NetZeroPASS: A Net Zero-Oriented People-Centred Housing Assessment Scheme/Application with A Particular Focus on Supporting People with Special Needs

Housing significantly impacts health and well-being, especially for people with special needs, such as the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals living in care houses and council homes. Sub-standard housing contributes to health inequalities, while good housing can delay or reduce the need for health and care services, enabling independence and well-being.

Research shows that 7.7 million households in England encounter housing problems, with 13% experiencing multiple issues. Non-decent homes account for 17%, with the private rented sector having the highest proportion at 23%. Poor housing costs the NHS an estimated £1.4billion annually.

To address above challenges and in line with the UK government's goal of achieving a NetZero economy by 2050, Chamberlains Aqua Limited Systems(CASL) has developed an innovative energy and water assessment scheme named "NetZeroPass": **'Net Zero** **P**eople-Centred Energy **a**nd Water A**ss**essment Scheme.' This accurate and reliable scheme addresses existing assessment scheme limitations, offering comprehensive analysis with specialised testing equipment. CASL proposes incorporating behaviour-based surveys to identify people-based solutions alongside technology-oriented ones. The current NetZeroPass process requires several hours of data gathering, calculation and analysis. To make the scheme more financially affordable and to shorten the assessment time, CASL proposes to develop a web-based application empowered by Advanced Machine Learning (AML), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). Leveraging IoT, the application can automate tasks, providing substantial benefits to individuals with disabilities. The upgraded NetZeroPass scheme can support NHS by reducing costs associated with health issues resulting from poor housing, and aid housing associations in making more informed, NetZero-oriented decisions.

The project's objectives include a feasibility study to upgrade the NetZeroPass scheme and develop the web-based tool, ensuring practicality, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Net Zero goals while catering to social housing and individuals with special needs.

CASL's project partner, Microlink PC, is a reputable company with 30 years of experience in assistive solutions and technologies. They have positively impacted over a quarter of a million people with health conditions, improving their living conditions and enhancing educational and employment opportunities. Microlink's expertise in assisting individuals with diverse special needs makes them a valuable asset in developing people-based solutions for the project.

This collaboration empowers vulnerable individuals, setting a role model for broader groups, aligned with NetZero Carbon and NetZero Water goals. The upgraded assessment scheme revolutionizes housing assessments, providing improved living conditions, energy and water savings, and a path towards a NetZero Carbon and NetZero Water future.