Sustainability & Environmental Focus

Sust at DOC

Working Toward a Sustainable DOC

Sustainability is the protection and management of our resources to meet current needs without sacrificing the needs of future generations.

Sustainability Mission Statement

As a steward of public resources, the Department of Corrections is committed to work for sustainable, safe communities.  The Department will evaluate the long-term impacts of its construction and operations decisions on the environment, community, and economy of the state, and strive to choose those actions with the greatest long-term benefits.

About Us

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is Washington’s third largest state agency.  Housing, feeding, clothing, and providing programs for more than 16,000 incarcerated offenders offers many opportunities to implement sustainability.

SUST 1A

In September 2003, DOC adopted a Sustainability Plan (PDF), which is updated every two years.

Sustainability initiatives have been launched in the areas of energy and water conservation, enhanced recycling, toxic materials reduction, composting, and green building. Data is collected and tracked and a Sustainability Progress Report FY08 (PDF) detailing our progress on meeting our goals is published annually.

 CCCC

Sustainaiblity Partnerships & Projects - Can They Reduce Recidivism?

  • Can prisons save money and the environment while rehabilitating lives? Check out DOC and The Evergreen State College Green Prisons and other pilot project highlights.
  • Can composting, organic gardening, moss, worms, beekeeping, and frogs reduce recidivism and help offenders find jobs? Collaboration between The Evergreen State College and Cedar Creek Corrections Center bring ecologists and offenders together on environmental activities & initiatives. 
  • Can homeless animal rescue and training teach patience and compassion? Statistics from other states, Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW), and now Stafford Creek Corrections Center (SCCC) indicate it may. SCCC's dog rescue and training program began in early March 2009. Early indications show that programs such as this can also bring offenders "hope and peace."

 

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

SKY

In addition to supporting the agency's sustainability efforts, the Capital Programs Environmental staff members assist Capital Programs Project Managers in obtaining necessary permits for Capital Projects.

State Environmental Policy Act

Project-related State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) documents are submitted to the Department of Ecology. The Department of Ecology publishes these documents for two weeks - or for the entire comment period - whichever is required. 

Historic Preservation

OLY 1890

Washington State Capital - Olympia - 1890

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) recognizes that archaeological sites are nonrenewable resources that contribute to our sense of history and place, and define our shared heritage.  The wise stewardship of these sites is our collective responsibility.

Cultural & Historical Resources

  • DOC Historic Preservation - Information Coming Soon
    • Buildings
    • Cemeteries

Stormwater Management Program

What is LEED®?

LEED

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), founded in 1993, is a non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built and operated. The USGBC is best known for the development of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and Greenbuild, a green building conference that promotes the green building industry, including environmentally responsible materials, sustainable architecture techniques and public policy.

LEED & Green Building Highlights

New March 6, 2009

  • Correctional News Facility of the Month Mar/Apr 2009 - Designed to LEED Silver standards, Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, Washington, demonstrates Washington's commitment to environmental sustainability. If successful, Coyote Ridge would be the first prison campus in the United States to achieve LEED Silver certification.

Building / Construction / Permitting

  • Permits - Information Coming Soon

 

sust_committeeContact us with your comments, questions, or feedback at:

Sustainability Coordinator
Washington State Department of Corrections
PO Box 41112
Olympia, Washington 98504-1112
(360) 725-8396
Email Us @ SustainableDOC@doc1.wa.gov

 

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