(Ecofin Agency) - Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) has been given the “ICPA Correctional Excellence Awards 2015-Correctional Healthcare Award-Rwanda Prison Service- Biogas Project” for its efforts in using Biogas to combat environmental degradation, New Times news reports.

The award was handed over to RCS’ Deputy Commissioner General, Mary Gahonzire by the International Correctional and Prison Association (ICPA) during the 17 ICPA annual general meeting in Melbourne Australia yesterday.

"I accept the award with profound admiration and fondness on behalf of my country and the Institution I represent," Gahonzire said. "This moment is much bigger than the institution I represent. It is for the people of Rwanda and as a result of good governance in my country," he adds.

RCS created its biogas facilities in order to lessen the current pressure on the environment, improve health and sanitation in prisons and also reduce costs on firewood-fuel consumption in prisons.

Prior to adopting the initiative, the prison used about 10 tons of firewood a day. However, of the 14 RCS facilities all through the country, 12 have biogas plants as well as 53.7% of cooking gas fuels.