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Bernhard, one of America’s largest privately-owned infrastructure firms, announced a groundbreaking 30-year Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), a leading healthcare institution in New Jersey.

Hackensack Meridian Health, a healthcare powerhouse operating 18 hospitals across eight counties, with nearly 4,000 licensed beds and a workforce of approximately 35,000 employees and 6,500 physicians, is set to own the largest solar and battery energy storage system of any not-for-profit healthcare provider in the U.S., thanks to this pioneering collaboration. Nearly 98 percent of the project scope is solar and battery storage, including 50,000 solar panels manufactured in the USA.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in sustainable healthcare practices and underscores Hackensack Meridian Health’s unwavering commitment to energy resilience and environmental sustainability,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer at Hackensack Meridian Health

The agreement encompasses $134 million in infrastructure improvements, a 10 percent reduction in carbon emissions, a 25 percent decrease in purchased electricity, and 33 percent guaranteed energy savings. This project solidifies Hackensack Meridian Health‘s dedication to remaining the largest, most comprehensive, and truly integrated healthcare network in New Jersey, offering innovative research, life-enhancing care, and a complete range of medical services.

“Bernhard is proud to embark on this transformative journey with Hackensack Meridian Health, utilizing our expertise to deliver a turnkey Energy-as-a-Service solution that will not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability,” stated Bernhard Chief Executive Officer Ed Tinsley.

Bernhard, with more than 100 years of energy and infrastructure project experience, stands as the largest turnkey Energy-as-a-Service solutions provider in North America. The company combines development, financing, design, construction, and operations to offer comprehensive solutions that reduce energy use, risk, and cost for clients across various sectors, including healthcare, higher education, commercial, and specialty markets.

“This partnership puts Hackensack Meridian Health on course to meet critical sustainability and energy resilience goals – complementing the State’s initiatives to invest in renewable energy and reduce our carbon footprint,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “I commend both Hackensack Meridian Health and Bernhard for embarking on this important partnership to bolster the energy infrastructure of New Jersey’s healthcare industry, ensuring hospitals are prepared to continue delivering quality care.”

Hackensack Meridian Health is already a leader in sustainability. Four of its hospitals were the first in the country to earn the Joint Commission’s Sustainable Healthcare Certification earlier this year. Hackensack University Medical Center, Bayshore Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and Ocean University Medical Center met rigorous standards of performance to establish structure, rigor, and accountability to accelerate healthcare’s growing sustainability effort. The Joint Commission’s SHC provides a framework to help healthcare organizations begin, continue, or expand their decarbonization efforts. It builds on the momentum of healthcare organizations like Hackensack Meridian Health to lead the way in sustainability excellence by inspiring and guiding others who desire to prioritize greener practices.

The partnership between Bernhard and HMH is not only a testament to sustainable innovation but also a significant driver of economic growth. This collaboration sets the stage for a transformative impact on both the healthcare sector and the local workforce. Creating jobs is a cornerstone of this initiative, primarily through the engagement of construction and trades crews responsible for implementing energy-efficient solutions.

The workforce involved in executing these improvements becomes an integral part of fostering a greener and more sustainable future.

This partnership between Bernhard and Hackensack Meridian Health signifies a commitment to sustainable practices, operational efficiency, and the advancement of healthcare infrastructure. It sets the stage for a greener and more resilient future in the healthcare sector, showcasing the potential of long-term collaborations in creating lasting positive impacts on both business operations and the environment.

The University of New Orleans (UNO) and Bernhard are proud to announce the installation of a state-of-the-art solar array on the UNO campus. This initiative marks a significant step forward in UNO’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.

The comprehensive project, from initial feasibility testing to final interconnection validation, has been completed in just 10 months, showcasing the efficiency and dedication of both UNO and Bernhard teams.

The solar array comprises 3,300 panels, each rated at 565 Watts. In total, the array generates an impressive 1.78 MW DC / 1 MW AC of electricity, seamlessly integrating into UNO’s infrastructure to provide immediate benefits to the on-campus community.

Designed to never produce more electricity than UNO utilizes, the system ensures efficient energy utilization without any excess to back feed into the grid, thus maximizing sustainability efforts.

“This solar array plays a meaningful role in helping UNO reduce its Scope 2 emissions while enhancing the financial outcome of the overall project and reducing the University’s electricity consumption by 30%,” said David Amoss, VP of Development at Bernhard. “It also provides a lab-like facility for the University to build additional curriculum around, as the quality of UNO’s programs has long been a critical source of our talented workforce in the New Orleans area.”

The benefits of this pioneering project are multifaceted. Not only does the solar system serve as a sustainable green energy source, reducing UNO’s reliance on traditional utility providers, but it also significantly diminishes UNO’s carbon footprint. UNO also stands to benefit financially, with anticipated savings from reduced energy costs and eligibility for a 30% Investment Tax Credit rebate totaling approximately $520,000.

“The completion of the solar array project marks a major milestone in the University’s sustainability efforts,” said UNO President Kathy Johnson. “It will help reduce our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions starting right now. I am thrilled that our partnership with Bernhard has yielded such an innovative approach to energy usage.”

The solar array’s environmental impact is substantial, with an estimated annual reduction of 1,721 metric tons of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing 319 cars from the road or planting 40,263 trees in one year. This underscores UNO’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

The solar array installation is part of a visionary 25-year partnership between Bernhard and UNO aimed at revitalizing the university’s energy infrastructure, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting UNO’s academic and research endeavors. Over the partnership’s lifetime, UNO anticipates generating $2.1 million in annual utility cost savings while addressing nearly $9 million in deferred maintenance.

UNO’s 200-acre lakefront campus will undergo extensive energy infrastructure improvements totaling $27 million within the partnership’s initial 24 months. These enhancements include the solar array installation, renewal of chilled water systems, building asset upgrades, efficiency improvements, and retro-commissioning efforts, all aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency.

As UNO continues to evolve its campus infrastructure to meet the challenges of the future, its partnership with Bernhard underscores its dedication to sustainability, academic advancement, and societal impact.

“Bernhard could not be prouder of how this partnership has developed during its first year, which is a testament to the hard work of our Delivery team and UNO’s leadership and Facilities staff,” said Amoss.

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Maury Regional Medical Center celebrated a significant milestone last week as it hosted a valve-turning celebration on its campus to celebrate its innovative long-term agreement with Bernhard.

The partnership between Bernhard and Maury Regional Medical Center was forged in 2023, with a 25-year Energy-as-a-Service partnership to revolutionize the hospital’s energy solutions. This collaboration acted as the catalyst for Maury’s groundbreaking $115-million facility improvement plan, designed to elevate patient care and overall experience.

Under the 25-year agreement, Bernhard is responsible for managing Maury’s extensive energy portfolio, covering facilities spanning over 600,000 square feet. As part of this commitment, Bernhard is set to implement $17 million in infrastructure improvements, encompassing technology modernization and energy optimization initiatives. These upgrades are projected to result in an impressive 39% guaranteed energy savings for the hospital.

The comprehensive energy portfolio management involves upgrading and replacing key energy assets throughout the facility, including air handlers, controls, and ventilation systems. The aim is to enhance reliability, maximize performance, and reduce operating costs, contributing to a sustainable and cost-effective healthcare environment.

One of the notable aspects of Bernhard’s Energy-as-a-Service structure is its provision of seed capital, empowering Maury to embark on its first major construction project in two decades. This initiative is aligned with Maury’s strategic vision to support growing service lines, offer additional services, and expand facilities to meet the evolving needs of its community.

The Maury-Bernhard partnership holds historical significance as the first Energy-as-a-Service project in the Tennessee healthcare sector. Bernhard joined the Tennessee Hospital Association’s THA Innovative Solutions in 2019 as the chosen Energy-as-a-Service provider for its member hospitals.

Bernhard’s turnkey solutions have proven instrumental in providing Maury Regional Health with the benefits of efficient and reliable energy, all without the need for direct management of energy production and usage. This transfer of operations and maintenance allows Maury to shift its focus and resources entirely to its mission-critical healthcare services, further reinforcing its commitment to excellence in patient care.

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New Orleans faced unprecedented weather challenges with a hard freeze, causing freezing temperatures that the Gulf South rarely experienced in January 2024. The extreme weather tested the resilience of facilities and residents in the region. The intense temperature also caused a critical water main to break in Jefferson Parish, which sits just outside of New Orleans. The water main rupture devastated the area, rendering water unsafe for more than 250,000 residents and surrounding businesses. Bernhard, renowned for its expertise in comprehensive energy asset management, played a crucial role in responding to the hard freeze and later, the broken water pipe in Jefferson Parish.

These two separate events showcased Bernhard’s versatility in Disaster Response services.

Bernhard’s Asset Management services focus on the operation and management of energy assets. The in-house team of experts collaboratively delivers services such as operations and maintenance, emergency and disaster response, and capital planning.

Bernhard’s approach emphasizes flexibility, scalability, and long-term sustainability in managing energy assets through the lifecycle of projects.

Maintaining Facility Operations in the Freeze

During the hard freeze, Bernhard’s Asset Management team executed a well-defined Freeze Protection Plan. The proactive measures undertaken by the teams at multiple customer locations throughout the region demonstrated a commitment to safeguarding clients and facilities with world-class disaster response:

1. Pre-Freeze Preparation (72 – 48 hours prior):
   • Teams coordinated staffing levels with facilities leadership.
   • Reviewed the Freeze Protection Plan across all sites.
   • Took inventory of pipe insulation materials and ordered necessary supplies.
2. Implementation of Freeze Protection Plan (12 – 48 hours prior):
   • Actuated dampers manually and ensured responsiveness.
   • Dripped hose bibs to prevent freezing.
   • Inspected and secured Central Plant roofs.
   • Opened bypass valves on cooling towers and adjusted pre-heat coil settings.
   • Assisted in draining wet-pipe sprinkler systems.
   • Conducted scheduled inspections during freezing conditions.
   • Documented changes in the engineer’s logbook.
3. Post-Freeze Actions:
   • Performed visual inspection on major equipment.
   • Closed hose-bib valves and released operator overrides.
   • Winterized cooling towers, added protective covers to piping, and raised heating water settings.
   • Conducted constant rounds to maintain water flow and checked pump operations.

During the inclement winter weather and freezing temperatures, no Bernhard assets or units suffered critical harm. The cold weather and freeze event was a national effort by Bernhard’s asset management team across all sites.

When it Rains it Pours

In the wake of a critical water main break in Jefferson Parish, Bernhard’s experts displayed swift and effective coordination:

1. Water Delivery Coordination:
   • Coordinated with Macro Companies for suitable staging areas for water delivery tanker trucks.
   • Utilized 6,500-gallon water delivery tanker trucks for approximately 12 hours of continuous service.
2. Immediate Response:
   • Delivered cases of water and ice to all nurses’ stations.
   • Notified personnel and patients of the boil water advisory.
   • Turned off ice machines.
3. Logistical Support:
   • Delivered 10 potable water trucks within hours.
   • Provided a utility truck with flex pipes and a pump for water distribution.
   • Ensured a readily available service team for water truck hookup.
4. Efficient Operations:
   • Swapped water trucks within 10 minutes of depletion to maintain a constant water supply.
   • Flushed toilets after every swap to remove air from the water lines.

A Trusted Partner to Navigate Your Facility Through Disasters

Bernhard’s Asset Management team showcased their resilience and adaptability in responding to two unique disaster scenarios for their customers. The proactive measures, adherence to standard operating procedures, and effective collaboration with external partners ensured the protection of clients and facilities. The successful navigation of these events reinforces Bernhard’s commitment to providing long-term solutions, disaster response, and comprehensive asset management services.

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Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) and Bernhard joined forces in a groundbreaking “Flip the Switch” Event on Thursday, February 7th, 2024, unveiling a cutting-edge Solar Array and energy efficiency upgrades at SEARK’s Welcome Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

The highlight of the event was the ceremonial activation of SEARK’s new solar array, a pivotal component of the institution’s forward-thinking energy plan. Attended by local community members, students, faculty, and media representatives, the event marked a milestone in SEARK’s ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient campus environment.

“We are genuinely excited to share this moment with SEARK, featuring a new solar array that marks a significant leap towards a greener and more efficient future,” said Corey Wilson, Bernhard’s Vice President of Performance. “Bernhard takes pride in the collaboration with SEARK to implement these comprehensive upgrades, including the integration of LED lighting and advanced building automation systems. This initiative signifies SEARK’s vision of fostering a sustainable environment for both students and the broader community.”

The transformative project, made possible in part by a bond issued in 2022, is a significant leap toward modernizing SEARK’s energy infrastructure. As part of SEARK’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency, the plan is expected to generate millions of dollars in energy savings, operation and maintenance savings, and capital savings over the next two decades.

Key components of the project include upgrading the Chilled Water System, replacing pumps at Founder’s Hall and McGeorge, and enhancing air handling units. These initiatives are projected to result in $2,940,816 in Energy Savings and $427,670 in Operation and Maintenance Savings over a 20-year term.

Further enhancements encompass upgrading heating water systems, improving indoor air quality, and implementing advanced security measures campus-wide. These measures are anticipated to result in $8,971,152 in avoided capital savings over a 20-year term.

“This innovative solar array and the comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades are integral to our commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness,” said SEARK President Dr. Steven Bloomberg. “It not only propels SEARK towards a greener future but also brings our outdated systems up to date for the foreseeable future. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on our energy consumption and overall campus sustainability.”