Jacobs has announced the creation of a new office of global climate response and ESG designed to deliver on the company’s commitments to climate change through innovative solutions for its clients and shareholders. 

As part of the company’s forthcoming 2022-2024 corporate strategy, this strategic emphasis will serve as the focal point for its go-to-market solutions within the framework of energy transition, decarbonisation, adaptation and mitigation and natural resource stewardship. Additionally, the company is coupling climate response with Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), which is taking on heightened significance, both within Jacobs and externally as companies around the globe rise to the climate challenge and address urgent social issues.

“This enhancement to our existing delivery model and organisational structure is designed to expand Jacobs’ ability to respond with sustainable and resilient solutions that create value for our clients, employees, communities and investors,” said Jacobs president and chief operating officer Bob Pragada. “As our business shifts, so do our sustainability ambitions – like integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into our operations and every client solution we deliver.”

Jacobs looked to its own talent in appointing senior vice president of global climate response and ESG Jan Walstrom to lead the office and link up with the investor community to showcase Jacobs’ global capabilities and technology-enabled expertise in developing sustainable and resilient solutions for a net zero economy. Walstrom has previously held progressive leadership roles in the global environment, sustainability and technology markets for more than 25 years and her experience encompasses work with governments and industry-leading multinational corporations throughout the world. 

Jacobs’ vice president and head of global sustainability, Zoe Haseman, who leads the company’s Sustainability Centre of Excellence with responsibility for developing and driving Jacobs’ PlanBeyond 2.0 and Climate Action Plan, joins Walstrom in the new office.  She will focus on educating internal and external stakeholders on global trends, opportunities and market initiatives to help inform Jacobs’ strategies and actions in delivering on ambitious sustainability commitments, creating social value for communities and leading on new sustainable innovations and tools to differentiate Jacobs in the marketplace. 

Climate response is a critical agenda item for business and government leaders globally. Jacobs says it will channel its expansive capabilities in resilient infrastructure, clean water, green energy and social value toward benefitting people and the planet. This latest move highlights Jacobs’ commitment to climate response and ESG and provides the foundation for working with its global client base in co-creating solutions for a more connected, sustainable world.