Sustainable Sidewalks

Although the ubiquitous concrete sidewalk is strong and cheap, some organizations are exploring alternative pavement materials that double as sustainable energy producers.  For example, Pavegen's recycled rubber paving tiles convert the pressure of footsteps (i.e., kinetic energy) into electricity.  The electricity can be used to power, among other things, pedestrian lighting and USB-charging stations.

Pavegen tiles installed in France
Source: http://www.pavegen.com/saint-omer-train-station-northern-france

And last spring, George Washington’s Ashburn campus installed the world’s first walkable solar panel sidewalk.  The nonslip, 100-square foot array generates enough power for 450 LED pathway lights.

“Solar Walk” at Ashburn campus
 Source: http://www.thevoltreport.com/sidewalk-solar-panels-you-can-walk-on/

CityLab from The Atlantic has more on the future sidewalk technology.