Electric wallpaper tested as an alternative to central heating in Glasgow

Electric wallpaper will be pilot tested in 12 tenements in Glasgow to assess its effectiveness as a clean heat source.

It is part of a project led by the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, West of Scotland Housing Association and Glasgow City Council – with recent funding from Scotland Beyond Net Zero.

Scotland’s homes are among the oldest in the world and are the worst insulated in Europe, contributing to their high carbon footprint.

Heating buildings is a major contributor to carbon emissions in Scotland and across the UK, accounting for more than 36% of total emissions.

The average Scottish house loses heat three times faster than homes in many European countries, and gas central heating – which relies on fossil fuels – is the most common heating system.

Dr. Ahmad Taha from the University of Glasgow and Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel from the University of Strathclyde is working with the West of Scotland Housing Association and Glasgow City Council to investigate the feasibility of electric wallpaper as a viable, environmentally friendly replacement for gas central heating.

The technology, which uses the Internet of Things and AI-powered data analytics to collect information on efficiency, comfort and tenant feedback, is being trialled in properties owned and managed by the West of Scotland Housing Association.

Andrew Kubski, director of development and asset management at West of Scotland Housing Association, said: “We have been testing this technology for a number of months now and have received excellent feedback from our tenants where it has been installed.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde to conduct comprehensive scientific research into the effectiveness of electric wallpaper.”

Councilor Ruairi Kelly, Neighborhood Services and Assets Officer at Glasgow City Council, added: “There are around 70,000 rental properties in Glasgow, so finding new solutions to heat these homes more efficiently is vital to a net zero future “Innovative pilot projects like this are vital in determining how best to address the issues of energy costs and emissions in Glasgow’s homes.”

Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero – a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scottish universities – this trial is one of eight new research collaborations aimed at accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero.

Each project involves cross-sector collaborations to address sustainability challenges in energy, finance, food, built environment, natural systems and transport.

Professor Lisanne Gibson, Associate Director of Research at the University of Dundee and Chair of the Scotland Beyond Net Zero Seed Fund Committee, said: “Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets require a bold and integrated approach.

“The seed fund has been designed to strengthen cross-institutional research partnerships between Scotland’s universities and external organizations, including community groups, government agencies and the private sector. This ensures that sound research flows directly into industry practice and innovation.”

“These projects are a crucial step in our journey towards a more sustainable and fair future, not just for Scotland but globally.”

Other funded projects include a collaboration between the University of St Andrews and the University of Aberdeen to study hydrogen energy production from plastic waste with a Scottish SME. This project aims to reduce plastic waste and promote the development of a circular energy economy.

A project involving UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve, Dundee City Council and Dundee International Women’s Center in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Dundee will examine the lived experiences of women in disadvantaged communities in Tayside and using the results to inform a straight transition in Scotland.

To find out more about each of the eight projects, please visit the Scotland Beyond Net Zero website: www.scotland-beyond-net-zero.ac.uk

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