Comprehensive Utility Management at Merck Life Sciences with EpiSensor

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Case Study

Empowering Merck to manage utilities and boost sustainability efforts with EpiSensor technology

Company

Merck Life Sciences

Headquarters

Cork, Ireland

Industry

Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals

Key Products Used

Key Points of Interest

Gas, water, and electricity are monitored through a single system.

EpiSensor technology is helping Merck Ireland meet ambitious sustainability targets set by the group.

The EpiSensor system is growing alongside Merck Ireland as its footprint expands.

About Merck

Merck is a global life sciences, technology, and healthcare company. Their technology is behind some of the most advanced pharmaceutical products in the world. The Merck Life Science Centre in Cork, Ireland, is a critical manufacturing facility within the company’s global network, currently employing over 700 people. The Cork location is considered a world leader in membrane production, producing membrane products that form a key part of the antigen tests for numerous illnesses, including COVID-19. Merck approached EpiSensor as they were looking for an effective energy monitoring solution for their Cork facilities.

The Project

Since 2015, Merck Life Sciences, Cork, has been leveraging EpiSensor technologies to conduct comprehensive utility management across the site – monitoring electricity, gas, and water consumption from a single system. As one of Merck’s centres of excellence globally, Merck is continuously investing in the expansion of the Cork site, and they have gradually been adding new EpiSensor products each year, independently installing onsite as the system expands. Testament to the scalability and reliability of EpiSensor products, Merck stipulates the use of EpiSensor technology in all new areas of the building, standardising on our technology.

Our Contribution

EpiSensor partners with Merck to provide a comprehensive energy monitoring infrastructure that enables the company to gain control of utility management throughout their footprint in Cork. EpiSensor technology also enables Merck to report granular consumption data to their global head office in Germany, to track progress against their ambitious sustainability targets. EpiSensor products are easily deployed on-site and come pre-calibrated, with CT’s connected, simplifying the installation process for the Merck team.

Results

Utility Monitoring and Management: Since 2015, Merck’s Cork site has utilised EpiSensor technologies to monitor and manage electricity, gas, and water usage comprehensively.
Energy Efficiency: Through the use of EpiSensor’s monitoring technology, Merck’s Cork facility has been able to contribute to global energy efficiency targets. Notably, Merck reported a reduction in energy consumption from 2,432 GWh in 2022 to 2,337 GWh in 2023. Specifically, natural gas consumption decreased from 1,188 GWh to 1,164 GWh*.
Water Management: Merck has successfully met and surpassed its global 2023 target for water intensity reduction. The new global goal set for 2030 is to achieve a 50% reduction in water efficiency ratio relative to the 2020 baseline*.
Sustainability Reporting: EpiSensor technology has facilitated detailed and granular reporting of consumption data to Merck’s global headquarters in Germany. This supports the company’s ability to track and report progress against sustainability targets, and will help them comply with the EU Corporate Sustainability Directive and other sustainability regulations.
Expansion and Standardisation: Merck has standardised energy monitoring throughout their facility, leveraging EpiSensor technology for all new areas of the Cork site as it continues to expand. This decision underscores the scalability and reliability of EpiSensor products.

Merck Life Sciences Cork, Source Merck Ireland

”"EpiSensor’s energy monitoring system is the ideal solution for Merck Ireland. Their products are easy to install and integrate, and as Merck Ireland expands, the system scales with us!”
Gary BrophyMerck Life Sciences

These results demonstrate the effectiveness of EpiSensor technology in delivering comprehensive utility management across electricity, gas, and water, and contributing to sustainability goals at Merck. The Merck success story also demonstrates the scalability of EpiSensor’s energy management solutions as the system has seamlessly expanded with the growth of Merck’s footprint in Cork.

”"It’s a pleasure to collaborate with Merck as they lead the way in reducing energy consumption and advancing sustainability, especially within such a technical and energy-intensive environment. By monitoring water, gas, and electricity in one system, they can efficiently manage their utilities across all facilities."
John GinnaneHead of Operations and Support, EpiSensor

Merck’s global environmental report, publicly available here, is quoted throughout this case study to demonstrate Merck’s commitment to sustainability and the results achieved locally through leveraging EpiSensor’s IoT solutions.