The
Kinross Correctional Facility in Kincheloe is going to be one of three Michigan prison locations to receive new energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements.
With $17.3 million in contracts to do the work lined up, the efficiency improvements are projected to pay for themselves by saving the prisons $1.7 million a year for the next 10 years.
"The three correctional facilities were selected to be part of a pilot project to demonstrate that by investing in energy saving measures and retrofits, these performance projects are saving the state of Michigan $1.7 million a year, and will ultimately pay for themselves in the next decade," says Amy Butler, director of the
Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth's Bureau of Energy Systems.
At Kinross, the project is valued at $3.2 million, and is meant to save $326,469 in energy costs each year for the next 10 years.
The renovations will include lighting to use less electricity while improving light levels, better control of hot water requirements and HVAC systems, and retrofitting plumbing fixtures to cut down on water waste.
Chevron Energy Systems will be doing the work on Kinross to make the improvements, according to an announcement from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. Each contractor working on the project must meet clean energy performance standards, agreeing to guarantee the amount of energy saved with the renovations.
The money is coming partly from the federal Recovery Act and partly from the state.
The other two facilities are both in downstate Jackson. All three projects together are expected to create or retain 121 jobs. The Kinross project accounts for 16 of those jobs.
"Not only are we putting Michigan residents to work on these projects but we're also saving the state in utility costs for years to come," says Butler.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Amy Butler, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth