Sensor pilot reveals potential retrofit savings

A pilot study of 121 Bromford homes, analysed by The Good Economy and commissioned by Lloyds, has investigated whether real-life energy performance data could unlock cost savings by prescribing more targeted retrofit solutions.

Homes were fitted with Senze sensors to provide accurate, real-time data on the thermal performance of each home. The results revealed that 64% of homes had a thermal performance gap of more than 25% higher or lower than was expected by their EPC rating. And the findings revealed 20% of homes had an inaccurate EPC rating, with a subsequent recommendation relating to whether that home will require retrofit works to comply with proposed new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

Under the government’s proposed MEES, social landlords must ensure their homes achieve an EPC rating of C or above by 2030 to continue letting them to residents.

The findings of the study has important implications for us and other social landlords undertaking retrofit programmes with the analysis suggesting that a portion of funding for retrofit improvements is potentially being spent on homes that may not require upgrades. This also means that homes which genuinely need retrofit might miss out.

The report finds Bromford could save up to £27,872 per home by taking a data-led and more targeted approach to bring homes up to an EPC C rating.

Jess Tomlinson, Global Head of Real Estate & Housing at Lloyds, said: “Working alongside Senze and Bromford we wanted to explore the role of new technology in supporting effective retrofit decision making. The results point to a model where specific data can potentially be used to target resources to deliver the most retrofit impact. 

“The challenge now is how to scale the use of this type of data across the sector to give building owners the confidence to invest in retrofit, knowing that their spending is targeted on impact. We hope this insight helps point to a clear and investable pathway to decarbonise more homes, in a more cost-effective way.”

David Partridge, chairman and co-founder of Senze, said: “Britain stands on the cusp of an energy efficiency revolution with the government’s new Warm Homes Plan committing £13.2bn of public funding to improve the energy efficiency of five million homes over the next five years.

“This study proves real-life data can lead to more targeted retrofit solutions. The implications of this are significant as it means landlords can save money and retrofit investment can be directed towards homes and households with a genuine need.

“We are looking forward to working with more social landlords and owners of large property portfolios that want to make data-informed retrofit investments in the coming months.”

Michael Craggs, Development and Asset Management Innovation Lead at Bromford, said: “This pilot demonstrates the transformative potential of real-time data in shaping retrofit strategies. By moving beyond traditional EPC visual assessments and using live sensor technology, we can make decisions grounded in actual thermal performance. That means smarter investment, fewer wasted resources, and ultimately better outcomes for customers.”

Sarah Forster, CEO and Co-Founder at The Good Economy, added: “Retrofitting the UK’s housing stock remains one of the most challenging aspects of the net zero transition, but it is particularly critical within the social housing sector, where many residents are affected by fuel poverty.

“Effective retrofit has the potential to deliver significant social and environmental benefits. Through this pilot, we aim to contribute to the sector’s collective understanding of how improved data can help overcome long-standing barriers and unlock more effective solutions.

“We encourage the sector to build on these learnings to ensure that future deployments of intelligent measurement technology are implemented effectively – supporting the decarbonisation of our buildings while improving residents’ quality of life.”