CDCR Expands Energy Savings and Solar Power
CDCR is helping the environment and saving taxpayer dollars by providing land to create solar power, energy conservation projects, through water savings.
CDCR announced five renewable-energy agreements with SunEdison to add nearly 23 megawatts of on-site solar-generated power at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison and Ironwood State Prison in Blythe, California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, North Kern State Prison in Delano, and California State Prison, Los Angeles County, in Lancaster.
CIW Facility Seeks LEED Certification
CDCR’s newly constructed 45 bed Acute/Intermediate Care mental health facility at the California Institution for Women is the most recent to seek Silver certification in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program from the U.S. Green Building Council. Improved energy efficiency requires 18 percent less electricity, 70% of which is generated from alternative sources. Low flow fixtures reduce water consumption by 40 percent and its overall environmental footprint has been reduced by minimizing parking and adding bike racks for the facility's 45 employees.
Mental Health Facility Is Green and Looking for Silver
CDCR’s new 64-bed mental health treatment center at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville, which began accepting patients in February, 2012, is the most recent to seek Silver Certification standards in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program with the U.S. Green Building Council. Built with maximum use of recycled material, the facility is designed to conserve energy and water, reduce sewage discharges by 70 percent compared to more traditional designs, enhance indoor air quality and reduce its overall impact on the local environment.
Highlights
Governor Brown Signs Legislation to Boost Renewable Energy
On April 12, 2011, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. signed SBX1 2, which requires one-third of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources. The legislation increases California’s current 20 percent renewables portfolio standard target in 2010 to a 33 percent renewables portfolio standard by December 31, 2020. more
CDCR saves energy, water, and reduces landfill waste at its facilities.
CDCR also generates electricity, through solar power plants. These programs save the state money, and help to reduce harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. In 2008, CDCR became a member of the Climate Registry, and has been recognized nationally for its efforts. The goal is to reduce energy usage by 20%, by 2015.
Read more about CDCR's solar power program and energy savings program.
CDCR’s Energy, Sustainability and Infrastructure Section
CDCR’s Energy conservation projects are monitored and coordinated by the Energy, Sustainability and Infrastructure Section under the Facility Planning, Construction and Management (FPCM) Division. For more information visit the FPCM website or email Mark Hardcastle, Chief.
