Smart Technology - The Future of Net-Zero

Achieving net-zero is at the forefront of modern development and seems to be everyone's first responsibility and priority. Small scale changes are no longer a viable solution when it comes to accelerating towards a net-zero future and we must think outside of the box. 

The government aims to upgrade all homes to EPC band C by 2035, which may cost between £250bn and £500bn, but offer no support, funding or advice on how to achieve this. This leaves the private sector to offer a meaningful and rapid solution to achieve this goal. 

Reaching the government net-zero targets for the housing industry requires a level of tenant engagement, as one of the biggest barriers in the way of these targets is occupant behaviour and the lack of energy efficiency in the home. The birth of IOT (Internet of Things) and the integration of tech into our daily lives, but the current technology on offer rarely aligns with our sustainability goals. 

Moreover, these technologies rarely span across both residential and commercial interests, restricting efficiency. Making smart choices about our energy usage requires this tech to line up with energy saving targets. The sector is in desperate  need of wide reaching alternatives that drive smart tech devices towards energy saving solutions. The best smart tech solutions, offer real time data that can be recorded and acted upon, to offer options for users to picture their energy use and pre-emptively alter their choices in order to save energy across the year.

Some housing sector leaders have already begun to utilise the built environment and IOT in order to offer these real-time solutions and take control of the energy efficiency of their homes.  

The future of net-zero requires innovation. Straight forward, user friendly tech, controlled by a central device is absolutely necessary to ensure maximum uptake. Complexity is not a solution. Sustainable living, must be convenient in order for the general population to take note and engage in the net-zero goals of this country.