Construction firm Kier has commenced work on the country's first net zero carbon prison in operation, for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ).

Damian Hinds, Minister for Prisons and Probation, along with Councillor Jonathan Owen recently attended a ground-breaking ceremony at the site in the East Riding of Yorkshire to mark the commencement of the project.

The nearly 1,500-bed Category C prison will be the first to be zero-carbon in operation, and once built will run fully on electricity. Other sustainable design features include solar panels, heat pumps and more efficient lighting systems to reduce energy demand.

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In a further drive to reduce embodied carbon, Kier will use elements of modern methods of construction (MMC) as well as cement replacement for the build, along with bio fuel and renewable sources, including solar panels.

The new jail follows Kier's successful build of HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough and supports the MoJ's drive for platform design (PDfMA); the new prison is based on the blueprint of Kier’s design for HMP Five Wells, and part of the houseblock design used in the Accelerated Houseblock Delivery Programme.

Opening up employment opportunities in the local area, hundreds of jobs will be created during construction, and once built, 600 jobs in a range of fields will be created. Social value will be a key element of the project, with Kier committing to 50 sustainable employment opportunities for prison leavers, 50 apprenticeships, and upskilling 1,000 workers within its supply chain.

Additionally, Kier and the MoJ’s commitment to supporting rehabilitation will provide employment opportunities for serving prisoners and prison leavers through Kier’s industry-leading Making Ground initiative; including work opportunities for Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) prisoners.

Completion is due in 2025.