The hospitals of Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) will own the largest solar and battery energy storage system of any not-for-profit healthcare provider in the U.S. thanks to 30-year pioneering collaboration with infrastructure firm Bernhard.
HMH operates 18 hospitals across eight counties, with nearly 4,000 licensed beds and a workforce of approximately 35,000 employees and 6,500 physicians. The project scope is 98% solar and battery storage and includes 50,000 solar panels manufactured in the U.S., according to statements from HMH and Bernhard.
Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) is a business model that allows customers to pay for energy services without making an initial investment.
Milestone in Sustainable Healthcare Practices
“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 HMH CEO Robert C. Garrett, FACHE.
This Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) partnership with Bernhard, one of the biggest privately-owned infrastructure firms in the country, encompasses:
- $134 million in infrastructure improvements,
- 10% reduction in carbon emissions
- 25% decrease in purchased electricity
- 33% guaranteed energy savings
Energy as a Service Solutions
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.
Energy as a Service Solutions
Bernhard, with more than 100 years of energy and infrastructure project experience, stands as the largest turnkey EaaS 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 Gov. 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,” Murphy added.
Sustainability as a Priority
HMH is already a leader in sustainability, an effort that began more than a decade ago. Four of its hospitals were the first in the country to earn the Joint Commission’s Sustainable Healthcare Certification earlier this year.
Read more: Four Hackensack Meridian Health Hospitals Recognized for Work in Sustainability
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.
Collaboration Between Bernhard, HMH
Bernhard and HMH are working together as a testament to sustainable innovation that can drive economic growth, according to the statement. 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,” per the release.
The partnership also aims to reiterate the commitment to sustainable practices, operational efficiency, and the advancement of healthcare infrastructure. The Partnership strives to set the stage for a greener and more resilient future in the healthcare sector, while showcasing the benefits of long-term collaborations.
About HMH
Hackensack Meridian Health is a not-for-profit comprehensive, integrated, healthcare network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care.
The network has 18 hospitals and more than 500 patient care locations, including ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, rehabilitation centers, urgent care centers, physician practice locations, and a fitness and wellness center.
With more than 35,000 team members and 7,000 physicians, Hackensack Meridian Health is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy and committed to the health and well-being of communities throughout New Jersey.
About Bernhard
Bernhard is one of the largest privately-owned infrastructure firms in the U.S., with over 100 years of energy and infrastructure project experience servicing higher education, healthcare, commercial, and specialty markets.
The company combines development, financing, design, construction, and operations to deliver turnkey Energy-as-a-Service solutions that reduce energy use, risk, and cost.
Headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana, Bernhard has over 2,200 employees in more than 20 office locations across the country.
