Principal^® increases commitment to health and wellness in real estate portfolio, becomes Fitwel Champion

Principal Financial Group^® today announced its commitment to become a Fitwel Champion via its Principal Real Estate Investors business, expanding the support provided to advance health and wellness initiatives for tenants and occupants within its global real estate investment portfolio.

As a Fitwel Champion, Principal^® pledges to certify at least six properties with Fitwel over the next 12 months. Properties that achieve Fitwel certification for their healthy design and operational strategies will carry the designation for a period of three years before recertification is required.

“We have significant experience designing, constructing, and operating buildings as well as overseeing capital and tenant improvements with the health, safety, and welfare of building occupants in mind,” said Jennifer McConkey, senior director of operations and sustainability for Principal Real Estate Investors. “Our decision to become a Fitwel Champion further demonstrates to our stakeholders that we are committed to leading the movement to increase the health and wellness of the built environment.”

Principal Real Estate Investors has one property already Fitwel certified. Park Place in Irvine, Calif., received its certification in June 2019. The mixed use office plaza has implemented multiple health and wellness amenities to meet certification standards, including a complimentary fitness program for all tenants, signs prompting occupants to take the stairs instead of elevators, healthy food options and health graphics in the market café and coffee bars, healthy choices in vending machines, and ample, well-lit walking trails.

In working to obtain additional property certifications to fulfill its commitment as a Fitwel Champion, Principal will utilize its Pillars of Responsible Property Investing initiative to help guide decisions and actions. Fitwel has become another facet of the firm’s PRPI program, further integrating health and wellness into its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework that is effective in helping drive real estate investment and management through market resilience, corporate governance, and property performance.