NCJ Number
228445
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 36 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 20,22,27
Date Published
August 2009
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes how various police departments across the Nation have made their facilities more energy efficient and environmentally friendly (going "green"), not only to address adverse climate change, but also to save money.
Abstract
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is one of many police agencies across the country that has gone "green." in March 2009, the Englewood District Police Station opened to the public as one of six police stations in Chicago to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The Public Building Commission of Chicago is currently planning 75 "green" projects, among them police and fire stations, public schools, libraries, and district parks, all of which are projected to attain at least a silver rating in the LEED rating system. The same type of commitment is evident in the Cotati Police Department (California). Cotati's new police facility reduces energy costs by 24 percent with a 30kW photovoltaic renewable energy system. In addition, Cotati's water efficient landscaping has reduced landscape irrigation system water use by 50 percent, and the use of low-flow toilets and water systems has reduced potable water consumption by 30 percent. In Rochester, NY, construction will begin on a $30-million "green" crime lab in the fall of 2009. In addition to savings in energy costs, employees report enjoying working in "green" buildings, increasing their productivity and job satisfaction. The downside of going "green" is the more expensive initial outlay, but rapid returns on investment make it worthwhile.