BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (Nov. 18, 2009) – Whirlpool Corporation, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, today announced the release of the company’s first global, comprehensive sustainability report. The report provides an overview of the company’s efforts to make a sustainable difference in the world. The company also produces an annual report and, for the first time, is making a detailed Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) report publicly available, in addition to other required regulatory filings. These reports reflect the company’s commitment to openly communicating with its stakeholders about its economic, social and environmental performance. Whirlpool Corporation is an industry leader in developing high-performance appliances that help conserve the earth's resources and allow homeowners to use resources more efficiently. The company continually strives to understand and manage the environmental effects of its business, not only by creating new and innovative products that consume less energy and water, but also by improving processes and using materials that minimize the impact on the planet. Whirlpool Corporation has a long-term commitment to environmental protection and natural resource efficiency, which began 40 years ago with the creation of a corporate office for environmental control. In 2003, Whirlpool became the world's first appliance manufacturer to announce a global greenhouse gas reduction target. Recently, the company announced that by 2015, it will make all the electronically controlled appliances it produces – everywhere in the world – capable of receiving and responding to signals from smart grids. Whirlpool Corporation has received global recognition for its social and environmental performance. The company was recently named one of the “Greenest Big Companies in America” by Newsweek magazine and is included in the FTSE4Good and the KLD Domini 400 Social and Global Sustainability Indexes. Whirlpool also was named one of FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies,” one of the “100 Best Corporate Citizens” by Chief Responsibility Officer magazine, one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by Ethisphere magazine and one of the “Top 50 Most Respected U.S. Companies” by the Reputation Institute. Detailed information about the company’s financial performance is available in its 2008 annual report and its 10-K filing on the corporate Web site at http://investors.whirlpoolcorp..com. More information on Whirlpool Corporation’s sustainability performance can be found in the Whirlpool Sustainability Report and companion GRI Matrix, available at www.whirlpoolcorp.com/responsibility. About Whirlpool Corporation Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building professionals create homes of distinction. The company’s The Inside Advantage(TM) Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Market Insight to support building professionals. Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion in 2008, 70,000 employees, and 67 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, 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 professionals, please visit www.insideadvantage.com or call 1-800-253-3977.
