Electric wallpaper is among the projects driving a net zero future in Scotland

A project involving the University of Strathclyde is testing electric wallpaper in 12 tenements in Glasgow to assess its effectiveness as a clean heat source.

Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel from Strathclyde’s Architecture Department and Project Manager Dr. Ahmad Taha from the University of Glasgow are 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.

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.

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.

Dr. Moreno-Rangel said: “Achieving net zero is one of the keys to tackling climate change. Adapting older buildings, constructed at a time when awareness of these issues was much lower, presents particular challenges. However, we want to ensure that net zero measures can be easily implemented.

Electric wallpaper has the potential to be an effective, sustainable and affordable means of heating homes. By using advanced technology and data systems, we want to make a difference not only to the environment, but also to the well-being of many households.

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 both the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde to conduct comprehensive scientific research into the effectiveness of electric wallpaper.”

New solutions

Councilor Ruairi Kelly, Neighborhood Services and Assets Officer at Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow has around 70,000 rental homes, so finding new solutions to heat these homes more efficiently is vital to achieving 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.”

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 was intended to strengthen cross-institutional research partnerships between Scottish 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.”