A dozen tenement properties in Glasgow will be fitted with electric wallpaper, as part of a pilot scheme aimed at combatting climate change.
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 - will explore the feasibility of electric wallpaper as a viable, eco-friendly replacement for gas central heating.
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 home 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 operates by thin metallic sheets, which are connected to the electricity supply, that heat up solid objects in the room through infrared technology.
The wallpaper uses the Internet-of-Things and AI-enabled data analytics to collect information on efficiency, comfort, and tenant’s feedback, and is being piloted in properties owned and managed by West of Scotland Housing Association.
The fact it does not use gas means it could be an effective way of battling climate change, particularly if the electricity grid moves to more renewable sources.
However, previous concerns have been raised over cost as electricity is three to four times more expensive than gas.
In addition, the wallpaper does not negate the need for hot water for showers and washing up, though proponents say these could be provided by an electric immersion heater in homes which rely solely on electric wallpaper.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with both the University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde to bring a thorough academic lens to the effectiveness of the electric wallpaper.”
Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets at Glasgow City Council, added: “Glasgow has around 70,000 tenement flats, so finding new solutions to more efficiently heating them is vital to reaching a net zero future. Innovative pilot projects such as this are vital when considering how best to help tackle 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 Scottish housing stock in the race to net zero require collective efforts from experts across various fields. The Scotland Beyond Net Zero seed fund provides a timely and excellent opportunity for us, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, West of Scotland Housing Association, and Glasgow City Council, to investigate the feasibility of electric wallpaper technology as a replacement for conventional heating systems.”
Dr Alejandro Moreno-Rangel, of Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture, said: “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.”
Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero – a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scotland's 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, the built environment, natural systems, and transport.
Other funded projects include a collaboration between the University of St Andrews and the University of Aberdeen, working with a Scottish SME to study hydrogen energy production from plastic waste. This project aims to reduce waste from plastics and advance the development of a circular energy economy.
A project, involving the Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere, Dundee City Council, Dundee International Women’s Centre, working with the University of Edinburgh and the University of Dundee
Professor Lisanne Gibson, Vice-Principal of Research at the University of Dundee and Chair of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund committee said: “Scotland’s ambitious net zero targets demand a bold and integrated approach. The seed fund was designed to strengthen cross-institutional research partnerships between Scotland’s universities and external organisations, including community groups, government bodies, and the private sector. This will ensure robust research directly informs industry practice and innovation.
“These projects are a crucial step in our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future, not just for Scotland, but globally.”
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