The Glasgow Energy App gives residents the chance to compare their homes energy use to similar properties and get valuable tips that could lead to saving cash.
It allows users to input information about the type of building they live in, the types of energy they use and their energy consumption to receive information on similar properties for comparison.
If it shows their home could perform better they will be able to access advice about steps they could take to improve it. Information will also be available about possible sources of grants to help fund the work.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of the city council and Chair of Future City Glasgow, said: “Despite recent reductions, energy bills still represent a major outlay for everyone and are especially worrying for the elderly and those on low incomes.
“Ensuring city residents have access to affordable energy is a priority for the council. This new app will help people find out if there are steps they can take to help make their homes warmer while cutting their bills.”
The app can also be used by businesses to evaluate their premises. It is one element of Glasgow City Council’s drive to give people access to affordable energy, cut carbon emissions and secure sustainable energy supplies.
The council is also setting up an energy services company to foster and oversee the creation of district heating projects in the city similar to the one at the Athletes Village. That system will heat the 700 new East End homes as well as the neighbouring Emirates Arena.
The local authority already has a 3MW wind turbine at Cathkin Braes with the prospect of more at other sites. Future City Glasgow is also scoping vacant and derelict sites in the city to assess their suitability for use as mini solar farms.
Anonymised data supplied by Glasgow Energy app users will be avaialble for free on Glasgow’s open data portal and help build up a more detailed picture of the type of energy used in different properties across the city.
This data will help create a 3D energy model of the city and identify areas which would benefit the most from technologies like district heating systems or solar panels.
Future City Glasgow developed the app in partnership with Glasgow headquartered IES (Integrated Environmental Solutions).
Don McLean, IES Founder and Managing Director, said: “For cities to manage an ever-increasing influx of people they must become smarter, more energy efficient and sustainable. Working with Future City Glasgow has allowed us to apply our unique technology to help the city manage its energy consumption and integrate renewables.
“We are very excited to see the results as more and more people use the app.”
Links
Glasgow Energy App website
Future City Glasgow