The benefits of green buildings and community are many.  First, green buildings are designed to save resources – including operating costs, energy, water and natural resources.  Second, the health of building occupants will benefit from the improved indoor air quality of green buildings.  Respiratory ailments such as asthma and allergies will decrease, and people will be more comfortable in green buildings.  It has been shown that children who go to green schools are sick less often, and workers in green buildings are more productive and use fewer sick days. Green buildings hold their value well, and often sell for a premium compared to traditional properties.

The list of benefits to the greater community is too many to list here. It is well said by one observer that says “green is the new red white and blue.”  Becoming energy independent, conserving our limited natural resources and protecting our natural environment is a high form of patriotism. And there is no better way to boost the economy of our community and our country than to embrace the “green revolution” (similar to the industrial and information revolutions) where new technologies offer great new products and services to lead us in to the future. Think about the millions of dollars and new jobs that will be available to those that are leading the transformation from the old energy technologies of coal and petroleum based fuels to the home-grown alternatives of wind, and sun and geothermal power. And if we choose, given our unique circumstances, Greensburg, Kansas can lead the way.

Last updated on July 10, 2007 by Administrator