Electric wallpaper is currently being tested as a sustainable alternative to central heating in social housing properties in Glasgow, Scotland. This innovative approach comes as a response to the inefficient insulation of Scottish homes, particularly the approximately 70,000 tenement flats in Glasgow, which are among the worst insulated in Europe. Heating homes in the UK contributes significantly to carbon emissions, making up over 36% of the country’s total emissions, with the average home losing heat three times faster than in many European nations.
In a bid to address this issue, 12 Glasgow tenements managed by the West of Scotland Housing Association are participating in a trial of electric wallpaper as a “clean” heat source. The electric wallpaper is applied to ceilings and painted over, aiming to provide a more eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional central heating systems. Although data on energy consumption is still being gathered, tenants have already provided positive feedback on the effectiveness of this new heating method.
Leading the pioneering project are Dr. Ahmad Taha from the University of Glasgow and Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel from the University of Strathclyde. They are utilising cutting-edge technologies such as the internet of things (IoT) and AI-enabled data analytics to assess the efficiency, comfort levels, and resident satisfaction with the electric wallpaper. IoT enables the seamless exchange of information between physical objects over the internet, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the heating system.
Funded by the coalition Scotland Beyond Net Zero, this initiative is part of eight innovative research collaborations aimed at driving the transition to a net-zero carbon future. Andrew Kubski, the Director of Development and Asset Management at the West of Scotland Housing Association, commended the new technology, highlighting the positive feedback received from tenants. Councillor Ruairi Kelly of Glasgow City Council emphasised the importance of finding efficient heating solutions for the numerous tenement flats in Glasgow to work towards achieving a net-zero future.
Professor Lisanne Gibson from the University of Dundee, who chairs Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund committee, underscored the necessity of ambitious and integrated approaches to meet Scotland’s net-zero targets. These collaborative projects are viewed as crucial steps in creating a more sustainable and equitable future, not only for Scotland but on a global scale.
The trial of electric wallpaper in Glasgow signifies a significant step towards more sustainable heating solutions, demonstrating the power of innovative technologies and research collaborations in tackling climate change and advancing towards a greener future.