Case Study
20th March 2025
Sunderland City Council is committed to leveraging technology to create safer, healthier, and more efficient housing solutions, aligning with our bold and ambitious vision of a connected, international city with opportunities for all. One of the key themes highlighted in our City Plan is to establish a Healthy Smart City where residents can live longer, healthier lives by reducing health inequalities. Ensuring high-quality housing that meets residents’ needs and aspirations is a crucial step towards this objective.
Damp and mould in homes pose significant health risks, affecting both physical and mental wellbeing. Exposure to mould spores can lead to respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies, while damp environments can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions. Managing damp and mould effectively is critical in improving residents’ quality of life.
Social landlords have a legal duty to provide safe, high-quality housing and services to tenants. Traditional methods of monitoring damp and mould are often reactive, rather than proactive, requiring inspections after issues have already developed. By incorporating smart technology, Sunderland City Council can take a proactive approach, preventing issues related to mould and damp before they escalate.
Given the well-documented link between damp and mould and respiratory illnesses, especially in children, this pilot presents an opportunity to enhance public health in Sunderland while protecting the long-term value of the local authority’s housing stock.
The integration of environmental sensors into housing stock will provide real-time data that allows Sunderland City Council to better identify risks early, potentially reduce maintenance costs, and improve the overall living conditions of residents.
In collaboration with Sunderland City Council’s Property Services and Development team, the Smart City team is undertaking a pilot installing smart environmental sensors in social housing stock. These sensors monitor temperature and humidity in key areas of council properties, providing valuable insights into conditions that may lead to mould growth.
Data is transmitted via our robust network of networks, developed through the council’s unique 20-year joint venture partnership with Boldyn Networks, where Boldyn has deployed high-speed 5G infrastructure for a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) applications throughout the city, including sensors for detecting mould and damp.
A total of 21 properties across different areas of Sunderland have been selected for this pilot, with a focus on city-centre locations. The first sensors were installed in late February 2025, with the year-long pilot running from early March 2025 to March 2026. The pilot will assess two different sensor technologies to determine the most effective, cost-efficient, and scalable solution for future expansion:
Three of the selected properties are equipped with both ACO environmental sensors (including window sensors) and iOpt sensors to compare their effectiveness under the same environmental conditions.
The real-time data from these sensors will enable proactive interventions. By detecting early warning signs of damp and mould, we can issue tailored recommendations to Sunderland residents who live in social housing, improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks.
This pilot directly supports Sunderland’s Smart City objectives by demonstrating how data-driven solutions, enabled by next-generation connectivity, can enhance housing quality and public health. Residents should benefit from healthier homes, as the sensors provide insights that allow the council’s property managers to take early action against damp and mould. By potentially preventing moisture-related damage, the council can also ensure the long-term sustainability and structural integrity of its housing stock.
Cost savings are another potential outcome of this pilot, as traditional inspections require significant resources and are often conducted only after a problem has already developed. By utilising smart sensors, Sunderland City Council can shift to a more proactive approach, reducing the need for costly reactive maintenance and potentially minimising the financial impact of extensive property repairs.
By leveraging data, the council can make informed decisions on how best to manage and improve social housing, ensuring that interventions are both efficient and effective.
Additionally, the success of this pilot could pave the way for a broader rollout of in-home sensors beyond damp and mould detection. Future implementations may include smart carbon monoxide detectors, fire alarms, and additional security measures such as door and window sensors, creating a comprehensive smart home network that enhances safety and wellbeing for people living in social housing across our smart city.
Sunderland City Council and Boldyn Networks are demonstrating how smart technology can be harnessed to create healthier, more resilient communities. The lessons learned from this pilot will contribute to the city’s broader ambition of delivering resident-focused and community-led smart solutions.
To learn more about our range of smart pilots and projects, visit our Innovation Challenges page.
Interested in how we could support you with connectivity and IoT solutions? Get in touch using our Contact Us form.