Energy-as-a-Service

Unity Health has launched an innovative solar generation and energy efficiency project in partnership with Bernhard. As part of a multi-year Energy-as-a-Service agreement, this initiative aims to lower energy costs and improve sustainability across all Unity Health facilities. The project is expected to generate $63 million in savings over the next 20 years, benefiting Unity Health locations, including White County Medical Center in Searcy, campuses in Jacksonville and Newport, and the specialty care center in Searcy.

The project includes retrofitting all Unity Health facilities with energy-efficient interior and exterior LED lighting, upgraded building automation systems, and enhanced energy infrastructure. At White County Medical Center, a 500-ton magnetic-bearing chiller has been installed as part of these upgrades.

Additionally, a 3-megawatt Erthos solar array has been constructed just north of Morrilton. This facility enables Unity Health to pre-purchase up to 35 years of electricity, ensuring stable energy costs and maintaining a consistent electricity budget. The earth-mount design, with panels installed flush to the ground, uses only one-third of the land required by conventional solar arrays, making it both space- and cost-efficient.

This project not only benefits Unity Health financially but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability and operational resilience. Overall, these measures provide complete backup power generation capability at Unity’s flagship medical center, ensuring uninterrupted care during power grid failures or natural disasters.