A decade of environmental sustainability in health care at the Minneapolis VA

“This is outstanding news,” said Pat Kelly, director of the Minneapolis VA Health Care System “This award demonstrates our entire team’s efforts in protecting the health of patients and the community around the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.”

The facility is no stranger to environmental awards, according to George Johnson, Green Environmental Management System Program Manager at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center.  In addition to the Top 25 recognition, the Minneapolis VA Medical Center has received many circles of excellence awards for being among the top ten applicants in any of 11 subcategories of environmental sustainability.

“I am proud that our medical center was once again recognized for our exemplary sustainable performance in the categories of waste, chemicals, greening the operating room, sustainable procurement, transportation and climate,” said Johnson.

As an example of award worthy work, the facility had significant accomplishments around electronic devices. “We use less energy by ensuring the Energy Star feature is on applicable computers and on all monitors, we established and implemented policies to extend the useful life of agency electronic equipment and ensure 100% recycling when equipment reaches its end of life,” said Johnson.

Additionally, this year the Minneapolis team achieved 100% compliance with all federal, state and county environmental regulations and standards.   

“In a shifting health care landscape, a focus on sustainability can help build resilience while better protecting the health of patients and the community,” said Gary Cohen, Practice Greenhealth founder.  

The award is one of Practice Greenhealth’s Environmental Excellence Awards given annually to honor health care’s achievements in sustainability. 

Melanie Nelson, Public Affairs Officer

612-467-3012