Greensburg is a GreenZone

Cities will sprawl but only communities can thrive. Storms will grow but we tend to remember those that develop because we give them names like Katrina, Rita and Andrew. Tornadoes by definition are intense, compact and well organized (albeit briefly) wind storms that form where cold and warm air masses bump up against one another. The storms that spawn them are often massive but it is the fine line of twisters that develop that typically create the path of destruction, typically only a few hundred yards long but in some cases may be miles.

Greensburg, Kansas was struck by an F5 tornado with winds exceeding 200 mph (remarkable even in this context) on May 7, 2007, and in the rubble that was left behind, a town was rebuilt with a newly found commitment to sustainable design by community with a spirit of resolve. The people of Greensburg know that storms will return - they don't call it Tornado Alley for nothing - so they are rebuilding with that knowledge and experience firmly planted in the in their memories and in their plans and have committed to creating the first complete city built to LEED - Platinum standards. The city's power will be supplied by ten 1.25 MW wind-turbines.

But the commitment to goes beyond a promise to use sustainable design practices and renewable resources. Homes being built in Greensburg will go above and beyond in terms of resiliency because many of them will be built of concrete. The Silo Eco Homes built by Armour Homes who developed a patent pending process of pouring concrete exterior walls/roof that have a very high energy rating. They've incorporated a unique garden roof system that insulates, captures rain water and blocks direct sunrays and they are built on the same foundations of houses destroyed in the tornado. They are built to durable, green and affordable. If you don't believe the "durable" promise, check out the video below. If that's not remarkable, I'm not sure what is.

Planet Green is in the middle of the second season of a reality show produced by Leonardo DiCaprio based on the story of the Greensburg people trying to not just rebuild but develop a "green town". The show looks at the personal issues and challenges they face as they nurture and, in some cases begin anew, industries in business incubators with hopes and prayers that their hard work will turn into a bustling local economy supported by a vibrant chamber of commerce.

The people of Greensburg decided that simply rebuilding would not be "good enough" and that they would do more than just apply the latest technology and techniques. The show is inspirational and is a great example of people thinking spiritually and acting technically all while working on a huge project that is renewable, reliable and remarkable.