Health System’s 50K panel project, which comes with significant savings to the bottom line, could be model for others — in all sectorsThe numbers surrounding Hackensack Meridian Health’s transformative renewable energy partnership that it announced with Bernhard on Friday morning are incredible.Consider this about the 30-year Energy-as-a-Service project:The $134 million project (much of which will be paid by state and federal programs) will be the largest solar and battery storage system of any health provider in the U.S.;The initiative comes with a promised 10% reduction in carbon emissions, 25% decrease in purchased electricity and 33% guaranteed energy savings;The build will create hundreds of union jobs that will be needed to install the 50,000 American-made panels on 18 buildings throughout the HMH system.Now realize this: The number of other potential projects in the state is huge.Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Bob Garrett said he is thrilled HMH is leading the way on renewable energy in the health care space — he feels large systems have an obligation to do so. And he said he’s hopeful that HMH’s efforts will be a model for others.“Today, improving health care extends far beyond developing great breakthrough treatments and embracing advanced technology, or even making care more convenient,” he said. “We understand that, if we truly want to make a difference, we need to address all the factors that impact health, which includes creating a healthier planet.”Hackensack officials said the installation of the panels — which will begin at Hackensack University Medical Center — likely will take three years to be completed. And it will come at great value: $50 million of the cost will come from tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, with the rest being absorbed by Bernhard.New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Christine Guhl-Sadovy said she hopes other large users across the state of New Jersey will understand the potential impact a project such as this could have — on their carbon emissions and their bottom line.“I think as this project comes to fruition, it will demonstrate to other particularly large users the significant cost savings,” she said. “We’re so thrilled that Hackensack Meridian is taking advantage of the federal incentives to invest in clean energy and reducing their carbon emissions — that’s really important. But, for a large energy user like this, this type of project will help them save hundreds of thousands of dollars on their energy bills every year.”The impact on the state and national economy doesn’t end there, Guhl-Sadovy said.“We hope that everyone would be for all of our clean energy initiatives because they are so good, not just for the environment, but for New Jersey and economic development,” she said “But, with this project, we’re talking about American jobs, American manufacturing, local labor, cost savings and significant greenhouse gas reductions

30-year partnership with Bernhard will make HMH the largest solar and battery storage system of any health care provider in U.S.Hackensack Meridian Health will announce later Friday at its flagship hospital the largest solar and battery energy storage system of any not-for-profit health care provider in the country, a $134 million infrastructure project that will eventually install 50,000 solar panels throughout the system’s 18 hospitals.The 30-year Energy-as-a-Service project, which HMH is undertaking with Louisiana-based Bernhard, one of the country’s largest privately-owned infrastructure firms, will be unveiled at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack.The project, which will begin immediately, aims to be completed in three years. And it will come at great value: $50 million of the cost will come from tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act, with the rest being absorbed by Bernhard.When it’s fully functioning, HMH CEO Bob Garrett said, the initiative will result in a 10% reduction in carbon emissions, a 25% decrease in purchased electricity and 33% guaranteed energy savings — all while reaffirming that HMH is a leader in sustainability in all sectors, but, especially, health care.“This partnership marks a significant milestone in sustainable health care practices and underscores Hackensack Meridian Health’s unwavering commitment to energy resilience and environmental sustainability,” he said.Garrett said the benefits of the project on the planet will be extensive, as it addresses an issue that many may not be aware of: The health care industry is one of the greatest emitters of carbon. In its entirety (health systems, providers, pharmaceutical companies) health care is estimated to produce approximately 9% of the nation’s carbon — more than even the aviation industry.“I don’t think a lot of people appreciate that,” he said. “We need to step up. We need to take the lead and do our part.”HMH, Garrett said, has a goal to cut its emissions in half by the year 2030 — and be carbon-neutral by the year 2050.“This partnership with Bernhard is the first big step toward meeting those goals,” he said.Bernhard CEO Ed Tinsley said the firm is happy to do its part.“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,” he said.The initiative also was cheered by the state Board of Public Utilities, the Department of Environmental Protection and, of course, Gov. Phil Murphy.“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,” Murphy said