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Authors, sign in!In May of 2007, Greensburg, KS was struck with tragedy. A colossal tornado ripped through the town of 900, killing 11 people and destroying 95 percent of the community.
Left with nothing, the town made the decision to rebuild as the “greenest town in rural America.” But now, as reported in the New York Times, Greensburg’s efforts are setting them apart as one of the most environmentally-advanced towns in the country.
Mike Estes owns a John Deere dealership in Greensburg that has received the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design platinum certification, the highest level possible and a goal that has yet to reached by some of the country’s biggest cities. Greensburg is also home to a LEED platinum certified arts center and six other buildings anticipate to reach this level.
The new, environmentally sensitive development is expected to cost $100 million. Funding comes from a mix of federal, state, and local sources, as well private donors like actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Although some residents were concerned the new designs would increase costs, Estes said he was saving the equivalent of $25,000 to $30,000 annually in energy and water costs compared to his old dealership.
In the spring, it was announced that Greensburg would generate all of its electricity from Kansas’ abundant wind supply. Plans have been made for a 12.5-megawatt wind farm capable of supplying electricity to 4,000 homes. The state ranks third in the country for wind-power potential.
“We had the chance to start over,” Estes said. “What do you do when you start with a clean slate? You want to build it better. Right?”
Published September 23, 2009 by Kelly Jacobsen |
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