Advertisement
Become a member of the Big Issue community
JOIN
Environment

A Glasgow nightclub is using the body heat of dancers to power the venue

The trailblazing technology will be launched at SWG3 by DJ and fashion icon Honey Dijon to coincide with the COP26 Climate Change Summit.

A Scottish nightclub is trialling an innovative new system that will harness the body heat of gig-goers and dancers to help power the venue and reduce its carbon emissions. 

The Glasgow multi-arts venue SWG3 will pilot the technology during November’s COP26 Climate Summit as part of The New York Times Climate Hub takeover of the premises. 

The trailblazing project will be launched centre stage by fashion icon and world renowned DJ Honey Dijon.

Anything we can do at this moment to help climate change is a positive thing,” she said.

“This new system of channeling energy from the dance floor is something innovative and sustainable.”

Article continues below

Current vacancies...

Search jobs

BODYHEAT’s technology will harness wasted heat energy of clubbers and staff in boreholes located throughout the complex and in turn power the club’s electricity, air conditioning and speaker system.

Advertisement
Advertisement

With this thermal control, the venue has the potential to reduce up to 70 tonnes of carbon per year.

Installation of the project has begun with up to 17 150m to 200m holes being dug out underneath the dancefloor and across the venue. It is being done with the help of TownRock Energy geothermal energy consultants and Harley Haddow engineering consultants. 

For this stage of the project SWG3 estimates a working budget of £350k, attained through the low carbon infrastructure transition programme and the district heating loan fund. 

Those behind the project hope it will leave behind a message to venues across the world that the de-carbonisation of clubs and venues is possible.  

SWG3’s goals are indicative of Glasgow’s wider aims of reaching its net-zero target by 2030. 

Managing director of SWG3 Andrew Fleming-Brown said he was “delighted” to announce the launch party with Honey Dijon.

“It’s a very exciting time for us at SWG3 with work about to begin on the first phase of the innovative BODYHEAT project.” 

The event is set to take place on November 7.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

View all
Water companies' £158m fine over sewage pollution prompts fresh calls for nationalisation
A dripping tap against dappled sunlight
Sewage pollution

Water companies' £158m fine over sewage pollution prompts fresh calls for nationalisation

Sewage pollution levels in this river are 100 times safe 'limits'. The fight is now on to clean it up
Sewage pollution

Sewage pollution levels in this river are 100 times safe 'limits'. The fight is now on to clean it up

Lessons from the Middle East – 'the epicentre of climate discourse' – for a warming planet
Climate change

Lessons from the Middle East – 'the epicentre of climate discourse' – for a warming planet

A 'truly catastrophic' flood could be just around the corner, experts warn. We need to adapt – fast
Floods

A 'truly catastrophic' flood could be just around the corner, experts warn. We need to adapt – fast

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know