After three years of development, Glasgow arts and events venue SWG3 switched on its BODYHEAT system.
The new thermal heating and cooling technology was activated at a launch event and began harnessing body heat from visitors to the venue for the first time.
From club and gig goers to guests attending exhibitions and workshops, the system will now capture the heat emitted from all of the venue’s visitors. The energy will then be stored across 12 underground boreholes, before being used to heat or cool the SWG3 later.
Heat is transported using a carrier fluid through a closed network of pipes to heat pumps in the plant room, before going 200 metres underground to be stored. When the energy is ready to be used, it travels back to the heat pumps where it is upgraded to a suitable temperature and emitted back into event spaces.
The system is active across three separate spaces – the 1,250-person capacity room, the 1,000-person event space and the main foyer entrance.
BODYHEAT has been made possible with support through the Scottish Government's Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme and District Heating Loan Fund managed by Energy Saving Trust, as well as the William Grant Foundation and UK Community Renewal Fund.
Complete disconnection of the gas boilers at SWG3 should substantially reduce the amount of carbon used. In fact, the electricity used to run the system comes from 100% renewable sources, which means all of the heating and cooling provided is net zero carbon emissions as of today.
Andrew Fleming-Brown, managing director of SWG3, said: “We’re thrilled that after three years of planning, consultation and construction, we are able to switch on the first BODYHEAT system.
“As well as being a huge step towards our goal of becoming net zero and will hopefully influence others from our industry and beyond to follow suit, working together to tackle climate change. ”
David Townsend, founder of the system's creators TownRock Energy, said: “A huge thank you to our partners Harley Haddow, all the contractors who constructed the system, and the Scottish Government for the funding.
“We’re ready for all of you to come dance for the planet – make renewable heat with every beat.”
Councillor Angus Millar, convener for climate and the Glasgow Green Deal at Glasgow City Council, added: “This is a fantastic scheme, where people really are making Glasgow greener – while having a great time.
“This innovative approach to reducing emissions and energy use at SWG3 is a great example of how we can all play our part in Glasgow becoming a net zero city.”
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