Sustainability of Programs and Facilities

The Minnesota Historical Society recognizes the natural relationship between sustainability and historic preservation and the importance of environmental stewardship as we preserve our cultural heritage for future generations.  For this reason, the Society is studying its level of sustainability, including levels of energy consumption, water usage, waste and resource use.

As part of the comprehensive study, data is being collected from the Society's 26 historic sites, which adds up to more than 100 historic buildings and modern facilities. The assessment is scheduled for completion in February of 2011, with time in the following months to establish goals and recommendations.

The outcome of the study, due in June 2011, will be a report that includes the assessment, goals and strategies for the whole institution, as well as individual sites.

This plan will provide a framework for reducing the Society's environmental impact. The final report will also serve as a lasting tool to continue monitoring progress toward sustainability and to evaluate strategies based on potential environmental impact reductions, cost and complexity.