Overview

The UK environmental goods and services industry is diverse, with its roots in some long established sectors, notably in the areas of drinking water supply, waste water treatment, and solid waste management. Today's industry has helped to deal with the legacy of pollution from Britain's industrial past, providing practical and effective solutions to a wide range of environmental problems.
 
The world market for environmental goods and services was valued at US$515 billion in 2000 and was forecast to increase to US$688 billion by 2010.  In the last 10 years, the global markets for environmental goods and services have developed enormously and it is anticipated that the next 10 years will see even more substantial change.
 
The UK environmental industry is strong, well established and diverse, employing approximately 400,000 people in around 17,000 companies, with an estimated annual turnover of £25 billion.