02 March 2006
Recent initiatives to make the prison system more environmentally sustainable has won Corrections accolades in the Public Sector category of last night's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority EnergyWise Awards.
"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 again being talked about, Corrections is already being economical with its energy usage."
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. This represents a cost savings of $800,000 in today's dollars. 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 present financial year.
"As Chief Executive of EECA, Heather Staley, says smart energy choices make sound financial sense and have positive environmental and health benefits for all New Zealanders. The award shows Corrections is a sector leader, planning for the future, and making sound social, economic, and environmental decisions," says Mr Matthews.
"Awards like these are a valuable forum to recognise and celebrate the effort, dedication, and commitment that will help keep tomorrow's New Zealand clean, green, and beautiful," says Mr Matthews.
"In line with this I would especially like to acknowledge Corrections Energy Manager Cees Ebskamp who was highly commended in the Energy Manager section. 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."
"Since 2002, Corrections has become more proactive about energy management," says Mr Ebskamp. "Over the last few years my role has focused on reducing energy use, informing staff of the benefits of managing energy, 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 5300 staff and almost 7500 prisoners."
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.