EA: What are Nature-Positive designs and how do they support climate-resilient infrastructure?

CA: Nature-positive solutions are essential in developing climate-resilient infrastructure because they integrate natural systems into the design and functionality of infrastructure projects, enhancing their ability to withstand and adapt to climate change impacts. These solutions, such as the use of wetlands for water treatment or the incorporation of green spaces in urban planning, leverage the inherent resilience of natural ecosystems. By doing so, they provide multiple benefits, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, improved water management, as well as cultural and recreational opportunities.  At a global automotive company’s campuses, inclusion of micro-bioretention, bioactive walls, bioswales and permeable paving led to 167% improvement in water quality, 178% improvement in biodiversity and a 250% improvement in carbon cycling.

Moreover, nature-positive solutions contribute to the overall sustainability and social value of infrastructure projects. They help create environments that are not only resilient to extreme weather events but also promote human well-being and economic stability. By fostering a reciprocal relationship with nature, these solutions ensure that infrastructure developments support the health of natural ecosystems, which in turn enhances the resilience of communities. This holistic approach aligns with the strategic vision of organizations like Jacobs, which emphasizes the importance of integrating regenerative and nature-based solutions to restore and protect natural capital and essential ecosystem services.

EA: How does Jacobs embed Nature-Positive solutions on infrastructure projects?

CA: We embed nature-positive solutions into infrastructure projects by leveraging a multidisciplinary approach that integrates regenerative and nature-based solutions, natural capital valuation, ecology, environmental planning, civil engineering, landscape architecture, biomimicry, water resource management, and digital technology. This comprehensive strategy ensures that projects not only meet functional and operational requirements but also contribute positively to the environment.

Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of sustainable design from the inception of a project. This includes the use of sustainable, recyclable and non-toxic materials, as well as designing components that are easy to repair and maintain. The company's collaboration with partners like Biomimicry 3.8 allows us to incorporate biomimicry concepts into our designs, creating solutions that mirror the life-supporting benefits of intact habitats. For example, on the University of California Davis Health Master Plan we looked at how nature performs functions such as stormwater management and soil infiltration. This led to the inclusion of natural stormwater treatment (bioswales and wetland restoration), which reduced the construction of grey infrastructure, and the cost associated with its construction and operational expenditure over time. Our commitment to nature-positive solutions is also reflected in our participation in initiatives like the Council for Sustainable Business’ Get Nature Positive campaign, where we authored the  Building and Infrastructure: Design chapter of the Nature Positive Handbook. This holistic approach not only enhances the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure projects but also supports greater equity and wellbeing among communities. Jacobs also recently joined the  Nature Positive Initiative and we are active members of the  Network for Engineering with Nature.

EA: Are there any other examples where Jacobs’ Nature-Positive approach has combated climate change and biodiversity loss?

CA: There are a few examples, including:

• Collaborating with The Nature Conservancy to manage the monitoring, permitting and design of a restoration project, the Pensacola East Bay Oyster Habitat Restoration Project, along a 6.5 mile stretch of shoreline, which will help restore a healthy, functioning oyster habitat in East Bay near Pensacola, Florida.
• Working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) on the Engineering With Nature® program to integrate climate resilience and ecological restoration on a number of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force facilities. We have recently collaborated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to publish the Natural Infrastructure for Mission Readiness at Navy and Marine Corps Installations book, which outlines specific hazards affecting installations and offers actionable Engineering With Nature approaches to reduce risks, enhance resilience and enhance ecological protection.
• Partnering with the Urban Land Institute to co-create a thought leadership paper, Nature Positive and Net Zero: The Ecology of Real Estate, to highlight key global market drivers for developers and owners to preserve and enhance biodiversity in development as part of their overall climate strategy.