Building a better future.

As one of the marquee events in Des Moines, we understand our unique position in the marketplace to promote a sustainable event that has the potential to yield positive social and environmental outcomes for our community.

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Sustainability timeline and goals.

  • 2022

    Principal Charity Classic formalizes tournament Sustainability Program.
    ADPAT DSM Phase 1 implementation.

  • 2023

    ADAPT DSM plan development and implementation.

  • 2024

    Principal Charity Classic goal 40% waste diversion.

  • 2025

    City of Des Moines goal 28% reduction in emissions from 2008 levels.

  • 2027

    Principal Charity Classic goal 30% reduction in emissions 2022 baseline.

  • 2030

    City of Des Moines goal 45% reduction in emissions from 2010 levels.

  • 2032

    Principal Charity Classic goal zero waste tournament.

  • 2035

    Principal Charity Classic goal carbon neutral tournament.
    City of Des Moines goal 100% 24/7 carbon-free electricity citywide.
    Principal goal 65% reduction in GHG emissions for scope 1 and market-based scope 2.

  • 2050

    Principal & City of Des Moines goal net zero emissions.

Resource management.

Waste, water, and energy are our most directly controlled environmental impacts. The baseline measurements of waste production/diversion, water consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions will allow us to set goals for future tournaments’ environmental footprint.

Waste.

Highlights
• Diverted 7.17 tons of material from the landfill.
• Offered 120 “take-home” lawn chairs to spectators, reducing waste created from temporary seating.
• Introduced carpet recovery partnership to mitigate carpet and turf from entering the landfill.
• Updated and refined tournament waste management policy.

Water.

Highlights
• Increased on-site water refill stations to three in 2023, encouraging spectators refill and reduce on-site single use plastic.
• Provided spectators with free on-course water thanks to Des Moines Water Works
• Provided flushless toilets on course to reduce water.

Energy and Emissions.

Highlights
• Reduced carbon footprint by 235.4 metric tons from 2022 to 2023.
• 88.5% of on-site energy consumption through in-ground power at Wakonda Club comes from renewable sources thanks to MidAmerican Energy.
• Provided on-site shuttle service for general spectator parking, relieving vehicle congestion and reducing idling.
• Produced Energy Management Plan for tournament operations and supply chain consumption.

2023 Principal Charity Classic Sustainability Report.

See full report

Planning and communications.

We know that we cannot go on this sustainability journey alone. The relationships we have prioritized are with the in-market sustainability decision-makers. Partnerships were formed with the City of Des Moines’ Sustainability Program Manager, Metro Waste Authority, and Eat Greater Des Moines. These stakeholders are prioritizing sustainability locally and we want to be the convener and platform for Des Moines sustainability.

Principal
We know that to truly foster a more secure world, we must be mindful
of our impact on it. That’s why we insist on environmentally responsible
behaviors by our company, our employees, and our business partners.

The Principal Charity Classic is the most impactful engagement opportunity
to communicate local environmental and social opportunities as a company
and to translate sustainability advancement to our community members.

City of Des Moines
To better coordinate our response to climate change, reduce harmful
emissions, and chart a more resilient future, the City of Des Moines is
developing a community-wide climate action and adaptation plan.

The Principal Charity Classic’s sustainability commitment and investment
to the Des Moines community creates a new standard for how all events
can operate henceforth with the baseline of incorporating sustainability in
operations that are in line with the City of Des Moines and ADAPT DSM.

Golf Environment Organization (GEO)
Professional and amateur tournaments around the world are stepping
forward to drive positive change when it comes to staging, hosting, and
delivering a lasting legacy.

GEO serves as the framework for sustainable tournament operational
implementation along with the international standard of environmental
and social sustainability for golf tournaments. Our initial findings from
this report are measured against tournament certification as we hold
ourselves accountable for our actions and identify current successes,
and future operational and supply chain efficiencies.

Principal Charity Classic sustainability partners.