Innovation projects
Digital innovation
THAW has piloted some small projects around digital innovation. The first project with Datalab RGU in 2022 focussed upon creating a digital cash transfer platform that could potentially have been used for funding energy and other support vouchers at local shops; although not adopted, it did allow future use of digital signatures and energy vouchers.
A second project with Datalab UHI (Moray) focussed upon developing a digital referral platform for local third sector organisations; again, this has been useful for choosing a potential proprietary system through the Orkney Money Matters project and continues to be developed as an alternative system.
We continue to look into digital methods to improve our services as well as access to services for our clients.
Sustainable Development
As an organisation that supports people to navigate the inequalities of access in energy efficiency provision, directly impacting their economic security and impact on the environment, sustainable development is embedded in our work. Our work touches upon most Global Goals on a daily basis and is holistic and multi-factoral by default.
Our focus is on bringing visibility to households that are often neglected, but also on improving household assessments so wider factors that impact insecurities are captured. This can help us advocate for changes that are needed to tackle the underlying causes of (fuel) poverty.
We do this through working with partner organisations, such as local development trusts and knowledge partners as well as national organisations including the Scotland Malawi Partnership, Strathclyde University (CSD) and UN House Scotland.