The Sustainable Home Survey Company (SHS) is a leading community-focused energy
assessment company and social incubator, with insight into the condition of UK homes having
delivered 10,000+ domestic assessments to date.
SHS has developed a prototype design for a multi-sensory 3D imaging system for domestic
properties (SISD) that integrates spatial analysis, thermal sensors, and ultrasound to detect
characteristics of underfloor spaces.
The potential UK market for retrofit underfloor insulation is ~8.3m (DECC, Ofgem 2014) of
23.4m homes – although long payback periods are currently limiting market uptake. At the
moment, insulators physically remove floorboards to inspect underfloor voids. This is time
consuming and costly: for every potential insulation work, disruption occurs. Yet ~10% of the
time, voids are found unsuitable for insulation. Secondly, joist and space maps are necessary
to plan insulation approaches. SISD can streamline works, increase cost efficiency, and
minimise disruption.
SISD consists of (1) a multi-sensory monitor to be rolled above flooring, (2) software to
analyse raw data, and (3) a user interface presenting output data and 3D images. SISD takes
advantage of maturing sensor technology (spatial rendering, thermal, ultrasound) to map
cavities without ripping-up floorboards, and provide data on joist position, material density,
moisture, leakage, and more.
Once only suitable for large-scale application, cost and size reductions in sensor technologies
present an opportunity for domestic use. This makes underfloor insulation a more efficient
and cost-effective intervention, improving margins, spurring uptake and helping to meet UK
CO2 emission targets.
Successful deployment requires coordination among many stakeholders and detailed market
research. This study’s objective is to prove our value proposition, qualify existing alternatives,
and produce a technology development plan prior to securing Proof-of-Concept funding.