As the coronavirus pandemic persists, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is “open for business” and is striving to operate as usual when possible. While the Veterans Homes remain under a restricted visitor policy and the State Veterans Cemeteries are not able to host services, the majority of our programs and services are available with our staff teleworking. 

We are honored to be administering the COVID-19 Disaster Relief and Special Needs Grants for Minnesota Veterans. The State of Minnesota Emergency Response package included $6.2 million for grants to support Minnesota Veterans financially impacted by COVID-19. The application period opened April 6 and we are very pleased to have received more than 3,000 applications through mid-April. Learn more at MinnesotaVeteran.org./COVIDRelief.

Sustainability at MDVA

Wednesday, April 22 brings attention to the environment through Earth Day. MDVA has incorporated sustainability into our strategic plan; one of our four goals is to “be exemplary stewards of natural resources, financial resources and technology resources to improve our service to Veterans and families.”

Sustainability includes both economic and social awareness. Many sustainability initiatives have financial savings, in addition to the environmental benefits. For example, energy conservation measures are good for the environment and our bottom line. 

Our sustainability efforts are focused on six priority areas:

• Fleet fossil fuel consumption: A 30 percent reduction by 2027 relative to a 2018 baseline.
  
• Water use: A 15 percent reduction by 2025 relative to a 2017 baseline.
  
• Greenhouse gas emissions: A 30 percent reduction by 2025 relative to a 2005 baseline.
  
• Energy consumption: A 30 percent reduction per square foot by 2027 relative to a 2017 baseline.
  
• Solid waste: Divert 75 percent of waste to recycling and composting by 2030.
  
• Procurement: At least 25 percent of purchases on priority contracts are sustainable by 2025.
  

I am pleased to report that we are already making progress in a number of areas. For example, we are transitioning our fleet to more fuel-efficient vehicles, installing EV charging stations at the Veterans Homes, and replacing light vehicles with plug-in hybrids. And in 2019, MDVA’s water use decreased 3 percent from baseline. To continue decreasing water use, we will perform water assessments and implement water conservation measures such as installing low-flow fixtures where possible.

Improving our environmental footprint is a journey, and our efforts are supported by a full-time Sustainability Coordinator: Caroline McFadden. Caroline joined us last fall to provide dedicated leadership to this important area. She is partnering with leaders at our five Veterans Homes and three State Veterans Cemeteries to break down barriers and support progress.

Through my previous role leading the State of Minnesota Office of Enterprise Sustainability, I know that success in sustainability efforts depends on leadership starting at the top as well as supporting engagement swelling at the staff level. I have been impressed with our team’s interest and creativity as they become more involved in sustainability projects. I look forward to updating you on our efforts.

Please remember that through both good times and challenging periods like the current pandemic, MDVA is here for all Veterans and their families. Contact us via our website at MinnesotaVeteran.org, call 1-888-LinkVet, email or chat online, or visit with your County Veterans Service Office.

And as always, thank you for your service!