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BUILDING MORE SUSTAINABLE PRISONS
Green Prisons is a platform that shares ideas, research, and real-world examples that support sustainability-oriented and environmentally responsible practices in correctional facilities.
Green Prisons is a platform that shares ideas, research, and real-world examples that support sustainability-oriented and environmentally responsible practices in correctional facilities.
7 Steps To Comply with ACA's Sustainability Standard
Learn how your correctional facility can measure progress toward sustainability-oriented and environmentally responsible practices in correctional facilities while also improving operational efficiency.
The Green Prisons Challenge introduces seven practical steps that help facilities evaluate their environmental practices and work toward recognition under the ACA Sustainability Audit Standard.
These steps highlight practices that can support:
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Improved resource management
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Stronger facility safety and operational efficiency
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Reduced waste and operational costs
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Responsible environmental practices within correctional institutions
Areas of Focus
Sustainability in correctional facilities can take many forms. Green Prisons highlights several key areas where institutions can explore environmentally responsible practices while improving operations.
Energy & Resource Efficiency
Encouraging responsible use of electricity, water, and other resources while improving operational efficiency and reducing unnecessary costs.
Environmental Education
Encouraging programs that help incarcerated individuals learn about responsible resource use and environmental stewardship.
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Waste Reduction
Promoting recycling, composting, and responsible waste management practices that help facilities operate more efficiently and reduce disposal expenses.
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Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings
Many sustainability-oriented practices help facilities manage resources more effectively and lower long-term operational costs.
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Food & Agriculture
Supporting prison gardens and sustainable food systems that provide fresh food while offering valuable work and educational opportunities.
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Safety & Security Support
Structured environmental programs can support organized work opportunities, improve facility operations, and contribute to safer correctional environments.
Who
We Are
Green Prisons is a platform dedicated to exploring sustainability-oriented and environmentally responsible practices in correctional facilities.
The initiative brings together research, ideas, and real-world examples that help correctional systems explore better ways to manage resources, reduce waste, and operate more efficiently.
By sharing knowledge and experiences, Green Prisons encourages collaboration and innovation that can support safer facilities and responsible environmental practices.
What We DO
Green Prisons serves as a platform for learning, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
The initiative highlights projects, research, and programs that demonstrate sustainability-oriented and environmentally responsible practices in correctional facilities across different regions.
By sharing these insights, the platform helps correctional professionals discover approaches that can improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety and security, and support responsible environmental practices.
OUR
PARTNERS
Green Prisons collaborates with organizations that support innovation, education, and responsible environmental practices within correctional systems.
Through these partnerships, the initiative shares knowledge, research, and practical examples that help correctional institutions explore safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible approaches.
Stay Informed: Our Newsletters
Stay informed with updates, insights, and research related to sustainability-oriented and environmentally responsible practices in correctional facilities. Our newsletters highlight new ideas, developments, and examples from correctional professionals exploring responsible environmental practices.
Topics: GreenPrisons Announces New Journal. The “GreenPrisons Journal” will offer its first edition in the first quarter of 2018. Beginning in December the highly subscribed GreenPrisons webinar series will return with new content...
Topics: NIC and DOE Host First National Workgroup on Sustainability in Corrections. Two Major Conference Events Rapidly Approaching. Horticultural and Gardening Programs Bring “New Life” to the Correctional Environment.
opics: GreenPrisons Celebrates Earth Day, Planning for the 147th Congress of Corrections in St. Louis is almost completed, The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) will host a first ever planning session...
Topics: GreenPrisons Joins Relief Efforts for Texas Correctional Families; Many of the staff at Texas Correctional facilities devotedly remained on duty securing and protecting the offenders in their care, while their own families dealt...
Topics: GreenPrisons is coming to a Conference near you.The American Correctional Association (ACA) returns with its Green Aisle at the 147th Congress of Corrections in St Louis, August 18th-22nd and GreenPrisons will be there.
Topics: GreenPrisons expands your opportunities about new sustainable technology, or practices that can be utilized in corrections, Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) receives Recycler of the Year Award at the Mid-Valley Green...
Topics: GreenPrisons Prepares for the 147th ACA Congress of Corrections, 6th year, the Green Aisle continues to draw companies. GreenPrisons and the Lee County (FL) Detention Center Host “Southern Forum” on November 14th...
Topics: Special Edition GreenPrisons Newsletter acknowledging the difficult work that all those who work inside our nation’s prisons, jails, and community corrections offices do on a daily basis. Further, "Green Programs" are playing...
Topics: GreenPrisons Website Gets New Look. Write your Own GP Blog! GP Intiates Sustainability Listserv. ACA Winter Conference Marks A Milestone in Sustainability for Corrections.
Community & Collaboration
Creating safer and more efficient correctional facilities often requires collaboration.
Green Prisons connects correctional professionals, researchers, and organizations who are interested in sustainability-oriented and environmentally responsible practices in correctional facilities.
By joining this community, you can:
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Learn from successful initiatives in correctional institutions
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Share ideas or projects from your own facility
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Connect with professionals exploring similar approaches
KEEP IN
CONTACT
Resources & Useful Links
Featured Resource
Report: National Symposium on Sustainable Corrections
Read a synopsis of the first National Symposium on Sustainable Corrections held in Indianapolis. This includes summaries of workshops, discussions, the Keynote Address, and a tour of the Putnamville facility.
Report on 2011 National Symposium on Sustainable Corrections
USEFUL
LINKS
NICIC Green Corrections Blog
A place where corrections professionals can interact and collaborate about being green in corrections.
Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment
Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment at the University of Kentucky
Natural Capitalism Solutions
Natural Capitalism Solutions is recognized internationally for its work in the field of sustainability.
USDA Bio Preferred Program
The purpose of the USDA Biopreferred program is to promote the increased purchase and use of bio-based products.