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Greensburg, Kan. Puts Green in Tornado Recovery Effort
Officials from the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the city of Greensburg, Kan. and the Kansas Building Industry Association (KBIA) have announced the launch of the Greensburg GreenHome residential green building program.
As the community continues to rebuild in the aftermath of natural devastation, the voluntary program will train workers to build new homes that can be certified to the recently released National Green Building Standard.
Two years ago, a tornado that swept through the southwest Kansas town brought winds at speeds of up to 205 miles per hour, destroying 95% of the existing homes and damaging the few that were left.
The green building initiative was unveiled as city leaders and local builders celebrated the Greensburg Second Anniversary Weekend.
“Greensburg GreenHome is a very important step for all of you, but it’s also an important step for the entire nation,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson.
“We’re thrilled that because of these collaborative efforts and the citizens’ enthusiasm for a green future, Greensburg is emerging as a true leader in sustainable community development,” said KBIA Executive Director Chris Wilson.
“By providing technical assistance and brokering this partnership with KBIA, the U.S. Department of Energy and NREL have helped to ensure that Greensburg will continue on a green and sustainable path,” said Steve Hewitt, Greensburg city administrator.
Under the agreement announced on Friday:
- Greensburg and KBIA will work together to ensure the use of the National Green Building Standard for residential construction and completed homes certified by the NAHB Research Center — the certification agents for the NAHB National Green Building Program — or NAHBGreen.
- KBIA will offer Certified Green Professional Designation training, including the two-day Green Building for Building Professionals course and the one-day Business Management for Building Professionals course.
- KBIA will waive the state and local association fees for any Greensburg home that achieves NAHBGreen certification.
“This agreement shows the city and Greensburg residents that the National Association of Home Builders, through KBIA, is committed to making a long-term investment in Greensburg’s future,” said Robson.
With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, NREL brought in a team almost immediately after the May 2007 tornado to provide consultants with technical expertise in buildings, wind energy, solar energy, biomass use and alternative transportation. NREL’s efforts in Greensburg will be used as a model for other communities seeking to rebuild.
“NREL is honored to be working shoulder to shoulder with citizens of Greensburg as they re-build their city with high energy-efficiency standards and sustainable building designs,” said Senior Project Leader Lynn Billman. “Greensburg is showing other small communities across America that they can save energy and be green as well.”
For more information, visit Building Greensburg on the Web.
 ‘National Green Building Standard’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“The National Green Building Standard,” available through BuilderBooks.com, provides “green” practices that can be incorporated into multifamily and single-family new home construction, home remodeling and additions and site development.
The standard covers lot design, resource, energy and water efficiency; indoor environment quality; and owner education.
Currently the first and only ANSI-approved green building rating system, the National Green Building Standard is the benchmark for green homes.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here.
 The Future of Residential Construction Is Green
The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation teaches builders, remodelers and other industry professionals techniques for incorporating green building principles into homes using cost-effective and affordable options.
Earning the CGP demonstrates to clients and peers your commitment to the best and latest in green building practices and techniques. More than 1,000 people have earned the CGPdesignation to date.
For more information, visit www.nahb.org/CGPinfo.
‘Building Greener Neighborhoods’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Building Greener Neighborhoods,” available through Digital Delivery at BuilderBooks.com, shows those involved in building new communities the advantages and rewards of saving, planting and transplanting more trees in their developments.
The examples are drawn from decades of experience of land developers, home builders and urban foresters.
To download this publication in a PDF format, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
 ‘Profit from Building Green’ Available at BuilderBooks.com
“Profit from Building Green — Award-Winning Tips to Build Energy Efficient Homes,” available through BuilderBooks.com, showcases what energy conscious award-winning builders are doing, provides innovative energy-efficient features and covers successful techniques for building this niche market.
To view or purchase this publication online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.
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