Corrections' work towards environmental sustainability has won it the Ministry for the Environment public sector award at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s EnergyWise Awards.
Corrections’ Energy Manager Cees Ebskamp was highly commended in the energy manager category.
The EnergyWise Awards showcase organisations and individuals that have demonstrated innovation and brilliant thinking in energy efficiency or renewable energy projects. The Awards celebrate progress towards a sustainable energy future for New Zealand.
“Corrections made a conscious decision to invest in energy management and is reaping the rewards of its forward-looking approach to environmental management,” says Chief Executive Barry Matthews.
“In today's climate, where energy prices are expected to rise rapidly and national energy savings measures are again being talked about, Corrections is already being economical with its energy usage,” says Barry.
Since its five-year Energy Management
Strategy was approved in 2002, Corrections has achieved a reduction in energy use of 8.6 percent per prisoner, representing a cost saving of $800,000. As energy prices increase, and as more energy efficiency projects are completed, this figure is projected to reach $1 million by the end of the financial year.
“Awards like these are a valuable forum to recognise and celebrate the effort, dedication, and commitment that will help make tomorrow’s New Zealand clean, green, and beautiful,” says Barry. “The result shows Corrections is a sector leader, planning for the future and making sound social, economic, and environmental decisions.
“I would especially like to acknowledge Energy Manager Cees Ebskamp who was highly commended in the Energy Manager category. Without his hard work, and that of his team behind him, Corrections would not, as the judges commented, be a role model for the rest of Government,” says Barry.
“Since 2002, Corrections has become more proactive about energy management,” says Cees. “Over the last few years my role has focused on reducing energy use, informing staff of the benefits of managingenergy, and implementing plans to ensure energy savings are maintained.
“This has included incorporating best energy practice in the design of new facilities, building upgrades and extensions at existing prisons, and achieving energy end-use savings for our 5300 staff and around 7500 prisoners.
“We have come a long way and there is still much to do. The focus will now move to waste minimisation, water and waste water reduction, renewable energy, and vehicle fleet improvements,” says Cees.
Last year, Corrections received the prestigious Leadership in Operational Sustainability award as part of the Ministry for the Environment’s new Govt³ programme, for its efforts to promote sustainability in government agencies.
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ISSN 1178-8453