Jacobs to be carbon neutral this year

US-based engineering and construction firm Jacobs has released a Climate Action Plan as the company claims that it will be carbon neutral this year and carbon negative by 2030.

The company’s Jacobs’ Climate Action Plan commits to help solve the climate crisis by achieving and maintaining 100% renewable energy, net zero carbon for the company’s operations and business travel in 2020 and carbon negative for its operations and business travel by 2030.

A recent report revealed that building and construction are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world, with operational emissions (energy used to heat, cool and light buildings) accounting for 28%. The remaining 11% comes from embodied carbon emissions, or ‘upfront’ carbon that is associated with materials and construction processes throughout the whole building lifecycle.

“Today, we reveal a plan that sets us apart – capturing the shared passion, pride and drive of our people as we work to preserve our planet for future generations,” said Jacobs Chair and CEO Steve Demetriou.

“From the way we operate our business, to the work we perform with clients and other organisations, Jacobs’ Climate Action Plan details how we will continue to make a positive environmental, societal and economic difference for businesses, governments and communities around the world.”

The Climate Action Plan builds on the foundations of Jacobs’ PlanBeyond strategy, which was launched in early 2019 to set out sustainability priorities across the business and how the company is helping sustain the planet for future generations.

The company was recently recognised by Environmental Business International (EBI) with six business achievement awards for leadership and outstanding performance in its corporate, environmental and climate change work in 2019.

The company added that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on humanity and the global economy and shown communities, governments and people that it is possible for the world to unite together around a common cause.