Green Building, Leonardo DiCaprio, Planet Green and Greensburg, Kansas

Lights, camera, action. This is what you might hear on any given day in Greensburg, Kansas. Yes, it's in the middle of nowhere. But after you hear about its history and can do attitude, you will understand why Planet Green Network has a reality show on this amazing town and why Leo DiCaprio got involved too.

Green Building, Leo DiCaprio, Planet Green and Greensburg, Kansas

Greensburg, Kansas, population 1574, was wiped off the map in 2007 when an EF5 tornado roared through their town. Only 2 EF5 tornadoes have been recorded since the scale started in 2007. Fewer than a dozen homes were left standing after that fateful evening. About 95% of the town vanished. The townspeople even wondered if they should rebuild because of the devastation. Their town was a dying town anyway since young people left and the population was growing older.

Eventually, 800 people and 60 businesses pledged to stay and rebuild the town. They decided since they could start over, they had a new future. They could do things to bring in business and attract the younger generation. They decided to become the "Greenest Town in America. "

Green Building in the "Greenest Town in America," Greensburg, Kansas LEED Certified Buildings

About 70% of the citizens signed onto the green initiative. When rebuilding began, energy-efficient windows, appliances, insulation, fuel-efficient heating and low-flow toilets were installed. They also built storm shelters in their basements.

The city council passed a resolution that all of the city buildings will be LEED Platinum certified. This includes city hall, a new school and a new county hospital. LEED Platinum is the highest certification for green building available. Check here for pdf files for zero energy homes and buildings at the Greensburg website.

Leo DiCaprio and Greensburg, Kansas

There are only 125 LEED Platinum buildings worldwide and Greensburg has one in its visual and performing arts center. A $3 million rent-subsidized office complex for start-up businesses was built with donations including $400,000 from Leo DiCaprio. Mr. DiCaprio is an actor that drives a hybrid, has solar panels on his home and supports green initiatives.

His website is split between a fan site and environmental causes. Leo DiCaprio is named by Oprah Winfrey as the lead male actor for green causes. From April 15 to Earth Day (April 22) Leo DiCaprio donated exclusive items for auction on eBay. The proceeds benefited Global Green USA where Mr. DiCaprio is a board member.

Green Building, Leo DiCaprio, Planet Green and Greensburg, Kansas

The new school has plans for geothermal heating, a wind turbine for electricity and hydrogen fuel cells for backup power. Sustainability is the goal for the whole town. For more information on sustainability for homes, neighborhoods and towns, click here.

President Barack Obama addressed a joint session of Congress on February 24th , 2009 and mentioned Greensburg, Kansas. Mayor Bob Dixson was present for the meeting. He sees Greensburg as an opportunity for the folks in his Kansas town to be pioneers once again. The green focus and LEED Certification put them in the spotlight which brought Planet Green and Leo DiCaprio to contribute to their growth.

Click here to read other articles by this author on green building and LEED Certification.

Sources:
Lamar Graham, Parade
Wikipedia