Environmental leadership

We achieved the Carbon Trust Standard

This certification is an independent confirmation that we have been measuring, monitoring and managing our carbon footprint to best practice. We went through a thorough assessment procedure based on established international measurement systems, including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064.

Achieving the Carbon Trust Standard is recognition that we manage carbon through effective governance procedures, accurate carbon accounting and management programmes. 

Green500 Platinum award

This year, the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, presented us with the Green500 Platinum award for our commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the capital. The Green500 programme helps to deliver the Mayor’s target to cut London’s carbon emissions by 60% by 2025.

Achieving the Green500 Platinum award is greatly motivating, as our operations cover vast areas of London. 

International Year of Biodiversity

2010 was declared the ‘International Year of Biodiversity’ and all of us at Veolia Environmental Services wanted to reinforce our commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment. From community projects to staff competitions and educational programmes, we aimed to emphasise the importance of protecting the environment – and to celebrate the natural world. Some of the biodiversity activities and achievements of 2010 are highlighted below.
 

Biodiversity Benchmark certification

Our landfill sites at Pitsea and Croft Farm have been awarded the Wildlife Trusts’ Biodiversity Benchmark. This recognises the company’s continual commitment to biodiversity improvement.
 

Pitsea Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Our landfill sites are rich in biodiversity and we are keen to ensure that these sites are developed going forward. In 2010, we granted the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) a 150-year peppercorn lease on 270 hectares of land at Pitsea Marsh and Bower Marshes, which is adjacent to our Pitsea landfill site. The RSPB will develop the land, including wet grassland and a tidal lagoon, into a nature reserve to ensure that biodiversity is encouraged for local people to enjoy.
 

Beehives at SELCHP

We want to promote wildlife at our facilities and introduced beehives to our SELCHP Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) in London. Much of the output of British farms depends on pollination – largely carried out by the honey bee. However, they are in rapid decline; at SELCHP ERF, we are providing a safe haven for bee colonies and protecting wildlife that is precious to biodiversity. In addition to this, our employees are being trained in the art of beekeeping.
 

Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition

We are extremely proud to be title sponsors of the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, which is owned by London's Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine.

We have sponsored this competition since 2009 and, throughout this time, have developed a strong relationship with the Museum. As the UK’s leader in environmental services, we truly believe the competition embodies our own values, together with our ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility. It highlights the importance of protecting the environment, conserving natural resources and the very real need to educate and inspire people of all ages about responsible use of the environment on a global basis, helping to protect and enhance areas rich in biodiversity. 

Through our partnership with the Natural History Museum, we are also able to offer our staff 'Family Day' tickets, giving families the opportunity to explore the environment through fun, educational workshops.
 

Woodland Trust tree planting at St Albans

The Veolia ‘Woodland Trust 1,000 Tree Challenge’ was a trial fundraising partnership that aimed to raise money to plant 1,000 trees. Veolia’s employees and their families participated in the challenge. As an initiative to combat climate change, these trees will form part of England’s largest new forest, which is being created near St Albans in Hertfordshire. This was a great opportunity to replenish the depleting UK forests by planting trees in this area. 
 

152 Wild Things to Do

Our joint sponsorship with Veolia Water of the Wildlife Trusts’ book ‘152 Wild Things
to Do’ provided us with an opportunity to commit to and support the environment and biodiversity. The book encourages people to get out and about, enjoy nature and
make the most of all of the natural beauty that the UK has to offer. As part of the sponsorship, a staff competition was run to celebrate ways that staff members engage with wildlife and nature – and the winning idea features in the book!
 

Southwark – Old Kent Road biodiversity

As a part of the development of the Integrated Waste Management Facility at Old Kent Road, a plan to enhance the biodiversity of the site has been implemented. We are providing bat boxes, bird boxes and stag beetle logs, and planting trees and shrubs in order to develop and encourage new habitats for wildlife.

To find out more, visit: www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk/southwark

Environment and Greenhouse Gas Data

Environment data

Greenhouse Gas data