Glasgow Springburn tenements fitted by infra-red wallpaper

In a push for sustainability and affordability, the technology by the West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) is seen as a clean energy response to increasing heating costs and as an alternative to air-source or ground-source heat pumps.

Known as NexGen, the infra-red wallpaper is 4mm thick and emits infrared waves when powered by electricity.

It is applied in strips to ceilings throughout a property and the wallpaper heats a room from the top downwards, warming the residents and the surfaces of the home rather than heating the air like traditional heating systems.

Residents can manage the room temperature via an app or thermostatic controls.

The system's efficiency could lead to reduced energy use and cost savings for tenants.

The housing association has fitted infra-red wallpaper into 10 Springburn tenements.

Early evidence indicates that once the desired temperature is reached, the heat is retained within the property for a significant period after switching off the heating.

Catherine Henderson, a WSHA tenant who had the system installed in February this year, said: “It's been absolutely fantastic, it heats up really fast compared to the other heating.

"I usually only have to put it on for a couple of hours in the morning and that does me all day. It's never cold in here now. Before my heating was on 24 hours a day.”

Andrew Kubski, director of development at WSHA, said: “WSHA are constantly looking for efficient solutions that have positive impacts for our tenants.

"We have had really encouraging early indicators from NexGen’s system, one of our partners in these pilots, supported by extremely positive feedback from residents.

"Like with all new technology, we are working with tenants to get the best out of the system, learning as we go.

"We hope this technology will be a significant step towards our net zero ambitions.”

The first usage data will be available in the summer of 2024 with testing continuing throughout the year.