty by providing real-time insights into energy consumption, heat loss, and environmental conditions.

The Challenge

A recent report by East Renfrewshire Council highlighted the growing challenges vulnerable tenants face, including rising energy costs and poor energy efficiency. With 72% of Barrhead Housing properties located in Scotland’s most deprived areas, tackling fuel poverty is a top priority.

The Innovation

Barrhead Housing, in partnership with Aico and MCN, is installing 140 smart sensors across 28 properties. These sensors will track real-time energy use, identify inefficiencies, and provide tenants with actionable insights via a user-friendly portal.


  • 140 Smart Sensors & Meters: Monitoring energy usage, heat loss, and environmental risks like damp and mould.
  • Real-Time Insights: Enabling tenants to make informed decisions to lower costs and improve comfort.
  • Proactive Fuel Poverty Support: Identifying at-risk tenants and offering tailored welfare services.


This project is a collaboration between key partners:
  • Aico: Providing technical expertise and sensor technology.
  • MCN: Handling installation and on-site demonstrations.
  • Barrhead Housing: Leading tenant engagement, data analysis, and welfare support.

For enquiries, please visit the Barrhead Housing website or contact enquiries@barrheadha.org

For more information on the Innovation Fund, please contact Glasgow City Region at glasgowcityregion@glasgow.gov.uk