Appliance maker wins Partner of the Year award

Appliance maker wins Partner of the Year award

Benton Harbor-based Whirlpool is a global maker of appliances, such as washing machines. Photo via fb.com

An appliance maker is being recognized once again by the Environmental Protection Agency for its commitment to making energy-efficient products.

Whirlpool Corporation, located in Benton Harbor, said yesterday that it has earned a 2015 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award from the EPA for its “outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing energy-efficient products and educating consumers about energy efficiency.”

ENERGY STAR leadership

Whirlpool is being honored for its leadership in making products that earn the ENERGY STAR, the government-backed symbol of enhanced energy efficiency, particularly the company's efforts to promote “meaningful energy innovation and product leadership in the laundry category.”

In 2014, Whirlpool launched the first ever ENERGY STAR-certified model in one of the last areas for energy efficiency left in homes: clothes dryers.

Whirlpool has also won the ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award for the most-efficient clothes dryer ever to be introduced into the U.S. market, with the ventless Whirlpool HybridCare heat-pump clothes dryer.

Sustainability history

The company helped facilitate the development of the ENERGY STAR appliances program more than 20 years ago and has remained committed to the program over the years, illustrated by the fact that Whirlpool has earned ENERGY STAR awards an industry-leading 25 times.

“We have remained committed to the growth, success and integrity of the partnership,” said Nate Mouw, director of regulatory affairs, Whirlpool.

Whirlpool has been committed to “reducing the human impact on the environment” since officially incorporating sustainability initiatives into the company's business strategy in 1969.

In 1970, Whirlpool established its Office of Environmental Control to develop more efficient products for consumers, develop more efficient manufacturing practices and work with outside stakeholders on environmental and social responsibility.

Recognition

Mouw said the company is “honored to receive this award.”

“Whirlpool's efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to energy efficiency and to preserving a healthy planet for future generations,” said Gina McCarthy, EPA administrator.

She added that Whirlpool’s products are helping “Americans save money, save energy and do their part to reduce our nation's greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change.”

Whirlpool's accomplishments will be recognized in Washington, D.C. on April 20.

ENERGY STAR program

Since its inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped prevent a total of more than two billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2013, ENERGY STAR and its partners provided more than $11 billion in “societal benefits,” due to reducing damages from climate change.