Residents praise Glasgow nightclub's initiative to recycle customers’ body heat

SWG3 in Finnieston is launching pioneering technology called BODYHEAT to cool down some parts of the building and warm up others. 

The system is expected to be installed and fully operational by February. 

We took to the streets of the city centre to take the temperature on the move. 

We asked: “Glasgow venue SWG3 is aiming to create the world’s first renewable energy based on body heat. How would you feel about your own body heat being used to help the planet?” 

Kieran Dick-Doyle, who is 29 and from Battlefield, said: “That’s a great idea, that’s what we should be aiming for. The goal is to get as many people involved as possible with new climate technologies. I think it’s about raising awareness and changing the way we live our life. If SWG3 can provide a means for people to contribute positively and learn that small actions have a big impact, that is a worthwhile thing.” 

Carol Hassan, 49, and from Knightswood, said: “Depends how close people are standing to me! But, anything I can do to help save the planet is always great.” 

Beth Marshall, 45, from the South Side of Glasgow, said: “I think that’s a good idea – might as well get some use from it.” 

Skye Hamilton, who is 18 and from Glasgow City Centre, said: “It’s obviously a good thing because if they can light a light bulb with this, it would be interesting to see how many light bulbs they can actually light.” 

Paul Mahirter, who is 50 from the East End of Glasgow, said: “I like the idea to a certain extent. I would do my own bit to help save the planet, but I don’t like it when you get pressured into doing something and people being in your face about it.” 

Gavin Gore, who is 37 and from Glasgow Green, said: “That’s amazing. We’re going to die if we don’t do something.” 

Yvonne Macpherson, 41, from Drumchapel, said: “Great. It’s all about finding ways to save the planet and stop the destruction of it. I’m very passionate about this.”  

Ivan Germanoff, who is 19 and from Glasgow City Centre, said: “As long as it doesn’t intrude on my personal life, go for it. It’s just a matter of how they do it.” 

Carol & Catherine

Catherine Ashford, who is 57 and from Ayrshire, said: “It sounds really good and cosy.” 

Carol Bell, who is 63 and from Crookston, said: “Using the dancing method as a way to build body heat then turning it into energy is a good idea, but it might be a bit embarrassing.” 

Billy McCombe, 70, from Townhead, said: “Wonderful. I used to go to clubs in my youth. These days I’m more of a pub and restaurant man.”  

Leigh Carberry, who is 19 and from Anderston, said: “I wouldn’t mind. I go to clubs a lot.”  

Freya and Sarah

Freya Balchin, who is 26 and from Liverpool, said: I like it. It sounds very efficient, and it’s there anyway so why not use it? As long as we don’t become cold!” 

Sarah Davis, 26, from Liverpool, said: “It does sounds good. It’s far better than using fossil fuels and coal.” 

Hans Klohs, who is 54 and from Norway, said: “I am more of a realist. The concepts that are created are either realistic or not. Western and European countries take energy for granted and Asia doesn’t have any input on saving energy. People need energy to survive just like they need food and water. So, changing the way people live is not an easy thing to do - it takes decades.” 

This article was written as part of a collaboration between The Glasgow Times and City of Glasgow College in which we are seeking to find and support the journalists of the future.