Lake Erie Correctional Institution goes ‘green’

Lake Erie Correctional Institution (LaECI) is working hard to go “green.”  By doing so, the MTC-managed facility in northeastern Ohio is also saving ‘green’ – money – by reducing consumption in a variety of areas.

“We want to make reduced utility consumption part of the culture,” said Warden Rich Gansheimer. 

The changes began with the creation of the facility’s EVER Green team, last fall.  The team was created to coordinate Lake Erie’s Impact Innovations effort.  So far the team is saving electricity, natural gas and water consumption, while also tackling other green initiatives.

Electricity consumption at LaECI was reduced by one-third in January 2009, compared to the same month in 2007.  Natural gas consumption has also been reduced 11 percent.  Water and sewer consumption fell in January to less than 500,000 gallons.  One year earlier, January consumption was 600,000 gallons.

To help create the reductions, hot water heater temperatures have been reduced by 20 degrees.  Additionally, thermostats have been adjusted to let rooms get a little warmer before air conditioning kicks on and a little cooler before heaters fire up.  The facility is also making better use of natural light during the day by turning more lights off.

The EVER Green team also helped the facility to recycle a ton of items during the first three weeks of January.

The EVER Green team is made up of 14 Lake Erie Correctional Institution employees.  The team gathers regularly to brainstorm new energy saving ideas.

(posted 4/10/09)

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