Jacobs achieves operational net-zero and 100% renewable energy goal
Construction firm Jacobs has met its goal to transition to 100% renewable energy for its operations and net-zero carbon for business travel by 2020.
The move, part of the firm’s climate action plan, includes Scope 3 targets approved by the Science-based Targets Initiative. It reached carbon neutrality for its operations and business travel through global standard PAS 2060:2014 – by reducing its carbon consumption and neutralizing remaining carbon impact by purchasing renewable energy and carbon offsets.
Jacobs anticipates its renewable energy and carbon offset purchases will diminish each year as it continually reduces its direct and indirect emissions, and aims to become carbon negative for its operations and business travel by 2030.
The company is part of 300 companies worldwide that have signed the UN business ambition for 1.5C – setting emissions reduction targets aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It has also launched its own Pledge to Action campaign calling on its global partners to pledge their own climate commitments – including working with five key clients on a climate-risk assessment.
Responding to the news, Jacobs chair and CEO, Steve Demetriou, said: “Reaching our goal to become carbon neutral is a major step in improving the way we run our operations at Jacobs.
“And our biggest opportunity to affect climate change is through the work performed for our clients – helping them to achieve change and create a better tomorrow for all. Together, we are pushing the limits of what is possible and staying ahead to create the new standards of our future.”