BENTON HARBOR, Mich.,
July 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/
-- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) today announced
Habitat for Humanity's BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, an
expansion of Habitat's existing BuildBetter program that will
deliver more than 250 climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes
to hundreds of Americans in need of affordable housing over the
next three years.
The broadened initiative sits at the heart of Whirlpool
Corporation's global corporate social responsibility approach
called House + Home, that contributes to comfortable and nurturing
places to live and supports resilient, thriving, and sustainable
communities. Through House + Home, Whirlpool Corporation will
support Habitat for Humanity to construct homes designed to better
withstand storm winds, natural disasters and other severe weather
events that are intensifying.
The homes will provide welcome support for homeowners throughout
the U.S. who contend with increasing threats and expensive repairs
from natural disasters. They will also help reduce operating
costs for homeowners with limited budgets, through an expected
improvement in energy efficiency of approximately 15
percent compared to homes built to current local government
code, contributing to a more sustainable future for local
communities.
"For 110 years, improving life at home has always been at the
heart of our business. It doesn't matter who you are or where you
live—a comfortable, nurturing home is essential for everyone," said
Jeff Noel, VP of Communications and
Public Affairs at Whirlpool Corporation. "This initiative continues
our long history of leveraging our innovative, quality appliances
and philanthropic support to improve life at home for people around
the world."
"Whirlpool Corporation has been a tremendous partner in helping
us improve and broaden the ways we can help more families achieve
housing stability. Through the launch of our BuildBetter
initiative, Whirlpool's support will help us accelerate the
construction of resilient, energy-efficient homes and can result in
greater savings for families," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for
Humanity. "Whirlpool's dedication to this program will enable
the focused research needed to expand sustainable housing to even
more communities, helping with neighborhood revitalization and
environmental impact."
In addition to enhanced storm-resilient measures, such as
secure-and-sealed roof decks, all homeowners under the program will
be eligible to choose at least one upgrade that addresses a hazard
specific to their state, including enhanced flood or fire defence.
Habitat organizations participating in the program will receive
technical guidance on construction design and implementation, as
well as funding for energy-efficient upgrades.
Whirlpool Corporation employees are volunteering to help
build these homes with Habitat for Humanity. Construction began
July 2021.
In addition to the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative,
Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat for Humanity are also
collaborating to:
- Provide a range and refrigerator for every new Habitat home
built in the U.S. and Canada
- Inaugurate October as Global Build Month, during which
Whirlpool Corporation will provide nearly $6
million in funding and home appliances to Habitat
organizations in the U.S., Canada,
Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, India, Singapore, Poland, and the U.K.
- Host three Habitat global housing forums in Europe, Middle
East and Africa; the
Latin America and Caribbean region, and the Asia-Pacific region that bring together the
best minds in affordable housing to spur innovation that meets the
needs of the planet's growing population, while addressing
increasing challenges related to climate change.
- Help advance the Habitat Cost of Home advocacy campaign, a
five-year program through which local Habitat organizations,
partners, volunteers and community members across the United States work together to help 10
million people have access to an affordable home.
With the addition of these contributions, Whirlpool Corporation
has donated nearly $130 million to
Habitat for Humanity International and supported Habitat programs
in 45 countries.
For more details on Whirlpool Corporation's sustainability
efforts, please visit the company's 2020 Sustainability Report
here.
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation
(NYSE: WHR) is committed to being the best global kitchen and
laundry company, in constant pursuit of improving life at home. In
an increasingly digital world, the company is driving purposeful
innovation to meet the evolving needs of consumers through its
iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag,
Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, JennAir, Indesit and Yummly. In
2020, the company reported approximately $19
billion in annual sales, 78,000 employees and 57
manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional
information about the company can be found at
WhirlpoolCorp.com.
About Whirlpool Corporation House + Home
It
doesn't matter who you are or where you live; a comfortable,
nurturing place to live is an essential anchor for everyone. It's
where we begin to build our lives and a better future. But around
the world today, 1.6 billion people live in substandard housing.
And one in ten people worldwide live in "distressed communities,"
experiencing a perpetual cycle of low-wage jobs, education
instability, inadequate transport, and racial inequality.
That's why Whirlpool Corporation created House + Home. It is the
company's comprehensive approach to social impact around the globe
via:
- House: Where we are contributing to comfortable and
nurturing places to live.
- Home: Where we are supporting resilient, thriving, and
sustainable communities through education and neighborhood
development programs.
We are proud to work closely with our employees and their
families, local businesses, government and other non-profits to
help improve quality of life for all residents in a neighborhood,
and to offer education and skills building programs that support
more fulfilling, inclusive and sustainable living at home.
Whirlpool Corporation's global House + Home partners include:
Habitat for Humanity, Instituto Consulado da Mulher, and the Boys
and Girls Club of America.
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SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation