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Tenement houses in Glasgow are to be fitted with electric wallpaper

Tenement houses in Glasgow are to be fitted with electric wallpaper

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.

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It works by using thin metal sheets that are connected to power and use infrared technology to heat solid objects in the room.

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

The fact that it doesn’t use gas means it could be an effective way to combat climate change, especially if the electricity grid is converted to more renewable energy sources.

However, concerns have previously been raised about costs, with electricity being three to four times more expensive than gas.

Additionally, wallpaper does not eliminate the need for hot water for showering and washing dishes, although proponents say this could be provided by an electric immersion heater in homes that rely solely on electric wallpaper.

A radiatorA radiator (Image: Getty Images)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: “Glasgow has around 70,000 rental homes, 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.”

Dr. Ahmad Taha, lecturer in autonomous systems and connectivity at the University of Glasgow, said: “The challenges facing Scotland’s housing stock in the race to net zero require a concerted effort from experts across a range of sectors.” The Scotland Beyond Net seed fund “Zero provides us with a timely and excellent opportunity to work with the University of Strathclyde, West of Scotland Housing Association and Glasgow City Council to explore the feasibility of electric wallpaper technology as a replacement for traditional heating systems.”

Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel, from Strathclyde’s architecture department, 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.”

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.

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 the UNESCO Wester Ross Biosphere Reserve, Dundee City Council and the Dundee International Women’s Center in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Dundee

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.”