Pharmaceutical and medical devices company Vivian has reported a 28.8% reduction in energy consumption over the past year, significantly surpassing the 5% benchmark required to qualify for support under the EU-backed EENergy initiative, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises improve energy efficiency.
The achievement secured the group a €10,000 grant and positions Vivian among a relatively small number of European SMEs able to demonstrate tangible operational and financial benefits from sustainability-driven investment.
Launched in February of 2024, the European Union’s EENergy project aims to distribute €9 million in the form of 900 grants to SMEs throughout Europe to engage in activities, purchases or integrations.
Nicholas Incorvaja, recently appointed as the company’s finance manager and ESG lead, said the result underscored the growing link between environmental, social and governance practices and business performance.
“ESG is not simply a reporting exercise. By embedding sustainability into our operations, we are reducing environmental impact while also unlocking efficiencies and creating long-term value,” he said.
The reduction reflects a series of incremental changes rather than a single intervention.
What began as a set of practical initiatives including energy conservation, waste separation and digital transformation, developed into a more formalised ESG framework. When Vivian moved to its new premises in 2023, it invested in energy efficiency measures, including an upgraded photovoltaic system that generates about 120MWh annually, alongside broader digitalisation and operational improvements, reducing reliance on grid electricity and lowered emissions.
“What matters is not just achieving these results but sustaining them. The focus now is on continuous improvement, supported by better data and targeted investment.”
Vivian plans to reinvest its EENergy funding into further projects, including the expansion of its electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the rollout of an AI-driven ESG monitoring platform aimed at identifying additional efficiencies.
