3. Introduction
Jacobs first published its Climate Action Plan on Earth Day 2020 (April 22). At that time, the world was beginning to understand the global economic, environmental and social impacts of COVID-19. We know that climate change also impacts the most vulnerable in society, and the pandemic only served to increase global inequality.
Recognizing international progress in our scientific understanding of the affects of climate change, the government endorsements of the Glasgow Climate Pact and new pledges, and our own company progress in accelerating climate response – the time was right to update our Climate Action Plan.
“What humans do over the next 50 years will determine the fate of all life on the planet.”
David Attenborough Broadcaster and Natural Historian
As we boldly move forward with channeling our expansive capabilities in climate response, we have re-focused our efforts on how we can build a net zero future not only within our own operations, but across the client solutions we deliver. As an industry-leading global solutions provider, our greatest opportunity to address climate change comes through the sustainable, resilient and nature-positive solutions we co-create with our public and private sector clients around the world.
Our new headline climate commitments are as follows:
- Ensure every client project becomes a climate response opportunity
- Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2040
- Maintain carbon neutrality status and 100% low-carbon electricity for our operations
In July 2021, we amplified our commitment to sustainability in our revised PlanBeyond 2.0TM sustainable business approach, and we will continue to review and refine this approach in line with emerging global priorities and in a way that underpins the delivery objectives of our company strategy. Aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and recognizing that all SDGs are interconnected, Jacobs identified six core SDGs and translated them into six Sustainable Business Objectives (SBOs), guiding how sustainability is integrated across our business and how we help sustain the planet for future generations. The sixth SBO is to Accelerate solutions that address the climate emergency. This Climate Action Plan supports the effective mobilization and delivery of PlanBeyond 2.0 through targeted commitments and investment opportunities that make our climate response a reality.
As we live our purpose to create a more connected sustainable world, we will lead by offering innovative net zero solutions that support our clients’ decarbonization targets. We will also challenge today and reinvent tomorrow by offering adaptation solutions to help communities go further and faster, recognizing the need to ensure that those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are prioritized.
This vision will be realized through our new FY 2022-2024 company strategy that positions Jacobs as a climate response market leader, maximizing long-term business and societal impact with the delivery of holistic, integrated, end-to-end solutions for energy transition, decarbonization, adaptation and resilience, and natural resource stewardship.
Global Climate Context
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6)
The IPCC’s three Working Groups are in the process of publishing their Sixth Assessment Report (AR6).
Working Group I provided a stark update on the likely impacts of physical climate change and deepened our scientific understanding of climate change
Working Group II provided an update on impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, and focused on the consequences of inaction
Working Group III is focused on the mitigation of climate change, and their contribution to the AR6 is scheduled to be published in April 2022
COP26 & Glasgow Climate Pact
The COP26 summit in 2021 brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
The flagship agreement reached at COP26, known as the Glasgow Climate Pact, resulted in the following primary commitments:
- Phasing down coal power generation
- Pledge to cut methane emissions
- Climate finance
- National carbon commitments
Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) – Net-Zero Standard
The SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard was published in late 2021 and provides businesses with a consistent definition of what is meant by the term ‘net-zero’ and how to achieve it – a world-first corporate standard on net-zero.
Key requirements of the Net-Zero Standard include focusing on rapid, deep emissions cuts; setting near- and long-term targets; only claiming achievement of net-zero after long-term targets are met; and investing in mitigation both within and outside the value chain.
Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
The G20’s Financial Stability Board (FSB) established the TCFD to bring climate risk reporting into the business mainstream. The group has developed recommendations for more effective disclosures and reporting to help businesses report consistently and transparently on their financial risks and opportunities, aid decision making, and integrate climate risks into enterprise risk management and strategy. Climate risk disclosures are being mandated in legislation in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and the TCFD provides the framework with which businesses can meet those requirements.
Our climate achievements to date
Carbon Neutrality
for operations and corporate business travel in December 2020
45%
Carbon Emission Reductions
in 2021
100%
Achieved and maintained low-carbon electricity for our operations in December 2020
SBTi
Approved science-based carbon reduction targets in December 2020
Dow Jones
Included in the Dow Jones North American Sustainability Index in 2020 and 2021
B-Level CDP
Achieved Climate Change climate disclosures in 2021
TCFD
Became a supporter
Published TCFD-aligned Climate Risk Assessment July 2021
Internal Carbon Price
Introduced on corporate business travel
Employee Benefits
Incorporated climate-focused employee benefits, including Climate Focused Pension Fund and Electric/ULEV Car Scheme for employees within the United Kingdom
Strategic Partner
Acted as global strategic partner and headline sponsors at the COP26 World Climate Forum (‘The Investment COP’) in partnership with World Climate Foundation
WEF
Member of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders
Employee Learning
Launched online Climate Solutions Accelerator course for all employees in partnership with Royal Scottish Geographical Society
Race to Zero
Supporter of the United Nations’ Race to Zero campaign and the Business Ambition for 1.5°C commitment
SBTi 'TAG'
Participating member of the SBTi Technical Advisory Group (TAG) since 2020 and a founding participant in the Net-Zero Road Test in 2021
Supplier Engagement
Included as a leading company on CDP’s 2021 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard, for taking action to measure and reduce climate risk within our supply chain
USEPA
Included as one of the Top Partner Rankings as a USEPA Green Power Partnership 100% Green Power User