Smart Meter Enabled Thermal Efficiency Rating System (SMETER)

Professor Chris Gorse​ from Leeds Beckett University tells us how they are working with Loughborough University, University College London (UCL) and Halton Housing together on the BEIS SMETER Innovation Programme. 

What are the aims of this research?

The research will develop, test and demonstrate technologies that measure the thermal performance of homes using smart meters and other data.  Currently there are 8 Smart technologies being tested in Phase 1 including: Building Research Establishment, EDF, Hoare Lea LLP, Centre for Sustainable Energy, PassivSystems, Build Test Solution, Switchee and CAR

A second phase of the project is also underway to extend the test and evaluation process.

Why is this research necessary?

Currently, the energy and environmental performance of a home is calculated using a method defined in the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). This involves a home survey which can result in inaccurate inputs to the SAP calculation. The SMETER programme will demonstrate whether tools based on measurement of energy use can provide a more reliable and accurate assessment. 

How will this research improve home energy efficiency and reduce heat loss?

The programme will improve the reliability and accuracy of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs), which are based on SAP, alongside the ability to measure and incentivise actual improvements to a building’s energy performance. By 2030, all social housing homes must have a minimum EPC rating of C (the current guideline is E).  

The consortium are currently independently testing the Smart tools through the SMETER tools.  The work will help to find a more accurate and less intrusive way of measuring thermal performance and energy efficiency.  

What is the policy relevance of this research?

The programme is fully funded by BEIS and the outcomes will help to shape future legislation and contribute towards the UK meeting its 2030 Fuel Poverty Target and UK’s target to net zero by 2050.

Who funded this research?

The programme is fully funded by the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

Who are you working in partnership with?

Partnering Institutions for the Technical Assessment team are Loughborough University, UCL, Leeds Beckett University and Halton Housing.

Smeter competition participants are Building Research Establishment, EDF, Hoare Lea LLP, Centre for Sustainable Energy, PassivSystems, Build Test Solution, Switchee, CAR and Knauf Energy Solutions.