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

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.”

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.

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.