The Osage County Courthouse is one of the oldest monuments in Kansas, but it recently got some modern upgrades. Community leaders have completed energy-efficient renovations to the building, including switching from incandescent to energy saving light bulbs. The changes are expected to reduce the county's environmental impact and preserve the courthouse for future generations.

"Historic buildings like the Osage County Courthouse are irreplaceable," said Carl Meyer, Osage county commissioner. He claims the improvements "make the county more environmentally responsible, all while creating a more comfortable environment for those who live and work in the building today."

In an effort to go green, officials replaced the existing roof with a solar reflective roof, installed high efficiency lighting, implemented low-flow water fixtures, and installed four high efficiency rooftop heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The project was funded by a performance contract from Kansas state officials.

In recognition of this important environmental initiative, the county will receive the "Trane Energy Efficiency Leader in Local Government Award." Trane is said to be a world leader in creating safe, comfortable, and energy efficient environments.

Trane officials have received multiple awards for their energy efficient cooling technology; most of the products they offer to institutions who want to promote environmental conservation employ LED bulbs, which are 10 times more efficient than their conventional counterparts.