Green Building Operations

CDCR’s pioneering strategies to enhance its green building operations

Background

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s emphasis on building “green” has carried through into its operations. The Department has established a number of green practices throughout its facilities, from improved waste diversion and enhanced waste reduction and recycling to maintenance methods aimed at  improving indoor air quality such as enhanced filtration, establishing less toxic methods to control pests though integrated pest management practices, and utilizing environmentally preferred purchasing methods for typical purchases such as office supplies and cleaning products to ensure goods and services meet stringent standards. Planned installations of electric vehicle charging stations will enable some staff to use emission-free vehicles in their daily commutes that, when combined with onsite renewable generation, will help to improve onsite air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

Our Goals:

  • We continue to work with our Sustainability Coordinators at each of our state-owned institutions, they work directly with our Energy and Sustainability Section to increase green operational practices.
  • Building upon our established foundation, we are intensifying our commitment to sustainable operations, driving higher adoption of on-site and purchased renewable energy.
  • Increase the visibility of CDCR’s sustainability program by developing newsletters, posters, SharePoint sites, etc.

State Resources and Guidance Documents