Indiana Department of Corrections

HVAC Equipment

Security

Digital Solutions

Industrial Refrigeration

Fire Suppression

Retail Solutions

Residential and Smart Home

Building Automation & Controls

Fire Detection

Distributed Energy Storage

Global Directory

South Africa - English

HVAC Equipment

Security

Digital Solutions

Industrial Refrigeration

Fire Suppression

Retail Solutions

Residential and Smart Home

Building Automation & Controls

Fire Detection

Distributed Energy Storage

Global Directory

South Africa - English

Indiana Department of Corrections

Nationally Recognized Operational Excellence.

Challenge

In 2005, The IDOC faced many of the same challenges that plague corrections departments across the country: its infrastructure was crumbling, deferred maintenance was taking its toll on budgets, and that year, rising utility bills topped $230 million.

“We recognized there was a tremendous opportunity to make energy and operational improvements,” said IDOC Executive Director of Construction Services Kevin Orme. “But the state didn’t have 20, 30, 40 or 80 million dollars to invest in making it happen.”

Solution

As the IDOC began to explore its options for funding the improvements without the use of taxpayer dollars, the agency issued a request for proposal. In response, the Johnson Controls team designed a plan that would include $64.5 million in energy-efficient upgrades and repairs across the IDOC facilities, without the need for the state of Indiana to provide capital or assume financial risk.

Under an energy savings performance contract, facility improvements would be paid for up front by Johnson Controls or through a 3rd party and guaranteed to generate enough savings to pay for themselves over time. And if the savings were to fall short, Johnson Controls would assume financial liability. “They actually stand behind it,” said Director of Special Projects Michael Callahan. “They write the check if we don’t make the savings, so our taxpayers know we’re watching over their dollars.” As an added bonus, because the funding mechanism doesn’t affect the state’s bond capacity, it frees up capacity for other critical projects.

Results

The IDOC has been so impressed by the results of the project, officials now share their experience with other departments of correction across the country. “We’re all in the same boat,” said Orme. “And now, we know enough that we’re teaching people across the country how to manage their correctional infrastructure to achieve the energy savings we have.”

The Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) operates 25 facilities across the Hoosier state and is nationally recognized for its innovative programs and commitment to inmate training. In 2011, the American Correctional Association awarded IDOC its Golden Eagle Award, recognizing “the highest commitment to excellence in correctional operations and the dedication of these agencies to enhancing public safety and the well-being of incarcerated individuals.”

Full Case Study