Greensburg鈥檚 sustainable planners quickly saw the need for a sustainable stormwater management strategy. A truly integrated system can eliminate flooding by slowing and decreasing runoff volume, improving water quality, and ultimately helping create a community with zero stormwater runoff. Stormwater systems embedded in streetscapes and parks were also critical to the plan.

丝瓜视频 Honor Award Recipient, Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan by BNIM (Photo: © 2008 BNIM)

Photo 2 of 7

The planners outlined a 鈥渘atural water treatment train,鈥� which represents the flow of stormwater from the time the water falls as precipitation to when it is either absorbed into the ground or rejoins the atmosphere due to evaporation. Each part of the 鈥渢rain鈥� plays a part in moving, purifying, or infiltratingthe water. The system was designed with local plants, soils, and climate in mind.

丝瓜视频 Honor Award Recipient, Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan by BNIM (Photo: © 2008 BNIM)

Photo 3 of 7

Before the tornado, Greensburg鈥檚 parks were isolated. The planners outlined a new park and trail network that would flow into pedestrian streetscapes. New sidewalks were designed to include trees, benches, and lighting to encourage walking. Redevelopment plans were also designed to encourage all key locations to be within five minutes walking distance (each circle radius represents a five-minute walk).

丝瓜视频 Honor Award Recipient, Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan by BNIM (Photo: © 2008 BNIM)

Photo 4 of 7

While Greensburg was destroyed by wind, the city is now turning to this renewable energy source as their answer to becoming sustainable. Greensburg is located in one of the windiest parts of Kansas. To use the renewable energy wisely, the city of Greensburg is also focused on energy-efficiency, requiring that all new city buildings be LEED Platinum.

丝瓜视频 Honor Award Recipient, Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan by BNIM (Photo: © 2008 BNIM)

Photo 5 of 7

Greensburg鈥檚 residents wanted a walkable community with a 鈥渟mall town feel.鈥� The new plan focuses on compact residential development around the downtown core, encouraging community interaction and the economic viability of local businesses. Front porches help residents keep an eye on streets.

丝瓜视频 Honor Award Recipient, Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan by BNIM (Photo: © 2008 BNIM)

Photo 6 of 7

The new downtown鈥檚 streetscape will be composed of native plants watered with harvested rainwater. Local businesses are housed in durable, healthy, and efficient buildings. Residents settled on a downtown plan with traditional Midwestern town elements, but wider pedestian zones and mixed use developments.

丝瓜视频 Honor Award Recipient, Greensburg Sustainable Comprehensive Plan by BNIM (Photo: © 2008 BNIM)

Photo 7 of 7