Success in Indianapolis at the first National Symposium on Sustainable Corrections

June 17, 2011
For Immediate Release

Media contact:
Ann Norris, Director of Marketing
Ann@GreenPrisons.org; 317-384-3637

Symposium participants touring
the Putnamville facility

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Greenprisons.org concluded a hugely successful first-ever National Symposium on Sustainable Corrections on Thursday, June 16th. The three-day Symposium focused  on cost saving sustainable practices and training inmates in “green collar” jobs to ensure they are prepared for 21st century jobs upon reentry. Two days of workshops concluded with a tour of the Putnamville Correctional Facility where participants saw green practices in action.

GreenPrisons.org chose Indiana as the location for the first Symposium because of the efforts of former commissioner Buss and current commissioner Lemmon’s actions to save taxpayer  dollars by supporting green efforts. “Sustainability makes sense for Indiana,” stated IDOC Commissioner Bruce Lemmon. “Governor Daniels has charged the Department to measure effectiveness and efficiencies, and sustainability has given us a great starting point.”

“Indiana was an obvious choice to host this inaugural symposium,” said GreenPrisons.org founder and CEO, Tommy Norris. “Commissioner Lemmon’s commitment to seeking out and implementing renewable and sustainable solutions to energy consumption is an example for the industry to follow.”

The Greenprisons.org Symposium focused on products and providers who play key roles in taking first-steps in greening the corrections community. Johnson Controls and NORESCO, two leaders in sustainable energy practices, gave special targeted workshops.

The Symposium also explored trends in training inmates in “green collar” jobs. Among the topics explored, Dr. Raquel Penderhughes, of San Francisco State University spoke on how to harness green business growth to fight both pollution and poverty and provide youth and adults with pathways to prosperity.

Paul Sheldon, Senior Advisor at Natural Capitalism Solutions, presented innovative, proven effective strategies to save as much as $1,000 per inmate through implementation of "green" technologies and strategies. Sheldon addressed lighting, water, appliances energy, waste disposal, recycling materials management, security and safety concerns, and employee and inmate transit among other topics.

Visit www.GreenPrisons.org for more information on the specific accomplishments of the Symposium.  Commissioner Lemmon has volunteered to host  the 2012 GreenPrisons.org Symposium on Sustainable Corrections again in Indiana; dates TBD.