Insights for what's next

Explore practical perspectives that turn complex challenges and emerging trends into real-world outcomes.

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Webinar

Many approaches to OneWater: Implementing integrated water management regionally

Within watersheds and across community boundaries, utilities are tackling complex challenges in sustainably, equitably, and safely managing water. Addressing these challenges requires integrated, collaborative solutions that are specific to the regional watershed, beneficial to local communities, and rooted in the context of the global water cycle. Integrated or OneWater approaches are not a one size fits all. In this webinar we will learn how two utilities – the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District – are addressing very different water quality and water quantity challenges. These organizations demonstrate how water connects us and affects us all, and how integrated solutions require systems-based thinking and regional partnerships and collaboration. Whether you’re grappling with too much water or too little water, implementing a OneWater approach allows for a tailored solution. Presenters: Susan Moisio, Global Vice President & Global Water Director, Jacobs Joseph Danyluk, Principal Technologist & Global Lead for OneWater, Jacobs Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District David Pedersen, General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Administering Agent, Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority Katie Bollmer, Senior Project Manager, Jacobs

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Webinar

OneWater: An integrated, inclusive approach to a sustainable water future

This webinar is focused on OneWater: An Integrated, Inclusive Approach to a Sustainable Water Future. If we think differently about water and view all water as a valuable resource, we can work to tackle the issues that impact people and move beyond traditional silos to bring an integrated, inclusive approach to a sustainable water future for all. In this webinar you’ll learn how the cities of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and St. Petersburg, Florida, are using the OneWater approach. Harpreet Sandhu, City of Calgary and Susan Butler, Jacobs, will provide a general overview of OneWater and Calgary’s journey - “An integrated approach to water resilient cities” Claude Tankersley, City of St. Petersburg and Leisha Pica, Jacobs, will focus on implementing OneWater strategies in St. Petersburg, Florida - “How to use a One Water Approach to engage the Community” Moderator: Adam Hosking, Jacobs Water Resources Global Solutions Director Download the presentation slide deck. (PDF, 6 MB)

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Webinar

Potable reuse: Nature reuses water endlessly, why don't we?

Natural- and human-made threats to our global water supply get more complex as populations surge and the demand for water across industries increases. Since there is no new water on Earth, all water goes through a natural cycle and is essentially recycled water before it is treated, tested and returned to homes and businesses as drinking water. In recent decades, forward-thinking organizations have looked to replicate nature more closely by reclaiming the water once viewed as waste and recycling it to augment water supplies. In this webinar you’ll learn why potable reuse is not only a safe solution, it is also a future-proof and environmentally friendly one. Potable Reuse provides a locally-controlled, drought-proof water supply, eliminates the need for dedicated conveyance systems and reduces storage needs because water stays within the system – providing the water where it is needed and producing a strong water supply for resilient cities. Speakers: Larry Schimmoller, Water Reuse Global Technology Director, Jacobs - Moderator Germano Salazar-Benites, SWIFT Project Manager, Hampton Roads Sanitation District Tyler Nading, Senior Technologist, Jacobs Jim Lozier, Desalination Global Technology Director, Jacobs David Pedersen, General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Administering Agent, Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority Download the presentation slide deck. (PDF, 8.6 MB) Download the white paper. (PDF, 7.6 MB)

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Webinar

Building resilient utilities: Strategies for a climate-ready future

In an era of escalating climate change, utility systems are under unprecedented pressure. Join us for a compelling panel discussion where industry experts share proactive strategies to bolster resilience against severe weather events. Discover how water utilities are innovating to mitigate natural hazards and enhance system reliability in a changing climate. Resilience activities that will be discussed include performing natural hazard and climate vulnerability risk assessments to prioritize investments and developing design guidelines to address specific hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, wildfire and drought. The design guidelines typically go beyond existing regulatory requirements, such as elevating or flood proofing to higher elevations than typically required by ASCE or FEMA guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and prepare for a more reliable and resilient future. Moderators: Laurens van der Tak, Water Resilience Director – Jacobs Yari Escobar, Sustainability and Resilience Transformation Manager – Jacobs Speakers: Robert Taylor, Energy Manager – WSSC Water Debbie Griner, Chief Resilience and Sustainability Officer – Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department Armin Munevar, Global Technologist for Water and Climate Resilience – Jacobs Download the presentation slide deck. (PDF, 1.3 MB)

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Report

Water for Life

Water for Life: Why valuing water in all its forms is key to thriving and resilient communities explores why the water system must consider water in all its forms – and the economic, social and environmental systems that depend on it – to better navigate the increased pressures of climate change and rapid urbanization and enhance resilience in our communities.

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Report

Airports as catalysts for decarbonization

Airport owners and operators need to plan for the delivery and storage of hydrogen now if they are to be ready to fuel hydrogen-powered aircraft which are expected by 2035. New research by Jacobs, "Airports as Catalysts for Decarbonization", provides a roadmap for airports to implement to begin preparing for hydrogen fueling technologies, building on our work for the Aeronautical Technology Institute FlyZero Report, “ Airports, Airlines and Airspace - Operations and Hydrogen Infrastructure”. Due to the length of time it takes to plan, design, consult and implement new airport infrastructure, airports must make provisions ahead of the first commercially available hydrogen-powered aircraft expected in the early to mid-2030s. To help airports transition, Jacobs evaluated three scenarios for the supply and storage of hydrogen at an airport: Scenario 1 - the delivery of liquid hydrogen directly to the airport by truck. Scenario 2 - the use of a hydrogen gas pipeline with on-site liquefaction. Scenario 3 - the use of electrolysis for hydrogen production on site at the airport.

Why Quality Must Be Our Priority
Report

Powering the future: Why net zero carbon buildings aren’t enough

Gain insights behind this powerful shift, written by industry experts Adam Selvey, Jacobs and Ahmad Makkieh, Schneider Electric, and discover how Net Zero Carbon Power offers a scalable, future-ready path to decarbonizing our built environment. As the U.K. pushes toward its Clean Power 2030 targets, significant work is underway to decarbonize our buildings in a bid to reduce both operational and embodied emissions. However, the grid supporting these buildings is aging and under growing pressure. Up to 67% of grid supply points sit at or near capacity; we face a massive challenge: growing peak demand from electric heating, electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable generation is overwhelming a system never designed to handle it. The answer isn’t just to use less energy. It means using energy differently. Introducing Net Zero Carbon Power This new approach redefines how buildings interact with the grid. Direct current (DC) microgrids, local energy storage and smart load management allow buildings to: Eliminate inefficiencies caused by outdated alternating current (AC) infrastructure Cut energy loss by up to 20% with DC-ready technologies Slash project timelines and infrastructure costs Reduce dependence on a slow-moving grid Make buildings active contributors to energy stability Why DC? Why now? Today’s renewable sources and digital devices run on DC. Each time energy converts between AC and DC, losses increase and costs rise. Hybrid AC/DC microgrids address this issue. These systems store off-peak energy, power DC equipment directly and accelerate decarbonization without the long wait for large-scale grid upgrades. About the authors Adam Selvey

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Big Questions

How do we build resilient energy systems?

At Jacobs, we’re reshaping how energy is generated, moved, stored and used — accelerating decarbonization while strengthening energy security. We work with clients to accelerate and strengthen energy resilience. That means advancing low-carbon technologies — from sustainable fuels and carbon capture to long-duration storage and advanced nuclear — and integrating them into systems that work in the real world, at scale. The future of energy isn’t a single shift from one technology to another. It’s a connected system spanning generation, networks, transport, infrastructure and regulation. Low Carbon Solutions Director Alan Fotheringham enables clients to understand those connections — and design for them — so today’s decisions strengthen long-term performance. Alan works with clients to reduce complexity, optimize investment and make more efficient use of renewables, storage and energy networks. This integrated approach lowers total system costs band accelerates delivery and reduces risk. For many organizations, committing to net zero is just the beginning. Energy assets often take years to develop and are expected to operate for decades — yet turning ambition into action can be overwhelming. Alan bridges the gap between ambition and execution, guiding clients from opportunity to commercially viable programs that can stand up to real-world constraints. That systems-based thinking matters most in sectors where decarbonization options are limited or still emerging. In aviation, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offers one of the most immediate pathways to lower emissions. SAF can cut emissions by 60-80%, making it one of the most immediate levers available to decarbonize aviation. Alan works

Alan Fotheringham
Sea spray and waves hitting coastal walkway
Report

Coastal erosion and climate change

Climate change is a global problem that will result in severe consequences at the coast. Strategic coastal planning, management and adaptation are key to mitigating future losses and ensuring that coastal development and communities are sustainable in the long-term.

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Report

How can we use nature and data to help solve our environmental, climate and affordability crises?

Solving our environmental, climate and affordability trilemma requires bringing together two factors that could be considered opposing ends of the spectrum: sustainable nature-based approaches and cutting-edge data- and technology-enabled solutions. This paper defines the trilemma and the impacts on the CSOs challenge, then discusses the art of the possible for these novel approaches and the potential regulatory, societal and technological shifts required to empower these solutions.

  • Future Foundations

    Co-creating the world to come

    From developing climate resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon future, to modernizing and transforming infrastructure, governments and businesses face critical challenges. How they respond will define our future.

    As our clients navigate these challenges, we help them think differently – working together to pioneer tomorrow's infrastructure solutions and build the foundations for a prosperous, secure future. 

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