Southeast Arkansas College and Bernhard to Host "Flip the Switch" Event Unveiling Innovative Solar Array and Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) and Bernhard are pleased to announce a collaborative "Flip the Switch" event on Thursday, February 8, from 4:00 to 4:30 pm at SEARK College's Welcome Center, located at 1900 Hazel St. in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The highlight of the event will be the ceremonial activation of SEARK College's new solar array, a key component of the college’s energy plan.

“We are genuinely excited to share this moment with SEARK College, 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 visionary leadership in fostering a sustainable environment for both students and the broader community.”

As part of SEARK's commitment to sustainability and efficiency, the plan is anticipated to yield millions of dollars in energy savings, operation and maintenance savings, and capital savings over the next 20 years. This transformative project, made possible in part by a bond issued in 2022, represents a significant step towards modernizing the college's energy infrastructure.

Included in the project are various upgrades aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact:

• Upgrade Chilled Water System
• Replacing pumps at Founder’s Hall & McGeorge
• Removing flow restrictions
• Upgrade Air Handling Units
• Variable air volume controls for Technology Center AHU
• Upgrade Building Automation System (BAS)
• Smart Metering on four (4) major electric accounts
• Bernhard Connect for improved energy management
• Retro-Commission HVAC System
• Upgrade Interior & Exterior Lighting

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 in the plan include:

• Upgrade Heating Water Systems
• Replacing Boilers at Founder’s & McGeorge
• Indoor Air Quality Enhancements
• Coil & Ductwork Cleaning, Increased HVAC Filtration, Bi-Polar Ionization
• New BAS to monitor existing DDC systems
• Video Surveillance Upgrades Campus Wide
• New Access Control System
• Fire Alarm Systems Upgrade
• Installation of Campus Blue Phones

These additional measures are anticipated to result in $8,971,152 in Avoided Capital Savings over a 20-year term.

SEARK President Steven Bloomberg expressed the significance of this transformative project, stating, "This innovative solar array and the comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades are integral to our commitment to sustainability and cost-effectiveness. 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."

The "Flip the Switch" event signifies a milestone in SEARK's ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and resilient campus environment. Local community members, students, faculty, and media representatives are invited to witness this momentous occasion.

About Bernhard: Bernhard is a leading privately-owned engineering and contracting firm with a rich history spanning over a century. With a workforce of over 2,000 professionals across more than 20 locations, the company specializes in providing high-quality, client-focused engineering and contracting services. Bernhard's expertise extends to energy and infrastructure projects, offering turnkey Energy-as-a-Service solutions that encompass development, financing, design, construction, and operations.

About SEARK College: Established by Act 1244 of the 78th General Assembly of the State of Arkansas on April 17, 1991, Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) is a leading institution dedicated to providing technical, vocational, and adult education programs, industry training, and two-year college transfer programs. Originally known as Pines Vocational-Technical School since 1959, SEARK underwent a significant transformation in 1991, leading to its current status as a pivotal part of the state's higher education system.

With a mission to offer accessible and responsive educational programs, SEARK caters to diverse segments of the population, facilitating training, retraining, and upgrade training for employment. The institution's commitment to providing basic, general, and specialized education aligns with the dynamic needs of the modern workplace.

Additional Information:  

Barbara Dunn
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
Southeast Arkansas College
870-543-5957
bdunn@seark.edu