ACA Standard and Policy on Sustainability

Standard Addition:
Added August 2010
The facility/agency shall demonstrate they have examined, and where appropriate and feasible, implemented strategies that promote recycling, energy and water conservation, pollution reduction and utilization of renewable energy alternatives. 

Policy Statement:
Public Correctional Policy on Environmentally Responsible and Sustainability-Oriented Practices
Type Policy
Date Aug. 9, 2011

Description Introduction:
Adult and juvenile facilities and programs have the responsibility to deliver short- and long-term cost-effective performance through the implementation of environmentally responsible and sustainability-oriented measures, such as composting, energy conservation, recycling, water conservation, pollution reduction and the utilization of renewable energy alternatives.

Policy Statement:
The American Correctional Association fully supports appropriate short- and long-term cost-effective facilities and materials management strategies that are resource efficient and environmentally responsible. Therefore, public and private agencies at the federal, state and local levels should:

1. Promote and engage in recycling efforts that may be determined by the surrounding community resources regarding markets and services for recyclable materials. However, each facility and program should pursue all reasonable alternatives that have the effect of an overall reduction in the waste stream;
2. Promote and engage in composting of appropriate materials;
3. Conserve energy through periodic energy-use audits and cost-effective efficiency improvements in areas such as lighting, heating, cooling, transportation and building construction. Agencies should pursue maintenance schedules that demonstrate effective maintenance of heating and cooling equipment. Agencies should demonstrate analysis of the cost of transportation vehicle use and related fuel consumption. Agencies should require LEED standards in all remodeling and new construction;
4. Conserve water through the use of cost-effective, efficient water use technologies. Agencies should seek alternatives to unlimited water use in the form of efficient plumbing fixtures such as reduced flow shower heads, waterless urinals, controlled shower time for offenders, development of drought-resistant landscaping, recycling of rainwater runoff, and similar strategies;
5. Reduce pollution through the use of nontoxic, non-caustic chemicals, liquids and powders;
6. Utilize cost-effective, renewable energy alternatives. Agency staff should be able to demonstrate that they have researched and sought methods of obtaining and implementing cost-effective, renewable energy strategies.
7. Provide appropriate training to staff [and offenders] regarding environmental responsibility and cost-effective, sustainability-oriented practices. For offenders, training may include preparation for future jobs in building retrofit industries or in alternative energy industries such as solar, wind turbine, or geothermal installation, operation and maintenance. For staff, facilities should seek ways to share information among staff on the importance of energy, water and resource conservation, to aid in the efficient and cost-effective operation of their workplace.
8. Provide for organizational strategies that allow time and opportunity for staff to focus on environmental and resource efficiency issues.

This policy was unanimously ratified by the American Correctional Association Delegate Assembly at the 141st Congress of Correction in Kissimmee, FL on Aug. 9, 2011.