17 August 2005
A prestigious environmental award was made to the Department of Corrections by Minister for the Environment Marion Hobbs, today.
The Leadership in Operational Sustainability award is part of the Ministry for the Environment's new Govt³ programme, which promotes sustainability in government agencies. The award recognises Corrections’ efforts to promote environmental sustainability.
As one of the public sector's biggest energy consumers, Corrections has a responsibility to reduce its impact on the environment, says Chief Executive Barry Matthews.
"We are committed to energy efficiency and sustainability, and this award is recognition that we are on the right track."
Corrections' energy use, per prisoner, fell by 8.6% between 2002 and 2005, and CO2 emissions fell by 34%.
The construction of the Otago Region Corrections Facility in Milburn, near Dunedin, reflects Corrections' efforts to balance safe and secure prisoner management with environmental efficiency, says Mr Matthews.
Milburn's weather patterns have been simulated and applied to models of the facility's buildings to maximise natural light levels, gauge insulation needs, and assess the need for double-glazing.
"This is just one of the initiatives Corrections has put in place to increase energy efficiency, and reflects the Govt³ focus on environmental, social and economic sustainability," Mr Matthews says. "The Leadership in Operational Sustainability award is an incentive for Corrections to continue making improvements in operation sustainability."