Veolia and French SMEs accelerate ecological transition

In 2026, the ecological transition has become a core profitability strategy for many French businesses. Approximately 78% of French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have integrated environmental objectives into their strategies. Investments in renewable energy, such as solar panels in industrial zones like Lyon and Nantes, are seeing an average return on investment within 4.2 years, allowing companies to reduce energy costs and avoid price volatility.

Significant progress has been noted in the agri-food and construction sectors, which have reduced emissions by 34% since 2020 through energy audits and sustainable materials. Reports from CDP and Argos-BCG indicate that companies disclosing climate data and setting quantified trajectories gain easier access to financing and markets.

On a global scale, Veolia has launched its ‘GreenUp’ program to meet the rising demand for ecological transformation. The company aims to focus on high-impact solutions in water, energy, and waste management. Veolia targets a reduction of 18 million tonnes of CO2 emissions (Scope 3) by 2027 and the preservation of 1.5 billion cubic meters of water. Additionally, the group aims to reduce its own Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2032, aligning with the Paris Agreement, while targeting over 8 billion euros in EBITDA by 2027.