Ohio Prison to Invest in Energy Efficiency, Conservation

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Chillicothe Correctional Institution (CCI) received $8 million in financing on Sept. 22 for the installation of new energy-efficiency and conservation systems. The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) approved financing for the project at its September meeting.

Built in 1930, the Chillicothe facility originally served as a military camp and was later converted to a penitentiary. One of the state’s largest correctional facilities, the prison currently employs 540 staff and has an institutional population of more than 2,700 across its 30-building campus, according to a statement by the OAQDA.

In order to increase energy-efficiency throughout the CCI complex, the prison will retrofit lighting fixtures, complete various powerhouse modifications and improve both the existing HVAC system and control system. Additionally, water conservation and efficiency upgrades will be integrated. A new hot water plant will be installed to eliminate the high maintenance costs associated with the current steam-based system.

The proposed energy conservation project is expected to reduce utility bills, operations and maintenance by $975,000 annually, or about 47 percent, according to a statement by the OAQDA. The project will likely yield air-quality benefits in the form of avoided hazardous air emissions, including 6,342 tons of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide; 15 tons of sulfur dioxide; 8 tons of nitrogen oxide; and 0.14 pounds of mercury. The reduction in carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide is equivalent to removing 1,352 cars from the road or the eliminating the electricity used by 791 homes.

“The Chillicothe Correctional project is one of several of the state’s correctional institutions that OAQDA is pleased to fund as part of the agency’s continuing effort to help Ohio’s facilities reduce utility costs, conserve energy and eliminate the emission of hazardous substances into our environment,” said Chadwick Smith, OAQDA executive director, in a statement.

The Ohio Air Quality Development Authority’s primary mission is to provide for the conservation of air as a natural resource of the state by preventing or abating air pollution. It accomplishes this mission by helping finance air-quality facilities for small and large businesses, utilities, government and universities.