4/15/2021 3:24:02 PM
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) reaffirms its commitment to reducing our environmental footprint as Minnesota, along with the rest of the country, continues to see the effects of climate change including warmer temperatures and more frequent and extreme precipitation events.
MDVA’s strategic plan includes being an exemplary steward of natural and financial resources which aligns with quality of life improvements for Veterans and fiscal responsibility. We are focusing on reducing water and energy use, fossil fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions as well as increasing waste diversion and sustainable procurement as outlined in Governor Walz’s Executive Order 19-27. Check out our progress here.
In 2020, MDVA was awarded an Enterprise-wide water reduction award by the Office of Enterprise Sustainability, highlighting the Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries in Preston and Little Falls which have decreased water use by nearly 50% and 30% respectively in the last few years. Additionally, we’ve installed over 200 low-flow fixtures at the Minnesota Veterans Home - Minneapolis.
In 2020, MDVA’s energy use per square foot decreased 20% when compared to 2013. MDVA is also replacing old light bulbs and fixtures with efficient LEDs and upgrading heating and cooling system at the Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay.
MDVA has over a dozen fully electric or plug-in or traditional hybrids vehicles and we are replacing gas vehicles with fully electric utility vehicles. Additionally, MDVA replaced gas-powered landscaping equipment with electric versions which was paid for by a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) grant. The average gas-powered push mower releases 14 pounds of air pollution each hour – the same as driving a car 200 miles, so we can have a positive impact on air quality!
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemeteries in Duluth and Little Falls and the Minnesota Veterans Home - Silver Bay are sourced solely from 100% renewable wind energy. MDVA received funding from MPCA to implement technologies to establish more accurate food quantities for preparation and purchasing which reduces wasted food, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with food waste.
The Veterans Homes in Minneapolis and Hastings are diverting around 10,500 pounds of food scraps and paper towels to a compost facility each year! In 2020, the Minnesota Veterans Home - Hastings greatly reduced its trash volume and increased recycling after receiving a Dakota County grant to revamp their recycling program.
