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Sustainability Environmental impact

Environmental impact

Climate impact

To create a more secure world, we pledge to be responsible stewards and mitigate our impact on the planet. Our long-term climate goals and plans are aligned with science-based targets to address climate change and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our goal

  • We aim to reduce our global scope 1 and scope 2 market-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 65% by 2034 and achieve net- zero GHG emissions by 2050, which aligns with the Science Based Targets initiative’s (SBTi) 1.5°C scenario.
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What does this look like?

U.S. GHG emissions 12-year performance
('000 Metric Tons CO2e)

Graph showing U.S. GHG emissions 12-year performance, 2010 through 2022.
Gross scope 1 + location-based scope 2
Gross scope 1 + market-based scope 2

Improving operational environmental performance

We remain committed to integrating responsible energy, water, and waste management practices into our business operations through efficient and sustainable solutions and improvements. We’ve established a system and policy modeled after ISO14001 designed to:

  • Reduce energy use and GHG emissions
  • Improve water efficiency
  • Reduce waste to landfill
  • Increase employee awareness

Read our environmental policy.

Goal: Aim to meet or exceed LEED® guidelines for waste and recycling, which is to maintain a 50% or greater waste diversion rate annually.

Green buildings: We use LEED® certification to ensure efficient and healthy work environments. Of the Principal owned and occupied portfolio in Des Moines, 93% is LEED® certified, as measured by square footage.

2023 highlights

14.6%

reduction in global scope 1 and scope 2 market-based emissions from 2022 to 2023

90.8%

of electricity consumption in the U.S. from renewable sources

69%

of hazardous and nonhazardous waste produced in 2023 in our U.S. facilities where we measure was diverted

2023 Sustainability report

Read more about our commitment to sustainability.

Download full report (PDF)

Our work supports the following UN Sustainable Development Goal:

Goal 13: Climate action

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