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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.”

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The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) recently unveiled its architectural gem, the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts. The center offers a seamless integration of state-of-the-art facilities for visual arts, music, and theater under one roof. Bernhard teams provided MEPF and structural design consulting, which played a pivotal role in bringing this innovative project to fruition.

A Hub for Creativity

The Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts stands tall as UCA’s new epicenter for visual arts, housing 2D and 3D studios, student work areas, workshops, instructional spaces, and faculty offices. As the primary home for UCA’s Music Department, it boasts a 450-seat concert hall, rehearsal and ensemble spaces, practice rooms, and teaching studios. The inclusion of a versatile 175-seat black box theater adds a dynamic dimension, enhancing theatrical performance opportunities for students and engaging the campus and community alike.

Strategic MEPF and Structural Planning

Bernhard’s involvement began with strategic pre-design meetings, where teams collaborated with UCA’s facility leadership to strategize how to manage the new building’s innovative requirements. The design process involved intricate work, such as the development of a Glu-Lam “honeycomb” structure and custom concealed metal connections inside the Concert Hall to protect acoustic integrity.

A highlight of Bernhard’s design is the utilization of a 300-ton water-cooled mag-bearing chiller, efficiently serving both the performing arts building and the adjacent 3D arts building. The forward-thinking design includes taps for future connection to the campus district loop, highlighting Bernhard’s commitment to long-term sustainability.

Precision in Sound and Lighting

Collaborating closely with structural teams, acousticians, and architects, Bernhard addressed critical aspects of sound mitigation. The detailed planning ensured that sound levels in instrument practice rooms and the recital hall were maintained at less than an NC of 15. This was achieved by Bernhard engineers through a multi-layered approach, including internally lined ducts, duct silencers, and lagging before and after VAV boxes.

The Concert Hall’s air distribution system is a testament to Bernhard’s commitment to innovation. A self-balancing design, devoid of downstream balancing dampers, ensures optimal noise levels. Air velocity is maintained at less than 400 feet per minute, minimizing unwanted disturbances during performances.

Bringing in theater and A/V consultants enabled Bernhard to design and specify lighting for the concert hall stage that meets the specific needs of musicians. The emphasis was on achieving proper lighting levels and angles, ensuring that the focus remains on the performers while creating a visually stunning experience.

Illuminating Artistry

Bernhard’s electrical team extended its expertise to the art studios and gallery, designing lighting solutions similar to art gallery standards. The use of aimable light fixtures with adjustable apertures and high-end +97 Color Rendering Index (CRI) LED’s ensures that works of art maintain their original color integrity when displayed in professional settings—a remarkable feat given the typical building lighting standards.

Bernhard’s comprehensive MEPF and structural design services have played a pivotal role in transforming UCA’s Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts into a beacon of creativity and innovation. The meticulous attention to detail, commitment to sustainability, and collaboration with various stakeholders have collectively elevated this project into a showcase of excellence in architectural engineering. The Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts not only unites the arts but also stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and excellence in engineering.

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Bernhard announced today that its Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts have garnered a nomination as a finalist for ESG of the Year at the 2023 P3 Awards. The recognition spotlights the company’s commitment to ESG and its mission to advocate for the betterment of humanity and the environment, strengthen local communities, and amplify all voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging and inclusion.

Founded in 2018, the annual P3 Awards recognize projects, companies, and individuals worldwide that “push the envelope and deliver innovative solutions to difficult problems.” Winners will be announced at the P3 Awards ceremony held at the Edison Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, October 26, 2023.

“At Bernhard, we are in the business of serving others,” said Alyssa Jaksich, Chief of Staff and Head of ESG at Bernhard. “With dedicated commitment, we have made significant strides towards reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, furthering our internal diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and promoting a healthier and more inclusive work environment for our employees.”

Throughout 2022, Bernhard made remarkable progress in incorporating ESG initiatives within its daily operations and workplace culture. Within the last year, the company has:

• Published its first ESG report.
• Launched the Bernhard Leans In culture initiative.
• Achieved carbon neutrality.
• One of five companies worldwide named Best of GBB 2022 by Green Business Bureau.
• Created the “360 Promise” program to develop and recruit future energy leaders.

“I am infinitely proud of the work we accomplished during 2022 in advancing our ESG initiatives forward and achieving notable progress along our journey to become a leader in the energy transition,” said Jaksich. “While celebrating our achievements, we recognize that our ESG journey is ongoing. As we embrace the challenges ahead, we are eager to maintain transparency and drive continuous improvements, ensuring our dedication to a better Bernhard and a more sustainable future remains unwavering.”

Bernhard is now a four-time finalist at the P3 Awards. In 2021, an EaaS partnership between Bernhard and East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Ala., was a finalist for the P3 Awards’ Best Social Infrastructure Project of the Year, and in 2022, a 30-year Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) partnership with Tulane University was named a finalist in both the “Best Education and Higher Education Project” and “Best Energy Project” categories.

For more information about the P3 Awards, visit p3awards.com