An arts venue in Glasgow, Scotland has switched on a system that creates renewable energy from the body heat on its dancefloor.
Dancers' heat is piped via a carrier fluid to 200m (650ft) bore holes that can be charged like a thermal battery. The energy then travels back to the heat pumps, is upgraded to a suitable temperature, and emitted back into SWG3.
The owners have said this will enable them to completely disconnect the venue's gas boilers, reducing its carbon emissions by about 70 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Three years in the making, the thermal heating and cooling system, called Bodyheat cost just over £600,000 to install and the savings on energy bills will make the investment recoverable in about five years, depending on costs.
Bodyheat was made possible with support through the Scottish government and largely subsidised from a series of grants.
"This is a fantastic scheme, where people really are making Glasgow greener - while having a great time,” expressed Glasgow City Council convener for climate councillor Angus Millar.
"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."
