The other day Jae and I were talking, and he mentioned heated sidewalks. At first I was totally shocked. I mean, think of the energy, and the waste that could be created by something like that. In my mind, it was the equivalent of just shining a light strait up to the sky: not necessary and a waste of energy(as well as creating pollution). After this, I had to go look it up. Generally it seems that the heating is created by either hot water pipes under the sidewalk, or geothermal (which can also be let into the air through vents)
when utilized this can create a walkable atmosphere, or just melt snow off of the ground.
Those seem alright, but there are also electric ones, and also portable electric heating mats
one interesting site I found was this one where a school has reused it’s chimneys waste heat to warm the front walk, and clear it of snow.
I’m still not sold on the idea, although i do like that it might bring people outside more, and to the streets. One thing that I asked Jae was the impact on weather conditions. I assumed that a created warm area meeting with the cool air could create atmospheric changes. He said that yes, there would be a bit. So I guess it’s a choice, warmth vs clear air.
-Megan
