Electric Wallpaper Pilot Project Paves the Way for Net Zero Future in Scotland

A pioneering project led by the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, West of Scotland Housing Association, and Glasgow City Council is exploring the potential of electric wallpaper as a clean heat source for Scotland’s homes.

Funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, the project aims to address the high carbon footprint of Scotland’s homes, which are among the oldest and worst insulated in Europe. Heating buildings accounts for a significant portion of Scotland’s carbon emissions, and gas central heating is the predominant heating system.

The electric wallpaper technology, which utilizes Internet-of-Things and AI-enabled data analytics, is being piloted in 12 tenement properties managed by West of Scotland Housing Association. The technology collects information on efficiency, comfort, and tenant feedback to assess its viability as a replacement for traditional gas heating.

“We have been trialling this technology for a few months now and have had excellent feedback from our tenants,” said Andrew Kubski, Director of Development and Asset Management for West of Scotland Housing Association.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets at Glasgow City Council, emphasized the importance of finding new solutions to heat Glasgow’s tenement flats efficiently. “Innovative pilot projects like this are crucial for achieving a net zero future,” he said.

Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a coalition of climate and sustainability experts, funded the project as part of its efforts to accelerate Scotland’s transition to net zero. The seed fund supports cross-institutional research partnerships to address sustainability challenges in various sectors.

Professor Lisanne Gibson, Vice-Principal of Research at the University of Dundee and Chair of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund committee, highlighted the importance of these projects in informing industry practice and innovation. “These projects are a crucial step in our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future,” she said.

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 and a project involving the Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere, Dundee City Council, Dundee International Women’s Centre, and the Universities of Edinburgh and Dundee to explore the lived experiences of women in deprived communities.

These projects demonstrate Scotland’s commitment to addressing climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable future.