Veolia to bring new hazardous waste incineration capacity online in 2025 at Gum Springs facility – Arkadelphian

Veolia’s Sustainability Initiatives at Gum Springs Facility Highlight Progress Toward Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Veolia, the world’s largest provider of environmental services, has been recognized for its exemplary sustainability efforts at its hazardous waste treatment facility in Gum Springs, Arkansas. Central to these efforts is a solar panel installation spanning over 30 acres, contributing significantly to the company’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Achievements and Awards

The Gum Springs facility’s sustainability initiatives have garnered prestigious industry awards, underscoring Veolia’s leadership in environmental stewardship and operational efficiency.

1. Energy + Environment Leader Project of the Year Award 2024: This award recognizes businesses making significant strides in sustainability and efficiency. Kay Harrison, Vice President and head of the E+E Leader Awards program, highlighted Veolia’s forward-thinking strategies and technologies as essential for navigating the complex energy and environmental landscape.
2. Climate Change Business Journal Business Achievement Award: Awarded for outstanding performance in the climate change sector, this accolade commended Veolia’s applied innovation in operations and sustainability.

Key Sustainability Initiatives at Gum Springs

Veolia’s Gum Springs facility integrates multiple pioneering projects aligned with SDGs to promote environmental sustainability and community well-being:

• Solar Energy Installation: Completed in 2024, the solar array covers over 30 acres and utilizes advanced technology, including a single-axis tracker racking system, to maximize electricity generation by following the sun’s movement. This initiative supports SDG 7 by increasing renewable energy use and contributes to SDG 13 by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% over 25 years compared to conventional energy consumption in Arkansas.
• Forest Management and Reforestation: The facility oversees a forest management program spanning over 1,000 acres, with active reforestation on 600 acres and the planting of 124,000 trees in 2025. This effort aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land) by enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
• Heat-to-Electricity Innovation: A 7-megawatt steam turbine captures heat to generate electricity, showcasing Veolia’s commitment to energy efficiency and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Wildlife and Biodiversity Monitoring: In partnership with the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, the facility employs the LEKO (Light Emission and Kinetic Observation) biodiversity monitoring tool. This advanced sensor system listens to, identifies, and counts species in the surrounding habitat, supporting SDG 15 by promoting conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

Environmental and Community Impact

The solar project and associated sustainability measures contribute to multiple SDGs by:

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution (SDG 13: Climate Action)
• Enhancing energy independence and promoting clean energy (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)
• Supporting sustainable industrial innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9)
• Preserving biodiversity and natural habitats (SDG 15: Life on Land)
• Fostering sustainable communities through environmental leadership (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Leadership and Vision

Bob Cappadona, President and CEO of Veolia North America’s Environmental Solutions and Services business, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability: “These initiatives demonstrate Veolia’s vision for creating a brighter future for the hundreds of communities in the U.S. under our three pillars: depollution, decarbonization, and preserving essential resources in waste, water, and energy. Veolia’s GreenUp strategy hinges on a commitment to providing innovative solutions for environmental challenges, as demonstrated through the work and vision being carried out at Gum Springs.”

Additional Recognition

In 2023, the Gum Springs sustainability projects received the Diamond Award for environmental leadership from the Arkansas Environmental Federation, further validating Veolia’s commitment to sustainable development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article highlights the installation of solar panels and the use of a steam turbine to generate electricity, promoting clean and renewable energy sources.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Veolia’s innovative technologies and sustainability initiatives at the hazardous waste treatment facility demonstrate advancements in sustainable industrial processes.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The 90% reduction in Scope 2 carbon emissions and recognition for climate change achievements connect directly to climate action efforts.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – The forest management program, reforestation efforts, and biodiversity monitoring relate to the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems.
5. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The focus on depollution, decarbonization, and preserving resources aligns with sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7 Targets:
   • 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9 Targets:
   • 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 15 Targets:
   • 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation.
5. SDG 12 Targets:
   • 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Reduction in Scope 2 Carbon Emissions – The article mentions a 90% reduction in Scope 2 emissions from electricity consumption, which can be measured by the indicator CO2 emissions per unit of electricity consumed.
2. Renewable Energy Capacity Installed – The installation of solar panels covering over 30 acres and a 7-megawatt steam turbine relates to indicators measuring the capacity and share of renewable energy in total energy consumption.
3. Forest Area and Reforestation – The forest management program including planting 124,000 trees and managing over 1,000 acres can be tracked by indicators such as forest area as a proportion of total land area and area reforested or afforested.
4. Biodiversity Monitoring – Use of advanced LEKO biodiversity monitoring tools implies measurement of species richness and abundance, relevant to indicators tracking biodiversity status and trends.
5. Recognition and Awards – While not formal SDG indicators, industry awards and recognitions serve as qualitative indicators of progress in sustainability and climate action.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: arkadelphian.com