Salford attends GMCA event supporting healthier social housing across Britain

Dr Ioannis Paraskevas, Head of the Smart Meters > Smart Homes Lab at the University, showcased the Lab’s latest innovations and demonstrated how collaborative research with industry can help address some of Great Britain’s most pressing social housing challenges.

Delivered through Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Connected Homes and Inclusive Places programme and funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the event brought together leaders from social housing, local government, healthcare and technology sectors to explore how digital innovation can support healthier and more sustainable homes.

During the event, Dr Paraskevas presented an innovative solution which has the potential to enable the monitoring of indoor temperature and humidity without relying on residents’ domestic WiFi networks, instead utilising the existing smart metering communications infrastructure.

John Duncan, GMCA’s Connected Places Lead, said: "I have known Ioannis for a few years and have observed the significant contribution he and the Smart Meters > Smart Homes Lab have made through their innovative and impactful research conducted in collaboration with industry.

“The achievements of the Lab, alongside the wider Energy House Labs, have been recognised through their inclusion in the Greater Manchester Digital Blueprint, reflecting their importance in supporting the region's digital innovation and sustainability ambitions."

While reducing reliance on third-party connectivity solutions and proprietary platforms, the technology could help social housing providers identify issues such as damp, mould and poor indoor environmental conditions.

Reflecting the strong demand for practical, scalable solutions that support healthier homes, the concept generated significant interest among participants and received highly positive feedback through both questionnaire responses and face-to-face discussions.

Alongside housing providers and technology organisations, attendees included senior representatives from social housing groups, local authorities, DSIT and the NHS. The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among organisations working to improve living conditions and health outcomes for social housing residents.

Highlighting his growing role in shaping discussions on how Britain’s smart metering infrastructure can be leveraged for public benefit, Dr Paraskevas and the University continue to demonstrate how academic expertise can bridge the gap between technological innovation and real-world implementation.

By combining cutting-edge innovations with national infrastructure, the University of Salford is helping stakeholders address critical housing challenges while contributing to healthier, more sustainable communities.