Sustainability .

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The Green in Greensburg: Bob Berkebile & Pioneering Sustainability

AARP’s My Generation looks at how the tornado-ravaged town of Greensburg, KS has used green energy to rebuild itself and serve as an inspiring model for towns everywhere. BNIM’s Bob Berkebile sits down with Randy Mason to discuss Greenburg’s efforts and the importance of green building design.

With another season of destructive storms having already begun, and the one year anniversary of the EF5 tornado that tore though Joplin, MO coming up on May 22, communities are on alert.

This Friday also marks five years since a devastating EF5 tornado leveled the small town of Greensburg, KS, destroying homes, businesses and lives- but not spirits. Even in the face of such a disaster and tragedy, a community bonded together and with bravery and resilience, and have worked to rebuild their town bigger and better through the use of innovative green technologies.

The Local Show screens a segment from the AARP’s television program, My Generation, which looks at how Greensburg has used green energy- recycled materials and renewable power sources – to rebuild itself and serve as an inspiring model for towns everywhere.

Local architecture firm BNIM and its Founding Principal Bob Berkebile are renowned as experts and pioneers in the sustainability and green design movement. Berkebile, a winner of the 2009 Heinz Award from Theresa Heinz and the Heinz Family Foundation for his role in promoting green building design and for his commitment and action towards restoring social, economic and environmental vitality to America’s communities through sustainable architecture and planning, sits down with Randy Mason to discuss lessons to be learned from places like Greensburg, KS and post-Katrina New Orleans, Kansas City’s Green Impact Zone, and the important benefits of green building design.

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Soaking Up Sun: Kauffman Stadium Goes Green

Solar panels were recently installed around the outfield of Kauffman Stadium that will generate enough electricity to power four average homes. The Kansas City Royals play their first home game of the season on April 13.

Friday marks the Royals season home opener. If you are heading over to Kauffman Stadium, you will notice something different at the K. With 120 newly installed large solar panels wrapping the back of the ballpark, the Royals are going green. It is apparently the largest in-stadium solar installation in major league baseball.

The panels will generate about 36,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy a year. That’s enough to power four average homes. The panels are non-reflective and tilted to keep any reflections from interfering with play. That was a concern of Major League Baseball, which had to approve the stadium change.

When the dog days of summer arrive and you are basking in the sun at the stadium, just remember that even your beer and soda are going to be cooled by the sun.

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SCREENtime: Return to PrairyErth

Watch Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 8:30pm for "Return to PrairyErth."

Tune to KCPT Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 8:30pm for “Return to PrairyErth.” The documentary celebrates William Least-Heat Moon’s 1991 best-seller “PrairyErth: A Deep Map,” which explores the stories, people and landscape of Chase County, Kansas. Decades after its publication, director John O’Hara returns with Heat-Moon to the Flint Hills to reconnect with the land and residents of Chase County.

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Home Fields: Digging into Local Food

How the U.S. food system is evolving as more local farmers supply our grocery stores and restaurants
Watch Thursday, July 14, 2011 at 7pm.

Tune to KCPT July 14, 2011 at 7pm for Harvest Public Media‘s “Home Fields:Digging into Local Food.” This documentary from NET (Nebraska Educational Telecommunications) and week long radio series comprise a special report that explores how the U.S. food system is evolving as grocery stores and restaurants build supply networks with nearby farmers and ranchers.

Learn more about Harvest Public Media and listen to the radio reports.

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