Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
The Need
In 2012, the American Correctional Association (ACA) began incorporating sustainability and energy conservation in its policies and standards. Since then, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), whose sole mission statement is to “reduce recidivism among those we touch”, began an effort to incorporate the ACA’s standards in operations along with inmate and staff training. The DRC developed multi-year sustainability plans, a committee to discuss these topics, and goals for energy reduction and renewable energy generation. These efforts led DRC to seek assistance in developing a Strategic Energy Plan.
Our Approach
Go was contracted to develop a framework for a strategic energy management (SEM) plan for the DRC. We first performed an organizational assessment to identify and understand potential opportunities, existing infrastructure, and areas of improvement. Next, we gathered information and data through interviews with key stakeholders and reviewed the primary energy-related DRC policies and supporting documentation. Finally, we compiled our findings and developed a Strategic Energy Plan framework report, which is intended to be a resource for DRC staff in the multi-decade implementation of an SEM plan.
The Results
DRC intends to pursue an organizational sustainable energy goal of operating a zero-emissions portfolio of buildings by 2040. This goal is both technically and economically feasible and unifies the DRC’s two previous existing goals of “reduce energy use by 2% per annum from 2017 through 2020” and to “be on track to achieve net zero energy for all DRC facilities within a decade”. DRC is actively pursuing energy efficiency projects across its portfolio as it, in parallel, pursues one of the largest solar energy installations in the state of Ohio, financed through a power purchase agreement.
DRC can cost-effectively transition to a zero emissions portfolio over the next two decades.
Our Role
Strategic Energy Plan Developer, Technical Advisor
The Client
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
Duration
2016 - Present
Team
Gregory Raffio, PE, LEED AP BD+C
Kevin Fisher
Peter Kleinhenz, PE