[ECO]Glasgow is Trialling Eco-Friendly Electric Wallpaper To Heat its Ageing Homes

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Initial feedback suggests electric wallpaper may revolutionize sustainable heating.

Glasgow is piloting an innovative heating solution that could help decarbonize homes and reduce energy costs. A new type of eco-friendly

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is being tested in 12 tenement properties across the city. The project aims to evaluate whether this sustainable heat source can effectively replace fossil fuel-powered systems, particularly in older, energy-inefficient homes.

This initiative is a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, West of Scotland Housing Association, and Glasgow City Council, funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a coalition of climate and sustainability experts from Scottish universities.

Scotland faces a significant challenge in reducing

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from its housing sector. The country’s homes are some of the oldest and least energy-efficient in Europe, losing heat three times faster than the European average. This inefficiency forces heating systems to work harder, leading to high energy consumption and increased emissions.

Currently, 84% of Scottish homes rely on fossil fuel-powered central heating, making residential heating a major contributor to the ***’s carbon footprint. Heating buildings account for more than 36% of the nation’s total emissions.

In response, Scotland introduced the

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in April, requiring all new buildings to incorporate climate-friendly heating systems. Electric wallpaper could play a significant role in achieving these targets.

Councillor Ruairi Kelly of Glasgow City Council highlighted the importance of finding sustainable heating solutions for the city’s 70,000 tenement flats. “Innovative pilot projects such as this are vital when considering how best to tackle energy costs and emissions in Glasgow’s homes,” he said.

Electric wallpaper offers an energy-efficient alternative to traditional gas heating systems. It integrates copper strips with graphene or carbon to form a thin, electricity-conducting surface that emits infrared heat. Unlike traditional radiators, which warm the air, infrared heat directly warms objects and people in the room.

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In addition to being energy-efficient, the wallpaper provides other benefits. Its design helps reduce dampness and mold, improving indoor air quality. Installation is simple: the wallpaper is affixed to the ceiling and can begin warming a room in as little as one to three minutes, according to NextGen Heating, the developer of the

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.

This system is particularly suitable for Glasgow’s pre-1919 tenement buildings, which are notoriously difficult to insulate and heat effectively. Researchers are using Internet-of-Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) analytics to monitor energy consumption, heat retention, and overall efficiency. Tenants are also providing feedback on comfort levels.

One major concern about electric wallpaper is its affordability. Initial data suggests that installation costs are lower than traditional heating systems, especially in older homes where retrofitting central heating can be complex and expensive. Additionally, operating costs are expected to be competitive, as infrared heat is energy-efficient and requires less power to maintain comfort levels.

Installation costs are estimated to range from $1,500 to $2,500 per unit, with energy savings expected to offset the investment within five to seven years. These estimates are still under review as data from the pilot study continues to be analyzed.

Scaling up production for broader adoption is another consideration. Manufacturers like NextGen Heating are preparing to expand their capacity if trials prove successful. However, supply chain issues, such as sourcing materials like graphene and copper, present potential obstacles.

Experts emphasize that ramping up manufacturing will require investment in infrastructure and partnerships with suppliers to ensure consistent quality and availability. Government incentives could help accelerate scalability, making electric wallpaper a viable solution for wider markets.

Sustainability extends beyond operational efficiency, and researchers are carefully evaluating the environmental impact of electric wallpaper throughout its lifecycle. Early findings suggest that materials like graphene and copper can be recycled, reducing waste.

However, questions remain regarding energy use during production and disposal methods at the end of the product’s life. Researchers are also studying whether long-term use could have unforeseen environmental effects, ensuring that the technology’s green credentials stand up to scrutiny.

Initial results from the trial have been promising. Andrew Kubski, director of development and asset management for West of Scotland Housing Association, reported positive feedback from tenants. “We’ve been trialing this technology for a few months now and have had excellent feedback from tenants where it has been installed,” he said.

The electric wallpaper pilot is one of eight research collaborations under Scotland Beyond Net Zero. These projects address

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across various sectors, including buildings, transportation, energy, finance, food systems, and natural ecosystems.

Professor Lisanne Gibson, vice-principal of research at the University of Dundee and chair of Scotland Beyond Net Zero’s seed fund committee, emphasized the broader significance of these projects. “These initiatives are crucial steps in our journey toward a more sustainable and equitable future, not just for Scotland, but globally,” she said.

While the technology shows promise, further testing and scaling will determine its feasibility as a widespread heating solution. If successful, electric wallpaper could revolutionize how older, hard-to-heat properties are retrofitted for modern energy standards. The findings from Glasgow’s trial may also inform broader strategies for reducing carbon emissions and energy costs in historic buildings across the *** and beyond.

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