The Allegheny County Jail announced today it has implemented a series of facility enhancements like the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, installation of lockers made from recycled materials and an expanded recycling program.

The enhancements are projected to save the jail about $175,000 annually, county officials said.

"By taking steps to be more sustainable in our operations, we are saving taxpayers money and helping to preserve the environment," said County Executive Dan Onorato.

"As part of my Allegheny Green initiative, we are looking for ways to operate government more efficiently and environmentally friendly, and I encourage residents, businesses and municipalities to do the same," he said.

The county, Mr. Onorato added, enlisted the help of Grainger, a local facility maintenance supplier, to conduct a series of sustainability audits.

County officials said Grainger and its supplier partners helped the jail to identify a number of "green solutions," including: installing lockers made from recycled content for more than 50 jail employees; implementing an environmentally friendly dilution control cleaning system; providing concentrated personal hygiene products for staff and inmates; and implementing a broad recycling program.

"Grainger is committed to helping local businesses and institutions achieve their objectives to become more green," said Mark Hanna, regional vice president of government sales for Grainger.

"Through the use of sustainable products, businesses and organizations can conserve water, reduce waste, improve lighting efficiency and use more environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. These products are often less expensive, have longer life spans, all while helping to preserve the environment," Mr. Hanna said.

Where existing products were not the most cost-effective option for the jail, green replacement products were suggested. For example, the new personal hygiene products are concentrated foam soap, requiring less quantity for each use. Where other products were at the end of their life span, new green products were also recommended.

"These updates at the county jail make maintaining this facility easier for staff and residents," said Jail Warden Ramon Rustin.

"For example, the new cleaning system dispenses just the right amount of cleaning solution, so we optimize the effectiveness of the solution and don't waste product."

In March, the county unveiled new lighting at the jail where more than 800 light fixtures were replaced with high-efficiency LED lights, which will consume 83 percent less energy, the equivalent of reducing the county's energy consumption by 184 kilowatts.

"Between the recent changes and installation of LED lights in the jail, we're expecting to save more than $350,000 a year, while reducing energy consumption and waste," Mr. Onorato said.

The jail is also expanding its recycling program, which had been limited to office paper, to now include cardboard and plastics.

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