The EF-5 tornado that struck Greensburg, Kansas, on May 4, 2007, razed 95 percent of the structures and left 1,500 of the town’s 1,574 people homeless. In the year that followed, the town that wind destroyed moved swiftly to recreate itself – with windpower. Today, the ruins are overshadowed by windmills and “green” structures built from recycled materials.
Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (Region 7) worked with Greensburg, state and local officials, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to create a “sustainable” section of the community’s long-term recovery plan. The Department of Agriculture provided funding for some of the reconstruction.
The bold plan that resulted envisions a community built to the highest standard for green development, “LEED platinum.” LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the rating system of the U.S. Green Building Council. The plan and related materials are available on the town’s official website.
Greensburg’s progress offers hope to planners who are familiar with the slow and controversial recoveries that are more typical following disasters.
Although the devastation of the town was as complete as Ground Zero in Manhattan and parts of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Greensburg’s plan to rebuild as a “green” town may result in it becoming a model for other communities recovering from disasters, according to Dr. Jack Rozdilsky, University of North Texas assistant professor of public administration. (UNT News Service)
On Saturday May 3rd, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 4th, at 12:00 a.m., Discovery Channel will air “Blown Away: Greensburg, Kansas,” an hour-long program describing the tornado’s destruction. The story of Greensburg’s resurrection will be told in a 13-part series premiering June 15 (Sunday) at 9:00 PM ET/PT on Discovery Communication’s new cable channel, Planet Green.
4 users commented in " One year later: Greensburg, Kansas "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackHow much is typical “green’ construction, per square foot? If it is more than equivalent “non-green” then business is charging more so that they can make more. Sounds green.
I don’t have hard figures, but what i have seen so far suggests that the additional cost of green construction is recovered within 8-12 years through lower energy costs. That would make green businesses more competitive. Reportedly, the construction at Greensburg provides another benefit: better protection from tornadoes.
I don’t trust this whole project. The word “sustainability” conjures up memories of the cold war and the Soviet Union. They wanted “sustainability.” I bet you didn’t know that.
Did you know Greensburg residence don’t even have cable television yet, therefore no internet? A year later and no cable?
There are three reasons for this. REGULATIONS. REGULATIONS. REGULATIONS.
Andrew, You provide a conclusion but no facts or links to support it. I don’t know if the Soviet Union ever used the word “sustainability.” But, what if they did? It’s just a word, like “integrity,” “preparedness,” and “fiscal responsibility,” all good words that any country might use. Are we supposed to interpret words, now, based on who uses them? That’s ludicrous.
As for cable television, I can think of many things more beneficial to have in life. My guess is, you’ve been watching too much SciFi channel as it is. 😉