Skip to Content
U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Publications on Greensburg, Kansas

Based on lessons learned from the technical assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Greensburg, Kansas, the following publications feature information and resources to aid federal, state, and local agencies, and community leaders facing long-term disaster recovery.

Photo of a daylit classroom that has four long wooden tables and chairs, a teacher's desk, projector, and projector screen. The classroom has reclaimed Douglas fir wood paneling along one wall and the ceiling, and polished concrete floor.

Regularly occupied spaces in the Kiowa County School such as classrooms, corridors, and the gym, are fully daylit to reduce electricity costs.
Courtesy of McCownGordon Construction

Brochures

Greensburg, Kansas—A Better, Greener Place to Live

The inspiring story of Greensburg's recovery, with many examples of disaster recovery accomplishments. This is offered as an example of how to use rebuilding green as a "marketing" advantage when a community strives to bring former and new residents and businesses back to town .

How Would You Rebuild a Town Green?

Information about the Greensburg Sustainable Building Database, which includes examples from Greensburg of the variety of buildings and projects that can save a community energy and increase renewable energy use.

Rebuilding After Disaster—Going Green From the Ground Up

The why and how of energy planning in disaster recovery for city leaders.

Rebuilding It Better Series

The following brochures highlight the energy-efficiency and renewable energy features of these new and renovated Greensburg buildings:

Fact Sheets

A Tale of Two Cities: Greensburg Resurrected as a National Model for Green Communities

This fact sheet provides a summary of how NREL's technical assistance in Greensburg, Kansas, helped the town rebuild green after recovering from a tornado in May 2007.

NREL Helps Greensburg Set the Model for Green Communities

Overview of specific DOE and NREL technical assistance activities in Greensburg.

Rebuilding Green Homes after Disaster

Information for homeowners about the benefits of rebuilding green.

Rebuilding Green Buildings after Disaster

Information for commercial building owners and operators.

Rebuilding with Renewable Energy after Disaster

Information for community decision makers and community members about incorporating renewable energy into rebuilding.

Resources for Rebuilding Green after Disaster

A resource list for builders and architects.

Posters

The following posters summarize specific rebuilding efforts in Greensburg. Actual size: 24 inches x 36 inches.

Project Overviews

High-Performing Buildings

Technical Reports and Conference Papers

Assessment of Biomass Pelletization Options for Greensburg, Kansas

This technical report summarizes an assessment conducted by NREL in Greensburg, Kansas, to identify potential opportunities to develop a biomass pelletization or briquetting plant in the region.

From Tragedy to Triumph: Rebuilding Greensburg, Kansas, To Be a 100% Renewable Energy City

This conference paper was presented at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings August 15–20, 2010.

Rebuilding Greensburg, Kansas, as a Model Green Community: A Case Study and Appendices

This comprehensive case study describes technical assistance provided by NREL to help Greensburg rebuild as a green community after an EF-5 tornado nearly leveled the town in 2007. You can also download appendices that provide additional information about activities in Greensburg.