Winnebago Industries is joining a global corporate initiative to advance “universal principles” on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption.
The United Nations Global Compact is a sustainability movement collecting more than 12,000 global signatures with a stated commitment to a “responsibility journey.”
“Collective action is imperative to addressing the environmental and social challenges our global society faces,” Winnebago President and CEO Michael Happe said. “Winnebago Industries is proud to join like-minded companies as a signatory of the U.N. Global Compact.”
As a signatory, the manufacturer confirmed its support of the compact’s Ten Principles, including integrating the principles into Winnebago business strategies. The company will engage in projects that advance the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.
“Winnebago Industries is committed to taking a long-term view, while approaching corporate responsibility goals with urgency,” said Stacy Bogart, company senior VP of general counsel and corporate responsibility. “Throughout 2020, the global pandemic and racial justice reckoning taught us just how interdependent our communities, economies and environment are. Working together, we can move forward.”
The manufacturer stated since 2018, it has focused on a new corporate responsibility strategy that addresses environmental, social and governance priority topics. Winnebago releases an annual progress report detailing the company’s efforts in environmental sustainability and building an “inclusive, diverse and equitable” workplace.
Environmental sustainability efforts are being led by Chris West, Winnebago’s senior VP of enterprise operations, in addition to Rick Puckett, director of enterprise environment, health, safety and security (EHSS). Efforts will be spread throughout the manufacturer’s Grand Design RV, Chris-Craft and Newmar businesses. Minimizing waste, boosting product sustainability and managing greenhouse gas emissions are initial environmental focus areas.
