6 Scottish Communities Enter Trials Using IoT Accelerator Packs

A public/private partnership has been formed between six Scottish local authorities, several companies, including: Scotrail, Blackwood Homes, and Care, and Borders College to participate in an internet of things (IoT) trial.

“IoT accelerator packs” are being supplied by North, a UK-based IoT service and solutions provider. The packs  – which are made up of sensors and the back-end services required to deploy the selected pack – will provide real-time data on waste management, air quality, social housing solutions, building health, and water monitoring capabilities. North worked closely with each organisation to determine the services which would most benefit from smart solutions. It will provide the professional services to facilitate the roll-out, and later aid in evaluating and capturing feedback.

 The six communities and their projects include:

  • Aberdeen City Council – will implement smart sensors to monitor its water;
  • Angus Council – will have the ability to measure air quality within train stations, council buildings, and  in the town center, measuring and reporting on temperature, humidity and pressure, alongside primary air pollutants;
  • East Renfrewshire Council – also measuring air quality;
  • City of Edinburgh Council –  also measuring air quality;
  • Fife Council – intelligent waste management technology; and,
  • Highland Council – will add water monitoring to its current sensor technology use across its schools, care homes, leisure centers, and council offices.

Blackwood Homes and Care will be using the sensors within its social housing to monitor and improve living environments. Data will be collected regarding moisture control and ventilation, to aid in providing a healthy living environment for tenants while also protecting the buildings. Borders College will use the technology to monitor levels of CO2 within the working environment across its buildings.  

“These innovative accelerator packs have been designed to help organisations explore internet of things solutions which can deliver sustainable social and economic benefits for local communities,” said Kate Forbes, cabinet secretary for finance and the economy, Scottish Government. “Digital technologies like IoT help drive forward our economic recovery while reducing business costs and enabling progress towards net-zero emissions.”