Building a new tomorrow… - Tremco Sealants

Building a new tomorrow…

A small town in rural America struggled to attract diverse age groups,
newcomers and to foster prosperity…

Then on May 4, 2007, a deadly tornado struck Greensburg, Kansas…

…and resulted in nearly complete devastation.

Ninety-five percent of the town was
destroyed…

…nine lives were tragically lost in town…

…survivors were left without homes…

…businesses…

…schools…

...basic city services.

Greensburg was gone, and it seemed that all was lost for its residents.

From the rubble, however, came a resilient and courageous call from
the people of Greensburg

…to not only rebuild their community, but also to send a bold message
to the rest of the nation.

Greensburg committed to building smarter and better, determined to
make their town a model for the future of cities of all sizes throughout
the U.S. and the rest of the world.

They decided to rebuild Greensburg as a model green community.

.
The Greensburg City Council voted to build all city buildings to the top
level of certification available from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Greensburg is thought to be the first town in the U.S. to set that goal.

This story of survival and rebuilding in a sustainable way is important, not
only to the people of Greensburg, but also to the rest of the world.

The Discovery Channel filmed a 13-part series on the project
highlighting the process, the products and design of a Green Town. They
are now back, preparing for a second season.

The news media made this story front line….

President Bush was the keynote speaker for the commencement address
to the 18-student Senior Class of 2008 at Greensburg High School.

The rebuilding process is underway.

While Greensburg residents continue to live in a temporary state…

From the storm shelters that saved the lives
of those within Greensburg a spirit has
emerged that is serving as the foundation
for a rebirth…designed to ensure a
sustainable future.

Tremco Commercial Sealants & Waterproofing and some of our RPM
sister companies are committed to the development of new technologies
and utilization of existing technologies and “best practices” to help ensure
a sustainable future for all of us. This commitment has led us to
Greensburg…
…to do our part…
…to put theory into practice and turn concepts into a way life.

Building the nation’s first LEED Platinum Critical Access Hospital

LEED is a means to good building practices…providing a comprehensive
approach to eliminate gaps and weak spots in the building envelope
... detailing around windows
…eliminating gaps between masonry
and the wall and
where walls meet the roof
… ensuring fire ratings are met

Balancing the fresh air requirements of a hospital with the
responsibility to control energy usage.

Restoring Kiowa County Courthouse, one of the only buildings to
survive the tornado, pursuing placement on the National Historic
Registry and a LEED Certification Rating of Gold…believed to be
one of the first in historic preservation.

Retaining the architectural and aesthetic significance of the
original design while improving its efficiency

Paying strict attention to proper sealing of joints and mechanical
systems to help achieve energy efficiency and long-term
effectiveness while incorporating products
… with low VOCs to protect the environment
… and non-staining formulations to protect the stone

Air and moisture management for optimal operating
performance and energy efficiency in the schools

…with cold fluid-applied waterproofing membranes below-grade for
seamless protection and air barriers above grade

…incorporating prefabricated drainage/protection/insulation boards
(with 35% recycled content by weight) with low-VOC cold fluidapplied
waterproofing membranes below-grade for seamless
protection, insulation and storm water management.

RPM Companies are working with Greensburg Greentown to produce
energy-efficient homes that serve as museums by day and
accommodations by night.
Additionally, talks with the
USDA, Mennonite Housing and
Habitat for Humanity have
begun.

The stars that are found on each street corner, designed by the town’s
school children, embody the spirit of a town determined to build a
sustainable future.

Sustainability is a commitment to the future of our world.
For Greensburg, sustainability is providing new hope
… breathing new life into an aging Midwest town
… providing a means for economic stability and longevity for
each new or restored structure.
… reducing the depletion of critical environmental resources
and negative consequences for ourselves and our world