In Scotland, the commitment to a zero-carbon future is taking on a new technological dimension, with an electric wallpaper pilot project in 12 properties in Glasgow that aims to change the way we heat our homes.
Electric wallpaper decorates Glasgow housing estates
Led by the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde , in collaboration with the West of Scotland Housing Association and Glasgow City Council , the trial aims to test the feasibility of this innovative heating method.
[post_relacionado]The challenge is no small one. Scotland’s homes, some of the oldest and most poorly insulated in Europe, have contributed to carbon emissions, with heating buildings accounting for more than 36% of total emissions in the UK.
Currently, the predominant heating system is gas-based, which is a major environmental concern. This is where electric wallpaper technology comes into play: a thin sheet that heats up and emits the ideal temperature efficiently.
Dr Ahmad Taha from the University of Glasgow is one of the lead developers, while Dr Alejandro Moreno-Ra ngel from the University of Strathclyde is working on the project alongside the West of Scotland Housing Association. “ We have had very positive feedback from tenants ,” said Andrew Kubski, director of the Housing Association.
But it’s not just about technology: the project uses IoT and artificial intelligence to analyse data, improve efficiency and provide a comfortable experience for tenants. This trial is just one of several projects funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero , a coalition of Scottish universities committed to sustainability. Other studies include producing hydrogen from plastic waste and creating marine natural capital markets.
Professor Lisanne Gibson, from the University of Dundee , stressed the importance of cross-agency collaboration: “ Solutions for a sustainable future need to be integrated and ambitious .” With around 70,000 single-family homes in the city of Glasgow, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity to implement solutions such as electric wallpaper on a large scale. Councillor Ruairi Kelly highlighted the importance of finding more sustainable heating methods: “ It’s important to combat high energy costs and reduce emissions .”
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Source and photo: University of Glasgow