Giving Back
We live our best lives only by helping others live theirs.
Giving back has always been a huge part of our culture. As individuals and as a company, we are committed to improving peoples’ lives by enhancing their financial security and building strong communities. In 2016, our commitment was evident – and growing – in communities around the world, as we made $13.2 million in donations to more than 700 organizations in 12 different countries.
Giving of ourselves
Our annual volunteer week became a global event, beginning on December 5, the United Nations’ long-standing International Volunteer Day. The goal was to empower employees, worldwide, to give back locally. More than 1,000 engaged. And the results were satisfying.
Principal Mexico partnered with World Vision, an organization that helps communities in Mexico and around the world live free of poverty and malnutrition. Through the partnership, 38 employee volunteers worked side-by-side in the community of Toluca to build 10 granges, each of which housed 13 chickens. Quality animal protein is in short supply in the area. But the chickens will help 10 families produce their own food.
Supporting the good works of others
Volunteering is just part of the story. In the United States, we achieved our fourth consecutive record year of donations to United Way. Contributions totaled more than $8.3 million, with 73 percent of employees participating. Sixteen of our 22 domestic business units met or exceeded one or both of their United Way goals.
As a result of these global efforts – and more – we were recently recognized by Great Places to Work, ranking #21 in their listing of Best Workplaces for Giving Back in 2017.
Preserving our environment
We’re also working to improve communities through global sustainability initiatives that are reducing our carbon footprint, using water and energy more efficiently and better managing waste and recycling. In 2016, we reduced carbon emissions by 25 percent – far exceeding our goal to reduce baseline 2011 carbon emissions by 10 percent.
Principal Real Estate Investors (PrinRE) was named ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year, underscoring its long-standing commitment to corporate stewardship. More than 80 PrinRE buildings around the world are either ENERGY STAR or LEED certified. We are completing LEED certification for two buildings being renovated as part of our revitalized corporate campus project. More than 90 percent of the materials removed have been recycled.
Corporate responsibility – on a global scale – is a key part of our DNA and our future. We are focused on helping our customers, partners, neighbors and employees live their best lives.