Greensburg - American Planning Association

Meeting the Targets
There are thousands of techniques that
can be used to increase energy
efficiency in residential and commercial
buildings. Think first of proper building
orientation to take advantage of
daylighting and climactic conditions.
Design and construction of a wellinsulated
and thoroughly air-sealed
building envelope provides one of the
most cost-effective strategies, while
passive solar design and appropriate
thermal mass can further reduce
energy demand. Installation of efficient
HVAC systems compliment these
strategies. Further integration of an
energy efficient building might include
an efficient domestic hot water system,
well-controlled fluorescent lighting and
the use of Energy Star appliances. Only
after these techniques have been
applied should on-site renewable and
high-tech solutions be considered. It
has been shown that the suggested
targets can easily be met through
application of basic efficiency
strategies, often times at no cost
increase to the project.
In order for these suggested citywide
targets to be met, they must be
supported by continued community
education programs, and policy
initiatives.
A number of resource fairs and workshops were
held in Greensburg to educate residents and
builders about energy efficiency and available
financial resources. The above pictures are
courtesy of NREL and were taken at the Green Day
event in March, 2008.
Education
The City of Greensburg is well
positioned to continue to educate
Greensburg citizens of all ages about
sustainable design and energy
efficiency. From a grassroots, word-ofmouth,
approach, to hosting national
conferences, workshops, and seminars
it is recommended that the city
integrate energy efficiency into an
overall sustainability education
program.
Over the last year, many workshops
have taken place in Greensburg to
educate citizens and contractors on the
benefits and processes for building in
an energy efficient manner. As many of
the federal, state and private
consultants who were offering these
programs begin to leave the area,
Greensburg will need to continue their
good work. Greensburg GreenTown, or
a similar or community organization is
well positioned to continue seeking out
these education opportunities for the
town as well as publicizing regional
conferences and seminars of interest.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy
educational materials should also be
readily accessible in both hard copy and
digital format. An-on-the ground source
for information tailored for builders and
building owners as well as an in-depth
digital library that is accessible from the
City’s website will enhance the
grassroots efforts and supplement
other education initiatives. Many
resources have already been compiled,
and should be made available through a
non-profit or at the local library or
school. Because the field of sustainable
design and community planning is
growing and evolving rapidly it is
important that Greensburg’s sustainable
resource library be kept up-to-date by
qualified personnel. This library may
become the centerpiece for future
research as Greensburg becomes a
laboratory of green design.
It is also recommended that energy
efficiency be included in the K-12
curriculum for the Greensburg USD 422
school district. The administration is
currently working with outside
consultants to develop a sustainable
curriculum for the school and energy
efficiency and renewable sources will
certainly be part of that program. Newly
trained teachers will help educate the
broader community, and could be part
of a strong distance learning initiative.
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Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan
CITY OF GREENSBURG, KANSAS + BNIM