Southeast Arkansas College and Bernhard, an engineering and contracting firm, announced a collaborative “Flip the Switch” event will be held from 4-4:30 p.m. on Feb. 8 at SEARK’s Welcome Center at 1900 Hazel St.
The highlight of the event will be the ceremonial activation of SEARK’s new solar array, a key component of the college’s energy plan.
“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,” according to a news release.
Included in the project are various upgrades aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Upgrade chilled water system.
Replacing pumps at Founder’s Hall & McGeorge.
Removing flow restrictions.
Upgradeair handling units.
Variable air volume controls for Technology Center AHU.
Upgrade building automation system.
Smart metering on four 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.
“We are genuinely excited to share this moment with SEARK College, featuring a new solar array that marks a significant leap toward 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.”
SEARK President Steven Bloomberg expressed the significance of the project.
“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,” Bloomberg said.
Local community members, students, faculty and media representatives are invited to attend the event.
Details: Barbara Dunn, executive director of SEARK’s Institutional Advancement at Southeast Arkansas College, (870) 543-5957 or bdunn@seark.edu.