IN a groundbreaking initiative to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions, electric wallpaper is being piloted in 12 tenement properties in Glasgow, Scotland. This innovative project aims to assess the effectiveness of electric wallpaper as a clean heat source and a potential replacement for traditional gas central heating.
Electric wallpaper, which is applied to the ceiling and can be painted over, utilises advanced technology to provide heating for homes. The system employs Internet-of-Things (IoT) and AI-enabled data analytics to collect information on efficiency, comfort, and tenant feedback.
The trial is being conducted in properties owned and managed by West of Scotland Housing Association. Led by Dr. Ahmad Taha from the University of Glasgow and Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel from the University of Strathclyde, the project involves collaboration with Glasgow City Council.
Andrew Kubski, Director of Development and Asset Management for West of Scotland Housing Association, commented: “We have been trialling this technology for a few months now and have had excellent feedback from our tenants where this has been installed.”
Dr Moreno-Rangel commented: “Achieving net zero is one of the keys to tackling climate change. There are particular challenges in adapting older buildings, constructed when awareness of these issues was far more limited, but we aim to ensure that they can comfortably accommodate net zero measures.
“Electric wallpaper has the potential to be an effective, sustainable and affordable means of heating homes. With the use of advanced technology and data systems, we aim to make a difference not only to the environment but to the wellbeing of many households.”
The initiative comes at a crucial time, as Scotland faces unique challenges in its journey towards net-zero emissions:
Scottish homes are among the oldest in the world and the worst insulated in Europe, with the average Scottish home loses heat three times faster than homes in many European countries.
Heating buildings account for more than 36% of total carbon emissions in Scotland and across the UK.
Potential Impact
With approximately 70,000 tenement flats, Glasgow has the potential to make the impact of this technology significant.
The project is funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scotland’s universities. It is one of eight new research collaborations aimed at accelerating Scotland’s transition to net zero.
As the trial progresses, researchers will continue to gather data on energy consumption and efficiency. If successful, this innovative solution could pave the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to heating homes, not just in Scotland, but potentially worldwide.
