In line with State of Minnesota sustainability goals, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) focuses on ensuring its operations don’t compromise the ability for future generations to also meet their needs with a commitment to being good environmental stewards.

MDVA’s efforts to minimize climate impacts enhance the care and services Minnesota Veterans have earned. MDVA is recognized as a leader among State organizations for making sustainability a core part of its culture and initiatives all year long. You’ll find sustainability initiatives at Minnesota Veterans Homes, State Veterans Cemeteries and MDVA’s Central Office.

Looking throughout 2024, there are several examples of how MDVA has worked to reduce operating costs, be socially responsible and preserve natural resources. Here are a few seasonal highlights to consider as we close out the year.

Winter

MDVA opened three new Minnesota Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo and Preston during the first two months of 2024. Each of these new facilities was crafted following B3 Guidelines that set sustainability goals for energy, water and waste. These built-in features save more than $150,000 annually in energy costs. Additionally, the Montevideo campus features a rooftop solar array that generates its own renewable energy.

Spring

A big part of encouraging sustainable behavior is through education. Educational Earth Day activities abounded at MDVA in April and included:

• Residents across MDVA learning about the science and art of beekeeping, its benefits and taste-testing local honey
• Bemidji Veterans Home Residents making wildflower seed pods and setting up bird feeders
• An avid bike commuter and team member at the Minneapolis Veterans Home explaining the environmental and health benefits of this transportation choice — a great introduction to a new bike storage area
• A recycling workshop in Minneapolis for Domiciliary Program Residents
• A lecture about microgreens at the Silver Bay Veterans Home

Summer

Summer is peak growing season in Minnesota, and Minnesota Veterans Homes make the most of it with food-growing programs that allow Residents to enjoy gardening and the fresh produce that comes from it.

• Fergus Falls Residents have an onsite greenhouse to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers
• Domiciliary Program Residents in Hastings grow produce in raised garden boxes as part of the Home Grown program, which expanded this year to feature the harvest in Veteran meals
• Silver Bay Residents have access to enjoy a garden, orchard with fruit trees and raspberry patch

Fall

Each of the four State Veterans Cemeteries feature native plants that provide water-quality benefits, wildlife habitats and peaceful aesthetic. As the growing season ends, maintenance crews take on clean-up projects to keep the grounds looking great and in harmony with the natural environment. For these activities, MDVA teams use electric snow blowers and lawn equipment that are lighter for maintenance crews to use, help to reduce pollution and are quieter and less disruptive to those visiting the grounds.

In the January issue of Minnesota Veteran, the Sustainability Team will highlight their goals and resolutions for 2025. Check out MDVA’s progress toward sustainability goals anytime at sustainability.mn.gov.