A global healthcare company has seen a 36% reduction in energy costs in Sligo, Ireland in the last decade.

Abbott serves the Irish market with a range of healthcare products including medical devices and diagnostics and has been operating in the country since 1946.

It also achieved carbon reductions of 40% since 2005 by implementing energy efficiency improvements across its operations.

One of its projects included the installation of a heat pump and energy efficient chilled water system, which the company claims helped save more than €300,000 (£220,281).

Abbott joined Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Energy Agreements programme in 2010, which includes a commitment to implement ISO 50001 and pursue a programme of energy efficiency action and investment.

Majella Kelleher, Head of Energy Demand Management at SEAI said: “The opportunities presented by energy efficiency, including the financial savings that can be achieved, are becoming ever more important as decarbonisation assumes a more central position on the policy stage.

“Companies like Abbott provide an excellent example of how businesses can work to continuously change and innovate to deliver energy and cost savings as well as minimising their impact on the environment. I’d encourage any business, large or small, that’s not engaged with sustainable energy, to get started now and watch the benefits accrue.”