The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) and the US Department of Energy (DOE) hosted the first national workgroup on sustainability in corrections in Aurora, Colorado. April 24-28 and GreenPrisons was there. The meeting was facilitated by Stacy Fitzsimmons of SNF writing Solutions. With Stacy’s guidance the group developed the first comprehensive look at sustainability in corrections and drafted a list of specific outcomes the group would like to see accomplished in the coming months ahead.

The Oregon Department of Corrections can always be counted on for some amazing accomplishments as documented by their Sustainability Manager, Chad Naugle. See the results of their most recent efforts from Chad’s email below.

This workshop will provide real life experiences from sustainability projects of all kinds completed on correctional facilities from across the United States. From using the most advanced lighting, refrigeration, mechanical, water conservation, recycling, etc., to getting deep down into the financing, establishing realistic scheduling and giving realistic returns on project investments.

Typically when we talk about saving resources here at GreenPrisons we are talking about energy or water or managing waste more effectively. But Jailer Barry Brady of the Marion County Detention Center has proven it can be about people too. Typically when we talk about saving resources here at Brady was the first jailer to be awarded an NIC technical assistance grant to assess his facility in an effort to put together a sustainability plan to help him prioritize infrastructure improvements.

From its iconic Green Aisle to more than seven workshops on sustainable topics this summer’s 147th Annual Congress of Corrections promises to offer something for anyone interested in the topic. Be sure and include a cruise down the Green Aisle during this summer’s conference. With eighteen companies whose focus is on all things sustainable