Sometimes big revolutions are hidden in small things. Like a sheet of thermal paper that, when applied to the walls, can transform an entire building into an efficient and sustainable heating system. In Glasgow, twelve historic buildings are pioneering this experiment that could change the future of home heating: a story that speaks of innovation, sustainability and how technology can help us live better.
The Thermal Paper Challenge in Scotland
Scotland is home to some of the oldest houses in Europe, buildings that present significant challenges in terms of energy efficiency e living comfort. According to estimates by the Scottish authorities, 84% of homes still use heating systems based on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to CO2 emissions.
The problem is particularly acute in Glasgow, where around 70.000 apartments need innovative solutions to meet the city's climate goals. The Scottish New Build Heat Standard has already imposed the integration of ecological heating systems in new buildings.
For existing buildings, however, the challenge is more complex. This is why the special thermal paper just developed can make a difference.
How this innovation works
Thermal paper is based on a surprisingly simple yet effective technology. The system uses copper bands e graphene (Yes, just him) integrated into the cladding, mainly installed on the ceiling. When activated, the material emits infrared radiation that heats rooms quickly and evenly.
The system is able to bring spaces up to temperature in a time between one and three minutes.
A significant advantage of this technology is its ability to combat humidity and mold, common problems in historic homes. The project, funded by the program Scotland Beyond Net Zero, is testing the effectiveness of this solution on buildings constructed before 1919.
Monitoring and first results
The effectiveness of the thermal paper is monitored through an integrated system that uses theInternet of Things (IoT) and theartificial intelligence. Specialized sensors collect data on heat retention and energy consumption, while residents provide feedback on perceived comfort.
The first results are extremely encouraging: residents report a significant improvement in thermal comfort and a more uniform distribution of heat in the homes. However, a longer observation period will be necessary to fully evaluate the effectiveness and economic efficiency of the system.
Thermal paper for a more sustainable future
This experiment could be an important step towards the decarbonization of the residential sector. In the UK, Building heating is responsible for over 36% of total carbon emissions, a percentage that requires urgent and innovative interventions. In Europe we are talking about 20%, a figure that is not negligible, however.
So if the tests continue to prove successful, thermal paper could offer a viable solution beyond Glasgow’s walls – especially for historic buildings where energy retrofit options are often limited.
Future prospects
The success of this pilot project could pave the way for a broader transformation in the way we heat our homes: the simplicity of installation and the effectiveness of the system make it particularly interesting for the renovation of existing buildings.
The future of home heating will be increasingly linked to innovative and sustainable solutions: and on paper (thermal, of course) the Glasgow experiment looks pretty promising.