M Moser creates "GREEN" space for Principal Global Investors

Known internationally for creating innovative, effective workspaces, the New York office of M Moser Associates has completed the new corporate headquarters for Principal Global Investors, Inc., a subsidiary of The Principal Financial Group® (PGI), achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for the space which comprises the entire 25th floor of 888 Seventh Avenue in Manhattan. This is the first LEED Certified office space in the building.

"PGI exhibited a true progressive spirit with its choice of a green office design," said Maria Lopez, Associate Director of M Moser New York. "Integrating LEED guidelines into the build out of an existing space demonstrates a passion not only to reduce their footprint on the environment but to create a healthier, more pleasant workspace for their employees."

The 19,800-square-foot office incorporates low privacy barriers between work stations as well as an open floor plan with few enclosed offices to promote interaction and collaboration among employees as well as to allow natural light to fill the office. M Moser worked closely with PGI from the beginning in order to understand the firm's goals, including productivity, employee morale and corporate identity. M Moser then managed each step in the process - from design through implementation - to help ensure that the final product reflects and supports those needs.

To reach LEED Certification, M Moser worked in conjunction with Synergy Construction, Inc. and OMNIBUILD to incorporate a number of high-efficiency elements in the design. The office features low-flow fixtures to reduce water usage by 40%. Sensors installed throughout the space monitor the amount of natural light available and automatically adjust the internal lighting, which not only optimizes available light for employees but reduces energy consumption by 15%. In addition, the state-of-the-art HVAC system is highly efficient and programmable, resulting in another 15% reduction in energy usage.

"We are very excited about our new space," Jim McCaughan, President and CEO of Principal Global Investors, Inc. "Because it is not only beautiful but responsible and efficient, we feel like we are providing the best possible work environment for our staff."