On May 4, 2007, an event occurred that could have turned Greensburg, Kansas into a ghost town.  Instead, it is turning this rural town into a Greentown.  Eleven people were killed in a tornado that also destroyed most homes and businesses in the town.   Citizens not only lost their homes, but many lost everything they owned.  Now, two years later Greensburg is going green. Homes being rebuilt will make the most of solar and wind energy.  The first new home is built entirely of concrete in the shape of a silo.  Not only is it expected to be 70% more energy efficient than a standard home, the reinforced concrete may also withstand the next tornado to hit this town.

It has already withstood the contractor dropping a junked Ford from 60 feet above the home onto its roof.  The Escort was dropped 2 times and there was no damage to the home.  The car bounced off the roof into the yard.  Even the John Deere dealer in the farming community has gotten into the act.  His new green building, while costing more to construct, will save an estimated $25,000 per year in heating and cooling costs.  In addition, the dealer has found a new sideline product, wind generators.