MN Sustainability

MDVA is reducing fossil fuel consumption by using telemedicine for residents when suitable, optimizing driving routes, replacing gas-powered vehicles with electric and hybrid models, and increasing the use of E85 in flex-fuel vehicles. We have a small fleet of vehicles for transporting residents, staff, and maintaining grounds. In 2022, MDVA staff began to travel more due to less stringent COVID-19 restrictions. However, we continue to meet the goal for 30% reduction in fossil fuels use. We account for less than 1% of state government’s fossil fuel consumption.

We are researching transitioning to electric buses where available and feasible as a future method to decrease fleet fossil fuel consumption. Furthermore, staff at the Veterans Homes and Cemeteries have implemented and continue to research new opportunities for electric grounds-keeping equipment.

MDVA’s solid waste diversion initiatives are making a positive impact as our recycling and composting rates continue to increase. All Minnesota Veterans Homes and State Veterans Cemeteries have recycling programs. Additionally, the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis and the Domiciliary Program in Hastings are diverting food and paper towels to a compost facility.

In September 2021, MDVA welcomed a Minnesota GreenCorps Member for an 11-month service term focused on waste reduction and diversion. They conducted waste sorts, researched sustainable procurement best practices and opportunities, conducted recycling workshops, and supported other sustainability initiatives. Due to the unique composition of our healthcare waste streams, our diversion potential is well below the 75% goal. We will continue to research and implement strategies to reduce waste and increase diversion.

The Silver Bay Veterans Home and State Veterans Cemeteries in Little Falls and Duluth are subscribed to electricity generated from renewable sources. The new Veterans Homes in Preston and Montevideo and the State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls will have onsite solar. We will continue to evaluate all Veterans Homes and State Veterans Cemeteries for onsite and community solar. We will continue to implement energy conservation measures and purchase electric and hybrid vehicles to meet greenhouse gas emission goals.

MDVA’s footprint is expanding to provide services to Veterans with three new Minnesota Veterans Homes and one State Cemetery opening in the next year. The increased footprint will contribute to higher greenhouse gas emissions relative to the 2013 baseline year. We remain committed to minimizing greenhouse gas emissions at these future sites as we currently do at all sites.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs' Commitment to Sustainability

Current Performance Data