History

A 150-year history

Veolia Environmental Services draws its expertise from the history of Veolia Environment. For over 150 years, the Group has been coming up with innovative ways of protecting natural resources and quality of life all around the world. We look back at a few dates that recount the birth of a key environmental player.

From the water business to waste management

It all began back in 1853 with the creation of the Compagnie Générale des Eaux (CGE). Following a century of growth in the water business, the CGE diversified into waste management, starting to collect household waste in 1953, operating incineration plants with the Compagnie Générale de Chauffe (CGC) in 1967, and creating SARP Industries to treat hazardous waste 8 years later.

The 1980s, a time for change

In 1980, the CGE took over the CGC and then integrated the Compagnie Générale d’Entreprises Automobiles (CGEA), which specialised in household waste collection and urban transportation. This marked a turning point that was to strengthen the group’s strategy and shape the business activities for which it is known today: environmental services, water, energy and transport. In 1999, the CGE became Vivendi Environnement and then Veolia Environnement 4 years later.

Today: vital presence

Our activities help municipalities and firms to operate efficiently, forming an integral part of our history. In the 19th century, waste collection, the introduction of water supplies and the organisation of urban transport all contributed to the rapid development of the industrial revolution… Today, the 4 divisions that make up Veolia Environment provide city-dwellers with services that are essential to their quality of life.