Environmental security is economic prosperity
Imagine a United Kingdom leading the world in environmental security. In five years we could be the first major economy to prove that environmental resilience and economic prosperity are the same.
The solutions, talent and opportunity to make this a reality already exist. What's required is collective action. The government must make it a priority. Businesses must commit to the transition. Investors must fund innovation. And, society must demand it.
- Our water supply is secure, clean and plentiful
- Our rivers and coastline are free from sewage
- We’ve reduced our dependence on imported gas
- Energy costs for homes and businesses are predictable and affordable
- Our infrastructure withstands extreme weather
- Our supply chains are resilient to global events
- Data centres produce energy instead of consuming it
- We are well on way to meet our net zero 2050 goals
Resources we once took for granted - water, energy, materials - are suddenly front-page news. It’s there in the cost of our bills, in the choices we make for our families, and in the questions we ask about the future. That’s why I believe our job at Veolia is more important than ever. We’re rolling up our sleeves to help clients reimagine how they use their resources and turning challenge into opportunity.
Richard Kirkman, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Europe, Chief Growth Officer, Global
Environmental security explained
Environmental security is more than a sustainability issue, it’s an economic one. It means your business is better positioned to handle disruptions. You optimise your water, waste and energy systems to become more resilient and less dependent on others.
When enough businesses and communities do this, the nation becomes more resilient. When enough of you act, we reduce national dependence on imports. That’s why collective action matters.
The government has a significant role. It must create the policies and make the investments that enable businesses to act.
For instance:
- Energy policy that supports renewable energy and grid modernisation
- Water policy that mandates efficiency and invests in infrastructure
- Circular economy legislation that encourages waste reduction
- Environmental standards that are clear, enforceable and drive innovation
Integrated solutions. Circular advantage.
Environmental security needs integrated solutions. We connect water, waste and energy into one resilient operation that creates circular systems that reuse resources, cut emissions, lower costs and boost resilience.
This integrated approach is what sets us apart. Here’s how it works in practice:
Energy optimisation and independence
Through its Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems, Croydon Hospital generates 13.5 GWh of electricity, reduces CO2 emissions by 3,680 tonnes, and saves £475,000 annually. On-site generation reduces grid dependence and improves energy security.
Water optimisation and energy generation
Southern Water’s circular system demonstrates true integration. Biogas created during sewage treatment fuels Combined Heat and Power (CHP) units that generate renewable electricity.
District heating & energy recovery
University of Warwick’s CHP system generates 60% of campus electricity and heat needs, and saves £300,000 annually. Their integrated system won the European COGEN Technology/Innovation award.
Waste to energy
Our Marchwood integrated energy recovery facility processes 220,000 tonnes of waste annually, powers 22,600 local homes and operates at 99% availability. Waste becomes a resource, not a liability.
Global innovation. Local delivery. At scale.
We’ve operated in the UK for 125 years. That means we understand your resource challenges better than anyone. We have 400 operational sites and 15,000 employees across the country, serving 52 municipalities and 80,000 commercial customers. We’re never too far.
We back that local knowledge with global innovation.
Our £1 billion R&D investment is focused on three things: generating renewable energy, water treatment and recycling, and circular waste systems. Our 4,600 patents drive innovation in these areas. Our 26 research labs are developing the next generation of environmental security solutions.
What we’re working on:
Data centre efficiency
Reducing water use in data centres up to 75% and energy consumption up to 20%
Energy independence
Deploying Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems and renewable energy across sectors
Water security
Eliminating PFAS from drinking water and optimising treatment processes
Circular economy
Turning waste into recovered materials and energy at scale
Every day, we’re helping businesses and communities across the UK reduce costs, build resilience and achieve environmental security. And, that is what environmental security looks like in practice.
Time100 Most Influential Companies 2026
Veolia has been selected by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Companies and one of the Top 10 Most Influential Sustainability Companies in 2026. We were acknowledged for our leadership in water security and ecological transformation.
This recognition reflects our commitment to turning resource challenges into competitive advantages for businesses and communities across the UK and globally.
Environmental security is economic security
The evidence is clear. We understand the opportunity. We know what’s required.
Environmental security requires investment, commitment and time. But waiting until you have to act is more expensive.
Whether you are in government, business, investment or community leadership, environmental security is your competitive advantage.
