MN Sustainability

MDH’s fleet travels state-wide to conduct services that support our mission. Despite a slight increase in 2022, we continue to surpass the 30% fossil fuel consumption reduction goal due to our fleet management system that prioritizes sustainable purchasing and efficient use of resources.

We are committed to replacing fleet vehicles with more efficient models by, with limited exceptions, only purchasing vehicles with greenhouse gas emissions rating of seven out of ten or higher, which includes electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid vehicles. Additionally, we monitor use to reassign underused vehicles and consolidate the fleet. We anticipate diminishing COVID-related use of vehicles in 2023 which will further reduce fossil fuel consumption.

MDH’s overall energy use decreased in 2022, moving us closer to the goal. This decrease is driven by lower electricity consumption due to reduced use of in-office lights, computers, copiers, and other office equipment.

MDH offices and labs are in leased facilities. MDH staff work with property owners and the Department of Administration to make energy-reducing and cost-saving changes. While preserving integrity and safety, MDH’s Freeman building and Public Health Lab in St. Paul have made improvements in lighting and building automation based on recommendations from retro-commissioning studies. We will continue to collaborate with building managers by providing information and helping to engage employees.

We continue to make major strides towards space consolidation to reduce overall footprint. Since the 2017 baseline, we have reduced the footprint of the Fergus Falls District Office, St. Paul-based offices, and decommissioned the Midway Distribution Center. MDH has ambitious plans for further space saving in St. Paul offices through 2024. While these improvements are energy saving, they may not be reflected in energy intensity, which may increase when overall square footage goes down.

In 2022, MDH diverted 39% of waste to recycling and organics. The three largest buildings, Freeman, the Public Health Lab, and the Golden Rule Building, as well as several District Offices follow waste diversion best practices. This includes using co-located bins, consistent and clear signage, regular communication and education, and the removal of desk-side bins. Potential challenges to meeting the recycling goal include less organics and recycling being collected due to lower occupancy and inconsistent or low-quality data.

We will continue to educate our growing workforce across the state on proper recycling and organic collection practices. We have reduced the amount of trash produced by 90% since 2017 and seeks to maintain that low level of trash output. MDH strives for best practices in all buildings and works with building managers and staff to improve recycling rates and reduce waste.

Sustainability at Minnesota Department of Health

Current Performance Data