Across the UK, the housing sector stands at the crossroads of three urgent challenges: decarbonisation, demographic change, and deteriorating infrastructure. Meeting these demands requires more than traditional approaches – it calls for smarter, data-driven solutions. From improving energy efficiency and supporting healthy ageing to delivering faster, predictive repairs, data and AI are reshaping what homes can be and do. This blog explores how these technologies are being used today to create housing that is not only more sustainable but also safer, more inclusive, and more responsive to the needs of tenants and the planet alike.
Sustainability & Net Zero
Data and AI are becoming key tools in the push to decarbonise the built environment. From optimising real-time energy use to mapping climate risks and designing low-carbon homes, digital technologies are becoming essential tools in helping the housing sector cut emissions and meet net-zero targets. With around 80% of the homes that will exist in 2050 already built, retrofitting the UK’s ageing housing stock has become one of the most urgent and complex challenges in achieving net-zero goals.
One example of AI advancing sustainability in housing comes from the University of Cambridge. Led by Dr Ronita Bardhan, researchers have developed an algorithm that uses open-source data, including satellite imagery and Energy Performance Certificates, to identify “hard-to-decarbonise” homes. In Cambridge alone, the model has already flagged 700 homes most at risk of heat loss – enabling local authorities and residents to target retrofit interventions where they will have the greatest impact, right down to specific features like windows and roofs.
Yet while these tools show promise, data fragmentation remains a major barrier. Many housing providers face challenges with siloed systems, inconsistent formats, and missing or unreliable data – making it difficult to apply AI at scale or invest with confidence. That’s where BE-ST (Built Environment – Smarter Transformation) is focusing its efforts. As an innovation centre, BE-ST is working to overcome these data challenges by collaborating with stakeholders, aligning strategies, and piloting integrated approaches that demonstrate the tangible benefits of AI in retrofit planning.
“The real value of AI in housing emerges only when it’s paired with strong data governance, interoperability standards, and collaboration across the value chain. This approach has enabled us to pilot systems that deliver tangible benefits like optimised retrofit investment planning.” – Gavin Johnston, Associate Director – Collaborative and Commercial Partnerships, BE-ST
One of BE-ST’s current initiatives is ALCHEMAI, an AI-powered retrofit programme funded by UKRI. It brings together immersive digital twins, building performance sensors, Passivhaus retrofit methods, dynamic energy pricing, and grid flexibility into a single, integrated system. The digital twins start with synthetic data and are gradually refined using real performance data collected from buildings. This process enables the creation of highly accurate, real-time simulations that model energy use, carbon emissions, and cost savings under different retrofit scenarios. These simulations are presented through easy-to-understand 3D visualisations, helping both technical experts and non-specialist stakeholders make informed decisions about which retrofit strategies to pursue.
By clearly showing the return on investment and environmental impact of each option, ALCHEMAI is increasing confidence, reducing payback periods, and demonstrating a practical, scalable approach to delivering clean heat and decarbonisation across the existing housing stock.
Accessibility & Care
19% of people in the UK were aged 65 or over in 2022, with this number projected to increase to 27% by 2072. As the population ages and the demand for inclusive housing grows, there’s increasing pressure on providers to deliver safe, supportive environments that meet a wide range of needs. Data and AI are beginning to play a key role in this space – not just improving how care is delivered, but enabling more dignified, independent living.
At The Data Lab, we partnered with Blackwood Homes and a wider consortium on the Peoplehood project, funded by the UKRI Healthy Aging Trailblazer programme, to develop products and services that support healthy ageing in place. One key innovation trialled was the Lifestyle Alert System (LAS), which uses an algorithm developed by Edinburgh University to analyse smart meter data and detect changes in residents’ behaviour patterns. The system is designed to be non-invasive, providing reassurance without requiring users to interact with new technology – a common barrier for many older adults. When the LAS detects a deviation from normal behaviour, it sends an alert to a responder chosen by the user, such as a family member, friend, or care provider.
Trialled across three Scottish neighbourhoods, users and their families reported increased feelings of security.
“I live alone and suffer from mental health issues. It makes me feel secure to know someone will be worrying and get in touch if I’m inactive.” – LAS User
In one case, the system detected an acute health episode and alerted a nearby responder, who was able to call for timely medical assistance.
Albyn Housing Society has also been exploring how data and AI can play a role in supporting independent living. As a registered social landlord (RSL), Albyn recognises that while direct care is provided by other agencies, housing providers often sit at the intersection of health, social care, and community support. Through working with universities across the UK, Albyn is helping to develop ethical frameworks that use behavioural data, such as reduced mobility or medication routines, to enable preventative interventions. Their ambition is to ensure that technology designed to support tenants remains both ethical and accessible, operating within a social business model that returns value to the people whose data is being used.
“There is a definite crossover that happens through old age, frailty, illness or other circumstances, where picking up changes in behaviour at home can help prevent events detrimental to a person’s health and wellbeing – and support them to stay in their own homes.” – Lucy Fraser, Head of Innovation, Albyn Housing Society
Predictive Maintenance & Repairs
In 2024, social housing providers in the UK spent more on repairs and maintenance than ever before – a whopping £8.8 billion -13% higher than in 2023 and 55% higher than five years ago. On top of this, research from Local Digital has shown that around £400 million goes to waste every year on maintenance that’s not delivered properly.
To address these challenges, several housing associations across the UK are adopting data- and AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency and outcomes. One technology provider in this space is Switchee, which uses smart meters combined with a real-time data platform to give housing providers insights about how individual homes are performing and where problems might be developing. Already in use by over 130 housing providers, Switchee’s technology helps identify issues such as damp, mould, and inefficient heating, enabling more targeted and proactive maintenance.
Wheatley Group, one of our platinum partners, is also driving innovation in this space. Recently, they developed a digital tracker to support customers with outdated RTS meters – an electric heating system being phased out. By structuring and analysing data effectively, Wheatley has been able to identify affected homes, prioritise upgrades, and ensure vulnerable residents don’t fall through the cracks.
“Ensuring the fundamentals of data quality are not overlooked is key – frontline staff play a crucial role in capturing accurate data, and bringing the whole organisation along on the data journey means data must be everyone’s responsibility, not just IT or analysts.” – Mathew Clark, Data and Information Lead, Wheatley Group
This focus on good data practices and collaboration underpins their ongoing work to improve housing services.
A Smarter Future for Housing
Housing today faces some big challenges – from cutting carbon emissions to supporting an ageing population and dealing with old infrastructure. Data and AI are helping us tackle these in new and smarter ways. Whether it’s identifying homes in need of retrofitting, helping people stay safe and independent, or making repairs more efficient, these tools are changing what homes can do.
Technology is helping us see housing differently – not just as buildings, but as places that can adapt and support people’s lives. As these tools improve, they’ll play an even bigger role in making communities healthier, safer, and more comfortable for everyone.
Housing Month at The Data Lab Community
The housing crisis is not just a question of supply and demand; it is also about how we design, plan, and manage the built environment. Whether we are building new housing for a rapidly changing future, or adapting, upgrading, and modernising current housing stock, data and AI can play a crucial role. This August, The Data Lab Community is celebrating Housing Month – a series of events and conversations exploring how data and AI are driving innovation in this space across Scotland and the UK.
Here’s what we’ve got lined up:
- Homes of the Future: Data, AI and the Built Environment – 5th August, 17:30-19:30, Wheatley House, Glasgow
- Data-Driven Housing Solutions for Safer Living – 28th August, 12:00-12:45, Online, with Albyn Housing Society
+ More to be announced! Join The Data Lab Community and register for these free events here.