NCJ Number
227958
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2009 Pages: 60-62
Date Published
June 2009
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article explains the planning and building of the Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) in San Leandro, CA, which received a gold rating from an independent certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Abstract
The JJC has 360 beds for juvenile offenders; a 5-courtroom building; medical and dental facilities; educational facilities; and offices for public defenders, district attorneys, and other justice officials. As a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, short-term residential youth detention facility, JJC provides enhanced evidence-based treatment services for youths. The district attorney, public defender, behavioral health care services, medical services, educational services, and youth development providers are located near the probation department, which facilitates collaboration. With its green design, JJC also provides a high-quality indoor environment with natural light and clean air. Its green operations help preserve California's water and energy resources, fighting climate change and saving taxpayers money. Early in the project, two events occurred that stimulated the commitment to a green project. Input from the community required a significant site change, and the board of supervisors passed a green-building ordinance that mandated a silver rating by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system for all public buildings. Even though projects already underway were not subject to the ordinance, the county and project team made an environmental justice commitment to build a healthy and safe environment for juveniles and those serving them. This article provides details on how the JJC provides for renewable energy, energy efficiency, water efficiency, and "green" cleaning. The latter involves requiring the janitorial staff to be certified in compliance with the Green Seal's Environmental Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners. This means they have been trained to use environmentally preferable cleaners in helping reduce air contaminants for both occupants and janitorial staff.