Monday, April 22 is Earth Day, a globally recognized day to support environmental protection. As Minnesota’s climate continues to change and we see warmer temperatures, shorter winters and more frequent and extreme precipitation events, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) remains committed to sustainability and conserving resources.

Throughout April, MDVA has been celebrating Earth Day with events and activities agency-wide to help Residents, team members and our community be more mindful of how we protect our planet.

Staff and Residents had the opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices, sustainable transit, beekeeping, e-bikes, bike commuting, and more!

This Earth Day, MDVA’s Sustainability Coordinators Kim Grosenheider and Emma Hutson reflect on the progress MDVA has made over the past several years: “We are proud of MDVA’s commitment to sustainability – it’s fulfilling to see everyone’s hard work payoff in the data and the progress we’re making towards our sustainability goals, not to mention the extra money we’re saving by making our existing systems more efficient.”

MDVA recently upgraded heating and cooling equipment at the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Silver Bay, reducing natural gas use by nearly 80%. The Minnesota Veterans Homes - Fergus Falls upgraded the building automation system and installed more efficient lighting to reduce natural gas and electricity use. MDVA continues to invest in its existing campuses, with significant efficiency projects planned this year for the Minnesota Veterans Homes - Luverne.

Additionally, the new Veterans Homes in Preston, Bemidji, and Montevideo and the Redwood Falls State Veterans Cemetery are all built with sustainability in mind. This includes the installation of ground-source heat pumps, Energy Star appliances, LED light bulbs, on-site solar, hybrid fleet vehicles, and stormwater reuse systems to conserve water.

MDVA staff and leadership are committed to being good environmental stewards. Check out MDVA’s progress toward sustainability goals at sustainability.mn.gov.

You can celebrate Earth Day every day by taking action to reduce your environmental impact and conserve natural resources. “When enough people come together, then change will come and we can achieve almost anything," Greta Thunberg.