Electric wallpaper heats up Scotland’s older homes in Glasgow trial

Why it matters: Scotland’s homes are among the oldest in the world, making them difficult to heat and hindering the country’s progress towards its net zero targets. The electric wallpaper pilot could have far-reaching implications, not just for Scotland but for countries around the world facing similar challenges in decarbonising their building stock.

The city of Glasgow, Scotland, is installing electric wallpaper in 12 apartment buildings as part of a pilot project to assess the effectiveness of this clean heating source in the country’s aging housing stock.

The project, driven by a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, West of Scotland Housing Association and Glasgow City Council, comes at a time when Scotland is grappling with the challenge of decarbonising its buildings , which account for a significant portion of the country’s building carbon emissions.

Scotland’s homes, particularly those in Glasgow, face particular challenges when it comes to energy efficiency. Many of these buildings are among the oldest in the world and have poor insulation. On average, Scottish homes lose heat three times faster than their European counterparts, meaning higher energy consumption and higher carbon emissions. There are around 70,000 rental properties in Glasgow alone.

Electric wallpaper technology uses thin, electrically powered surfaces that can be easily attached to ceilings. It is made of copper strips combined with graphene or carbon, creating a conductive surface that emits invisible infrared radiation when electricity passes through it. This infrared radiation can warm a room in minutes.

Another advantage of this technology is its potential to improve air quality in homes. By eliminating gas combustion, electric wallpaper could help reduce dampness and mold that are common in older buildings. The fast response time makes the system particularly suitable for objects that are difficult to heat.

To evaluate the effectiveness of electric wallpaper in real-world conditions, researchers are using advanced monitoring techniques. This includes Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and AI-powered data analytics that collect information about the system’s efficiency, heat retention and energy consumption.

Feedback from tenants is also part of the pilot study. According to Andrew Kubski, director of development and asset management at the West of Scotland Housing Association, initial reactions from residents of the test properties have been overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that the electric wallpaper not only meets environmental objectives but also meets residents’ comfort needs.

This trial is part of a larger initiative funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a coalition of climate and sustainability experts from Scottish universities. The project is one of eight new research collaborations to accelerate Scotland’s transition to net zero emissions. These projects address sustainability challenges in the areas of energy, finance, food, built environment, natural systems and transport.