Krutika SuranaBODY HEAT is an integral part of SWG3’s sustainability-focused master plan. The radical new thermal heating and cooling system were activated at the special launch event. They began officially harnessing body heat from visitors to the venue for the first time. Set to a backdrop of artist Jacqueline Donachie’s Beautiful Sunday film, guests were invited to take part in a very special rendition of the famous Slosh line dance, with the heat that was generated being used to heat and cool the venue in the days and weeks to come.
The guests attending exhibitions, workshops or any other events being hosted by SWG3, the innovative new system is now active and ready to capture the heat released from all of the venue’s visitors. “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.” Said Andrew Fleming-Brown, MD of SWG3.
Heat is transported using a selected carrier fluid through a closed network of pipes to heat pumps in the plant room, before going 200m underground to the boreholes to be stored. When the stored energy is ready to use, it flows back through the heat pumps where it is upgraded to a suitable temperature and emitted back into SWG3’s event spaces.
Discontinuing the gas boilers at SWG3 will substantially reduce the amount of carbon use. In fact, the electricity used to run the BODYHEAT system comes from 100% renewable sources.
“BODYHEAT” has been supported and made possible through the Scottish Government, Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme and District Heating Loan Fund (Managed by Energy Saving Trust), William Grant Foundation and UK Community Renewal Fund.
“The whole TownRock team and I are delighted that the first Body Heat system is now up and running at SWG3. A huge congratulations and 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!”
David Townsend, founder of TownRock Energy
