Solving the climate challenge

Decarbonization is our overarching path to a net zero future and this “race to zero” comprises two complementary pathways. The first pathway is about reducing the carbon footprint produced across every industry – from water and transport, to manufacturing and city precincts. The second is by decarbonizing the fossil-based systems of energy that power them, which is commonly referred to as “the energy transition”. Both pathways must progress with urgency if we are to limit significant climate change and offer a net zero future.

Decarbonizing our energy systems and sources is one critical pathway to reaching net zero and getting there by 2050 will require monumental global effort. A leader in renewable energy for over 50 years, we provide complete end-to-end services from grid connection studies, electricity market assessments, environmental and social impact assessments, business case development and more. We’re also supporting clients across electricity transmission and distribution networks, energy storage solutions, transition to lower emission base load alternatives, carbon capture solutions and the future with hydrogen.

While investment in cleaner, renewable fuels will continue to grow, there’s an emerging opportunity for data, technology and innovation to push even further.

We understand that your journey to net zero can be complex with multifaceted governance, infrastructure and operational aspects to navigate. At Jacobs, we help you to set and deliver emission reduction targets systematically and tactically through our customized Net Zero Lab approach.

Our Evolve tool, for example, converts high level sustainability themes and issues into tangible, practical commitments that can be applied on any project or initiative and maps progress against these commitments against the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

We also partnered with the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) to help create a comprehensive learning resource, the Climate Solutions Accelerator, which we are offering to our entire global workforce to help employees understand the role they can play in climate change action. It’s one of two courses RSGS offers to help individuals and businesses better understand climate change, climate science, relevant policies, and the solutions and tools available for businesses to use.

For a climate-resilient future, nuclear offers a clean, reliable energy source and across the nuclear lifecycle we're helping solve the world’s most complex nuclear challenges safely and effectively.  We are at the forefront of new nuclear power programs in Europe such as at Hinkley Point C in the U.K. and in Poland, as well as developing new technologies for advanced modular reactors.  

One of the most transformational future energy sources could be fusion, which will replicate the nuclear reaction that takes place in the sun and stars. If this can be harnessed, it will create almost limitless carbon-free energy without leaving behind long-lived waste materials. This technology is in development as a potential future energy source.

While reducing emissions is critical, it is equally important to adapt to changes that have already occurred and to proactively implement resiliency strategies for potential future climate change scenarios. At the forefront of climate adaptation and resiliency is maintaining public health and wellbeing and protecting vulnerable communities and ecosystems in the face of ever-increasing extreme climate events.

Planning and adapting ahead of potential threats can help minimize the impacts of climate change; strengthen and safeguard communities; protect energy, water and transportation assets; reduce costs; secure supply chains; enhance sustainability; fuel economic growth; and ensure a more vibrant, prosperous future for generations to come.

At Jacobs, we provide comprehensive, end-to-end strategic consulting, infrastructure, technology, and emergency management solutions to help governments, cities and communities adapt and thrive. Across natural and built environments our adaptation and resiliency experts engage with clients and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, assisting in early hazard definition, evaluation, strategy development, and solution design and implementation, including operations and maintenance of utility and infrastructure assets.