Hybrid event

A Greener Path: Sustainable Practices in Correctional Facilities

Date: 26th March
Location: Room VIC-C CR2, Vienna International Center
Time: 8:45am-10:00am CET

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Background

Climate change on instability amplifies threats that can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and create unique and heightened risks related to transnational crime and human rights. Both the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and Penal Reform International (PRI) are deeply committed to developing policies that contribute to more humane and environmentally responsible prison systems. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions.

UNICRI and PRI launched the research initiative on “Exploring the Intersection of Environmental Sustainability and Rehabilitation in Prisons” (hereafter, “Project”) in May 2024. Correctional institutions are often overlooked in environmental discussions, yet they possess significant ecological footprints. This research seeks to address challenges such as limited opportunities for correctional facilities’ engagement in environmental sustainability. This research has been aiming to explore and promote sustainable environmental practices within prisons and enhance rehabilitation opportunities thereby supporting broader social and ecological benefits.

Objectives of this event:

• Present the latest report as the outcome of the Project, which will be published in February 2025.
• Showcase good practices and the practical recommendations featured in the report to spark and influence reform of prison environments to support ecological sustainability, improve the situation of people in prison and promote more effective rehabilitation.
• Discuss how to ensure that human rights, social sustainability and effective rehabilitation are at the heart of all environmental sustainability efforts.

Agenda

Keynote – Opening speech
Mr. Leif Villadsen, Acting Director, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI)

Presentations
Presentation of the Report Overview
Ms. Sharon Critoph, Human Rights Consultant – Prison and Police Reform, Detention Monitoring, Torture Prevention, Criminal Justice / Consultant of the Project

Presentation of the French Initiative on “Innovation Lab for Sustainable Development and Good Practices which works to develop climate mitigation and adaptation strategies across the prison estate”
Ms. Camille Racette, Officer for International Relations and Innovation at the Lab of the French Ministry of Justice

Presentation of the Italian Initiative on “Reducing energy consumption and using more sustainable energy sources” and “Awareness raising and formal training and education”
Dr. Alessandro Pastina, Technical Officer, Ministry of Justice Italy

Presentation of the Japanese Initiative on “Conservation and biodiversity projects” and “Community involvement and benefits”
Dr. Mana Yamamoto, Research Expert, UNICRI
Dr. Tetsuro Urabe, Professor Emeritus of Tokyo University (Online)

Conclusion including Recommendation in the report
Mr. Matthew Burnett Stuart, Associate Expert, UNICRI

Discussion with the floor (Q & A)

• Video message from someone with lived experience
• Input about Green Probation from Mr. Steve Pitts (Ambassador of the Confederation of European Probation (CEP)) (Online)

Closing remarks

Jerome Mangelinckx, Global Policy Manager,  Penal Reform International (PRI)

Why it matters

Climate change and environmental instability amplify vulnerabilities within prison systems, affecting the health and well-being of those living and working in them. Yet, prisons can also be part of the solution. By implementing sustainable practices, they can not only reduce their ecological footprint but also contribute to broader societal goals.

Speaking about the new report that will be presented during the event, Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of UNICRI, highlighted the urgency of addressing sustainability in correctional facilities:

“Prisons are often overlooked in environmental discussions despite their significant ecological footprints. This research seeks to address challenges such as the limited opportunities for correctional facilities to adopt environmentally sustainable practices. Its objectives include promoting sustainable environmental practices within prisons and enhancing rehabilitation opportunities, thereby supporting broader social and ecological benefits.”

The event will showcase global case studies and practical recommendations that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Representatives from UNICRI, PRI, and countries implementing Green Prisons strategies will discuss how prisons can integrate energy efficiency projects, self-sufficiency initiatives, and circular economy strategies.

Beyond reducing environmental harm, sustainability projects in prisons offer tangible benefits for rehabilitation. By involving detainees in environmental initiatives, prisons foster personal responsibility, community engagement, and skills development – helping people in prison prepare for reintegration into society as active contributors to sustainability efforts.

Moving forward

As authorities work towards greener prisons, they must also address the urgent need to reduce prison populations and improve detention conditions. Sustainability should go hand-in-hand with broader justice reforms that limit excessive reliance on imprisonment and uphold international human rights standards.

This event will not only highlight the challenges but also showcase the transformative potential of sustainable prison management. By acting now, we can create more humane, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible correctional systems that benefit individuals and society as a whole.