Bernhard and Hackensack Meridian Health Forge a Transformative 30-Year Energy Partnership, HMH Hospitals to be Largest Renewable Energy Not-for-Profit Healthcare Provider in the United States

NEW ORLEANS and EDISON, N.J., April 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 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), New Jersey's largest health network.

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.

The 30-year 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.

"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, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.

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.

"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 CEO Ed Tinsley.

Hackensack Meridian Health 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. 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.

"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 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."

Additionally, Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett is Chair of the World Economic Forum's (Forum) Health and Healthcare Governor's Community. In his two-year term, Mr. Garrett is helping define the industry agenda and driving change with the Forum to improve access to healthcare and outcomes and to drive more efficiency in the industry. The impact of climate change on personal health is a major item on the agenda.

The 30-year 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. The creation of jobs is a cornerstone of this initiative, primarily through the engagement of construction and trades crews responsible for the implementation of 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.

An explainer video is available here, and a rendering video is available here. Both are courtesy Hackensack Meridian Health & Bernhard.

ABOUT BERNHARD 
Bernhard is one of the largest privately-owned infrastructure firms in America, with 100+ years of energy and infrastructure project experience servicing higher education, health care, commercial, and specialty markets. Bernhard combines development, financing, design, construction, and operations to deliver turnkey Energy-as-a-Service solutions that reduce energy use, risk, and cost so that our clients can focus on their everyday work. Headquartered in Metairie, La., Bernhard has more than 2,200 employees in more than 20 office locations across the country. For more information, visit Bernhard.com. 

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH
Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care 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, which include 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.

The network's notable distinctions include having the only #1 ranked adult and children's hospitals in New Jersey, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, 2023-24. Hackensack University Medical Center is nationally-ranked by U.S. News & World Report in six specialties. To learn more, visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org. 

SOURCE Bernhard and Hackensack Meridian Health