Boston Scientific achieves certification in energy efficient design

Background

Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical technologies that improve the health of patients around the world. The company's portfolio of devices and therapies helps physicians diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular, digestive, oncological, neurological and urological diseases and conditions.   

The I.S.399:2021 standard in Energy Efficient Design (EED) provides a structured approach for companies to implement during the design phase of a new project, such as new or upgraded manufacturing processes, equipment and buildings, to challenge existing and status quo design to identify innovative, more energy efficient design options.

In 2024, the Multi-Up Coater machine, a piece of manufacturing equipment used to produce the Boston Scientific AGENT™ Drug Coated Balloon at their Galway site, became the first machine in Ireland to achieve I.S.399:2021 certification. This marked a milestone in sustainable equipment engineering, not just for Boston Scientific, but across the industry in Ireland. Previously, the EED standard had only been applied to buildings and manufacturing process designs. 

The Project

To implement EED principles and obtain EXEED (Excellence in Energy Efficient Design) certification, Boston Scientific integrated the EED methodology set out in the I.S.399:2021 standard. The project involved input from multiple stakeholders within the company, including engineering, facilities and external suppliers, to effectively challenge the status quo and identify innovative design solutions for the new AGENT™ Drug Coated Balloon multi-up coater machine. Opportunities to improve energy efficiency of the machine were analysed and incorporated into the final design.

Results and key achievements

By implementing EED, the multi-up coater for AGENT™ can achieve a 42% reduction in energy consumption (gas and electricity) when compared to conventional design. By using less energy each year, the new energy-efficient design also helps lower running costs by the same amount. Because the machine uses so much less energy, it also cuts carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 42%. This means the redesign not only saves money but also helps protect the environment by reducing pollution. 

These results were confirmed through an audit by the National Standards Authority of Ireland and led to Ireland’s first IS399:2021 certification, recognizing the company’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. 

Next steps

Lower energy consumption reduces operating expenses across the company's manufacturing footprint., These learnings are now embedded in Boston Scientific’s Project Management Office methodology, allowing for replication across new builds, repeat builds and refurbishments, unlocking potential energy saving benefits across future projects in the organisation.