LEED-Gold certified juvenile justice center

SAN LEANDRO, CA — The 379,000-square-foot Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center that houses five courtrooms, nine related agencies and 360 beds, is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified, according to Corrections.com.

Some of the attributes in the complex that was planned, designed and now operates as a green facility, are water-efficient irrigation systems and waterless urinals that save around 7,000,000 gallons of water annually, the story stated.

The entire facility is cleaned using only green-certified cleaning chemicals and products, adding to its environmentally friendly aspects, the story noted.

Steven Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, said: "Don’t forget the intangible savings that often result from the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products. We now know that a number of health problems — from respiratory ailments such as asthma to headaches, dizziness and fatigue — have been tied to conventional cleaning products. When inmates get sick, it costs the facility — and ultimately the taxpayer — more money."

Given the current economic state, it is a rare opportunity when a facility can be cleaner, healthier and more fiscally responsible all at the same time, the story added.