Electric wallpaper could be a “viable” replacement for central heating in British homes

Electric wallpaper is currently being trialled as an environmentally friendly alternative to central heating in social housing in Glasgow.

Scottish houses are among the oldest and most poorly insulated in Europe, with around 70,000 rental properties in Glasgow alone. On average, houses lose heat three times faster than in many European countries.

In the UK, heating is responsible for more than 36 percent of total CO2 emissions.

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Experts believe electric wallpaper could be a “viable” replacement for central heating. It is currently being trialled in twelve tenements in Glasgow, owned and managed by the West of Scotland Housing Association.

The wallpaper attached to the ceiling and then painted over is assessed for its effectiveness as a “clean” heat source. Energy consumption data has yet to be compiled, but tenants have reported “excellent” feedback in the months since installation.

The researchers Dr. Ahmad Taha from the University of Glasgow and Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel from the University of Strathclyde are using cutting-edge technology, including the Internet of Things and AI-powered data analytics, to collect data on efficiency, comfort and tenant feedback. The Internet of Things enables integrated networks of physical objects to exchange information and data over the Internet.

Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scottish universities, the trial is one of eight new research collaborations aiming to achieve a net zero transition.

Andrew Kubski, Director of Development and Asset Management at West of Scotland Housing Association, commented: “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 are delighted to have installed this technology. “We have the opportunity to work with the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde to conduct thorough scientific research into the effectiveness of electric wallpaper.”

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

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