In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, the UK government is poised to unveil its pioneering 'green' prison, boasting cutting-edge features such as heat pumps, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting. This innovative initiative not only underscores the nation's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint but also holds the potential to revolutionize energy consumption within the public sector.
Following a robust and competitive bidding process, the Ministry of Justice has officially inked a 10-year agreement with Mitie Care & Custody to oversee operations at HMP Millsike in Yorkshire.
Mitie will provide an array of services at the Category C prison, encompassing drug rehabilitation and skills enhancement programs aimed at mitigating reoffending risks among inmates.
This facility, which can house up to 1,500 prisoners, marks a pivotal stride in the government's endeavor to accommodate an additional 20,000 inmates in response to chronic prison overcrowding.
Distinguished as the UK's maiden all-electric prison, HMP Millsike will solely rely on electricity for operations, harnessing heat through advanced heat pump systems and locally generated solar power. Furthermore, the facility will adopt ultra-efficient LED lighting systems to reduce energy consumption and associated costs further.
The Ministry of Justice said the site would use "approximately a quarter of the energy used to heat traditional Victorian prisons."
"We are creating modern and secure prisons with rehabilitation at their heart so we can turn offenders lives around for good and cut crime and reoffending further," said Prisons Minister Edward Argar. "I look forward to seeing Mitie Care & Custody's innovative approach in action when HMP Millsike opens next year."
The initiative has already significantly contributed to rehabilitation efforts, engaging prisoners on day release to acquire essential construction skills. These include technical competencies and valuable transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and organization, which are pivotal for securing employment upon their release from prison.
Danny Spencer, managing director at Mitie Care & Custody, said: "As proud partners to the public sector, we are pleased to have been awarded this contract to operate HMP Millsike. With our experience delivering critical public services to support the immigration, justice and care sectors, as well as our expertise in facilities transformation and decarbonisation, we are excited to bring a modern and caring approach to prison management at this innovative new site."