Greensburg KS to Rebuild as LEED Platinum City
The city of Greensburg KS was nearly obliterated by an F5 tornado in May 2007. But turning the devestation into an opportunity, the city is looking to make its mark by rebuilding as a green community. The city has mandated that all city buildings larger than 4,000 sq. ft. must be built to LEED-Platinum level and must have an energy performance level at least 42% better than current building code requirements.
“The city of Greensburg has taken the extraordinary step of committing to rebuild their community to a new vision, not settling for simply recreating what had gone before,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. “By committing to a recovery plan based on green building, the community’s leadership has set a path that will result in a healthier, more livable city for its citizens, turning a crisis into an opportunity that is an example for us all.”
After a disaster, it is difficult to take the time and effort to try to build something better than what had been present before. This mandate only applies to city buildings. But hopefully, the wider city itself will embrace this direction, and not only will city buildings, but the stores, offices, homes, and other buildings will likewise be built better, and greener, than what they are replacing.
I wish the focus was more upon rebuilding a beautiful town with well-detailed streets (proper sidewalks, rows of non-ornamental trees, traditional architecture that defines the space of the street, etc) rather than being distracted by this green fad. The new art museum might look stunning in the photos, but it sits alone in an ugly field. The space isn’t properly defined. Greensburg was once a pretty little town on the high plains, but whatever construction is taking place is largely crap.
See http://www.greensburggreentown.org and the city site (http://greensburgks.org/) for updates to ongoing progress
I had stopped in Greensburg,Kansas in May of 2008 on a tornado watching tour. I thought wanting to see a tornado would be the highlight of my trip. But when I went through your town Greenburg,Kansas I had a lump in my throat. What devastation there still was 1 year later. I was wondering though did they ever rebuild the Post Office (I work for the postal service)or is it still in a trailer? I see so much is being rebuilt and I am proud of the people of Greensburg. They show America that with a little help and that if everyone sticks together that we all can make a difference in this world. But maybe just in our own backyard! Thank You Greensburg for showing what I can do to make this world alot better place. God Bless each and ever one of you!!!
I think the “green city ” thing is okay, but you could have made a substantial jump to cost effectiveness and safety by going with the ” hobbit ” look. It seems to me that everyone that has ever been in a Tornado tries to get underground anyway. An earth-sheltered home or business can be up to 90% more efficient than a conventional design. Lighting and the cave feeling can be taken care of by good design. If you add solar hot water and space heat ( when available ) it could really be ” green “.