CEO announces significant increase in commitment during keynote address BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (Nov. 14, 2007) – Whirlpool Corporation has announced it will increase the company’s commitment to environmentally-sound business practices by reducing total greenhouse gas emissions 6.6 percent by 2012. The company will make these global, voluntary reductions while at the same time increasing production by 17 percent. The positive output of this reduction is equivalent to approximately 4.47 million acres of trees, an area larger than the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. Whirlpool Corporation is the industry leader in energy and water efficiency, and the only appliance manufacturer that brings an “across the board” focus to energy and water conservation, from design to manufacturing and distribution to end of product lifecycle. In 2003, Whirlpool became the first appliance manufacturer to announce a global greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target, with a goal of reducing emissions by 3 percent from 1998 levels by 2008, while at the same time increasing production by 40 percent. The company is on track to meet this target, and believes it has the responsibility to do more. With yesterday's announcement, Whirlpool Corporation is significantly increasing its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, despite having grown its manufacturing substantially both organically and with the 2006 acquisition of Maytag Corporation. Whirlpool Chairman and CEO Jeff Fettig announced the increased reductions plan in his keynote address at the Energy Efficiency Global Forum & Exposition (EE Global). The conference is the Alliance to Save Energy’s first ever global forum, bringing together leaders from the five regions of the world to forge new partnerships and develop strategies on energy efficiency in Washington, D.C. “Whirlpool is committed to environmentally sound business practices, and we are leading by example,” said Fettig. “But we also know that the greatest differences are achieved not on our own, but through cooperation and close collaboration with others. And that includes working with industry, policymakers and other stakeholders to create more choices and better solutions that benefit us all.” Whirlpool is the founding sponsor of EE Global, a showcase for the energy-efficiency industry attracting industry professionals, academics and policy makers from around the world, not only to exchange the latest technical, commercial and policy information, but to forge partnerships and develop “best practices,” policies and strategies for global implementation. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion, more than 73,000 employees, and more than 70 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for building and design professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977.
