Salford-based telecommunications company, TalkTalk, is employing its technology to assist households in reducing heating emissions and saving significant amounts of money.

By utilizing data from its broadband routers through an innovative project, TalkTalk, in collaboration with the University of Salford, Homely, EnAPPsys, Gen Game, and lead organization Chameleon Technology (UK), aims to combine data from broadband routers and smart meters to provide a comprehensive view of household heating habits.

This government-backed trial allows participants to easily determine the suitability of a low-carbon heat pump, potentially reducing heating emissions and saving on costly property surveys, which typically average around £170 but can go up to £350.

Unlike standard boilers, which use fossil fuels to heat water, heat pumps use electricity to heat air and can also cool homes, offering both environmental benefits and increased efficiency. Heat pump technology can currently save up to 65% of carbon compared to gas boilers and has the potential to reduce a household’s carbon emissions by over 23 tonnes of CO2 over 10 years.

TalkTalk’s involvement in this project is noteworthy, marking a first for UK broadband providers and highlighting the company’s broader commitment to sustainability. The CEO of TalkTalk Consumer, Adam Dunlop, expressed, ‘’I’m thrilled that TalkTalk is a part of this initiative, furthering our commitment to embedding sustainability into our operations. TalkTalk is no stranger to being at the forefront of innovative tech, so it’s fantastic to see our TalkTalk Wi-Fi Hub being utilised so creatively to promote sustainability. We’re proud to play a role in this fascinating collaboration that will benefit both consumers and the environment.”

David Farmer from The University of Salford – Energy House Labs noted, ‘’Installing air source heat pumps that are inefficient or difficult to control could damage consumer confidence and the delivery of a net zero housing stock. This project represents an important step in demonstrating the potential for data to improve the roll-out of domestic low and zero carbon technologies.”

Having reduced its operational carbon footprint by 94% over the past five years through various sustainability measures, including powering offices and data centers with 100% renewable electricity and promoting the switch to full fiber broadband, TalkTalk continues to advance its sustainability goals.

The company’s near-term science-based targets were recently approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative, reflecting its commitment to responsible environmental practices. A closed trial of the initiative is currently in progress.