Running VA on Sustainable Energy

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As you may know, this past Friday was Earth Day; and while “going green” may not be the first characteristic that pops into your head when you think about VA, the Department is making strides when it comes to researching and implementing renewable energy sources.

Fittingly, last Friday (Earth Day) was the dedication of a new wind turbine at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. Luckily, cool weather didn’t deter Bourne residents and VA leadership from attending the event. Secretary Shinseki took part in the dedication, and Acting Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Steve Muro—also a Vietnam Veteran—spoke to the crowd.

“With one of VA’s first wind turbine projects, the Massachusetts National Cemetery is leading the way in the use of renewable energy while providing the burial benefits that New England Veterans and their families have earned,” Muro said.

In coverage by the Cape Cod Times, Secretary Shinseki offers a glimpse of what’s to come from VA in terms of green initiatives:

Under President Barack Obama’s direction, Veterans Affairs, like other federal agencies, is pushing renewable energy and energy conservation, Shinseki said. There are three other Veterans Affairs-based wind energy projects either under construction or in the works, he said. The agency installed 17 solar energy projects in 2010 and seven more are planned this year, he said.

And here’s another quick write-up of the event from UberGizmo.

It might seem like a stretch- tying green energy initiatives to the needs of Veterans, but it’s important to know that the money and resources saved by green innovations (this wind turbine will cover 95 percent of the cemetery’s energy needs!) can be allocated for things Veterans urgently need.

Check out some photos from the dedication of the new wind turbine at Massachusetts National Cemetery.

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