Beacon Health System is teaming up with ENFRA on an energy project that will make Memorial Hospital more efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly. This long-term partnership brings modern energy systems to the hospital, cutting costs and reducing carbon emissions.
What’s happening?
ENFRA will design, build and manage new energy systems at Memorial Hospital, including a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system. This system will help the hospital use energy more efficiently and keep power running, even during outages. Other improvements will include upgrading lighting to LED, improving heating and cooling systems, and optimizing building controls for better comfort and performance.
ENFRA will be responsible for ensuring that the hospital has uninterrupted energy delivery 24/7/365. From caring for our tiniest premature NICU babies to powering the lights during an emergency surgery to save a trauma patient’s life, this project supports our hospital team’s ability to care for our community.
A similar combined heat and power system is being planned for Beacon’s Elkhart General Hospital campus within the next several years.
Why does this project matter?
- Reliable energy means the hospital can continue providing critical care to patients, even during emergencies.
- The project will reduce carbon emissions by more than 26%, supporting a greener future for our community.
- The project is expected to conserve about 40% of the hospital’s electrical usage, saving Memorial Hospital millions of dollars in energy costs. As part of Beacon Health System, a locally governed, not-for-profit organization, the hospital has a responsibility to remain financially stable for the long term for our patients, staff and community. This is an example of an innovative partnership that will help us deliver lifesaving care for decades to come.
Please join us for a community meeting on Tuesday Dec. 2, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the St. Joseph County Public Library, Ballroom A, where you’ll have the chance to learn about the project and ask questions. In the meantime, here are a few FAQs:
What is ENFRA?
ENFRA is a national energy infrastructure and Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) firm headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. They design and manage smart energy systems to make power more reliable, efficient and sustainable. ENFRA helps organizations like hospitals and universities keep the lights on, lower costs and reduce environmental impact.
Will this project affect my utility bill?
No. This project only impacts Memorial Hospital’s energy systems and will not change residential utility rates.
Will there be construction?
Yes, some work will take place at Memorial Hospital to install new equipment on the existing loading dock roof at the corner of North Lafayette Boulevard and West Bartlett Street. There are already new, more efficient natural gas boilers nearby at this site, replacing the hospital’s vintage boilers from 1958.
Why is this considered a “green” initiative?
The new system will use energy more efficiently and reduce carbon emissions by over 26%, helping protect the environment and support our health system’s sustainability goals.
When will the combined heat and power plant become operational?
The Combined Heat and Power system will go live in late 2026.
Will neighbors hear noise when the new energy system starts up?
Yes, when the CHP system is first turned on, you may hear some temporary sounds. These can include a low hum from the engine and ventilation systems or brief sounds from auxiliary equipment. This is normal for systems of this type.
- How loud will it be?
The noise level during startup is expected to be similar to everyday background sounds, like an air conditioning unit or a car engine idling. It will not be continuous and should quickly settle into normal operating levels, which are designed to meet local noise standards.
- What is being done to reduce noise?
The system will include sound-reducing features such as acoustic enclosures, silencers on exhaust systems and vibration controls. These measures help keep noise to a minimum and ensure compliance with environmental and community noise regulations.
- Will this happen often?
No. Startup sounds are temporary and mainly occur during initial commissioning or after major maintenance. Once the system is running, noise will be very low and comparable to typical building equipment.
Is this type of energy system used anywhere else?
Yes. These systems are already in use at many hospitals, universities and large facilities across the United States. They’re designed to make energy more reliable and efficient while reducing environmental impact. These systems are proven, safe and widely adopted at leading institutions across the country, including nearby at the University of Notre Dame.