Cook Medical invests US $3.4M in greener tech for Ireland facility

IRELAND – Cook Medical is taking big steps toward sustainability with a €3 million (US $3.4 million) investment in green technologies at its manufacturing site in Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland.

The investment will support a major eco-friendly overhaul of the company’s operations, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.

Key upgrades include the installation of a 1-megawatt, ground-mounted solar PV system on the site’s grounds. Additionally, 1.2 megawatts of heat pumps will be used to replace the facility’s older chiller systems.

Other improvements involve the use of electronically commutated (EC) fans, which are more energy-efficient than traditional fans, and the implementation of a new energy management system to monitor and optimize the site’s overall energy use.

These upgrades are part of Cook Medical’s broader commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

According to IDA Ireland — the agency that supports foreign investment in Ireland — this project is expected to reduce the site’s carbon footprint by approximately 50%.

The company anticipates cutting 269 tons of carbon emissions annually. Over the projected 25-year lifespan of the new systems, this will amount to 6,725 tons of carbon eliminated.

In combination with other planned sustainability measures, Cook Medical estimates that it will be able to reduce up to 60% of the carbon emissions from its Limerick site.

“This project is a significant milestone in our ongoing journey toward sustainability,” said Bill Doherty, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Cook Medical Europe.

“By integrating solar power and energy-saving systems, we’re not only improving operational efficiency but also making a long-term investment in the health of our planet.”

In addition to cutting carbon emissions, the company is targeting a 70% reduction in its annual use of natural gas thanks to the new heat pump systems. It also expects a 19% decrease in the electricity it needs to import from the grid.

Cook Medical has submitted a planning application to Limerick City and County Council. If approved, the project will begin “in due course,” the company stated.

The Castletroy facility has been operational since 1996 and plays a key role in Cook Medical’s global operations.

It accounts for around 10% of the company’s worldwide manufacturing and currently employs about 800 people.

Beyond technology upgrades, Cook Medical also emphasized its dedication to protecting local biodiversity as part of its environmental efforts.