Mace drives net zero carbon on the MoJ’s new prisons programme

Mace, the international consultancy and construction company, is supporting net zero carbon solutions to deliver the Ministry of Justice’s new prisons programme.

Following the MoJ’s announcement in May that all new prisons will be built sustainably, Mace can confirm that it is supporting the organisation in introducing energy saving technology such as solar panels, environmentally friendly heat pumps, and electric car charging points.

Mace is using its expertise in developing innovative low carbon solutions to work alongside the MoJ and reduce CO₂ emissions by 280,000 tonnes; cut energy costs by £100m; and deliver safe and secure net zero carbon prisons.  

Mace is acting as professional services partner for the MoJ on the project, providing project management services from the feasibility study stage on to completion. During construction, 40,000 tonnes of carbon emissions will be prevented by using recycled concrete and steel.

As the Government works towards net-zero by 2050, the four new prisons being built in England will reduce energy demand by half and cut carbon emissions by at least 85% compared to other prisons under construction.

Existing prisons are also benefiting from a £15 million investment to cut their emissions. Mace is managing the installation of solar panels at a further 16 sites, bringing the total number of solar panels across the estate to over 20,000.  More than 200 electric vehicle charging points are also being installed across 40 prisons.

The project win follows Mace’s announcement of its net zero carbon status in December 2020. As part of Mace’s 2026 business strategy, the company is further reducing its carbon emissions by 10% year-on-year and has pledged to reduce client carbon emissions by 1 million tonnes by 2026.

Alfie Heyland, Justice and Blue Light Sector Director at Mace, said:

“We are delighted to deliver innovative low carbon solutions for the MoJ’s new prisons programme. Reducing carbon emissions is the great challenge of our generation and we are proud to be part of the MoJ’s decarbonisation ambition, making a positive impact on the environment and local communities in the UK.”