Electric wallpaper could be 'viable' replacement for central heating in UK homes

Electric wallpaper is currently being tested as a green alternative to central heating in social housing properties in Glasgow. Scottish homes are among the oldest and worst insulated in Europe, with about 70,000 tenement flats in Glasgow alone. Homes lose heat on average three times faster than in many European countries.

In the UK, heating accounts for more than 36 per cent of total carbon emissions. READ MORE: Astronomers have discovered a new one-of-a-kind 'steam planet' Experts believe electric wallpaper could be a a "viable" replacement for central heating. It is currently being trialled in 12 tenement properties in Glasgow, which are owned and managed by West of Scotland Housing Association.



The wallpaper, which is applied to the ceiling and then painted over, will be assessed on its effectiveness as a "clean" heat source. Data on energy consumption has yet to be collated, but tenants have reported "excellent" feedback in the months since it was installed. Researchers Dr Ahmad Taha from the University of Glasgow and Dr Alejandro Moreno-Rangel from the University of Strathclyde are using cutting-edge technology, including the internet of things and AI-enabled data analytics, to gather data on efficiency, comfort, and tenant feedback.

The internet of things enables integrated networks of physical objects to exchange information and data via the internet. The trial, funded by Scotland Beyond Net Zero, a coalition of leading climate and sustainability experts from Scotland's universities, is one of eight new research collaborations aimed at achieving a net-zero transition. Andrew Kubski, Director of Development and Asset Management at West of Scotland Housing Association, commented: "We have been trialling this technology for a few months now and have had excellent feedback from our tenants where this has been installed.

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.

" 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. These projects are a crucial step in our journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future, not just for Scotland, but globally.".