Whirlpool Corporation’s Global Impact through Habitat for Humanity Partnership


11/15/2023


Whirlpool Corporation has achieved a significant milestone by donating over $125 million worth of products to Habitat for Humanity International. Since the inception of their partnership in 1999, Whirlpool Corp. has contributed more than 241,000 major home appliances, benefiting nearly 197,000 Habitat households across the U.S.
 
Pam Klyn, Whirlpool Corporation’s executive vice president of corporate relations and sustainability, expressed her pride in supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission. She emphasized the alignment of this partnership with Whirlpool’s global commitment to providing comfortable and nurturing homes for everyone, particularly through energy-efficient appliances.
 
Data from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Low-Income Energy Affordability Data (LEAD) Tool reveals that low-income households bear an energy burden of 8.6%, almost triple that of non-low-income households at 3%. To address this, Habitat and Whirlpool Corp. have joined forces to develop sustainable and energy-efficient housing solutions for low-income families. The BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative has resulted in the construction of over 250 climate-resilient and energy-efficient homes across the U.S.
 
A study conducted by Habitat in 2021 estimated the total energy and cost savings generated by Whirlpool’s appliance donations. Whirlpool’s donated products between 2018 and 2020 resulted in annual energy savings of 1.8 million kWh and lifetime energy savings of 16 million kWh across the entire Habitat U.S. network. This translated to annual electric bill savings of $208,000, amounting to a total of $1.8 million over the appliances’ lifespan.
 
“Time and time again over the past 24 years, Whirlpool has demonstrated a commitment that goes above and beyond partnership expectations,” said Tolli Love, chief development officer at Habitat for Humanity International.
 
“Whirlpool’s sustained support has created meaningful change for nearly 200,000 families around the world. Adding to their impact, Whirlpool launched BuildBetter with Whirlpool in 2021, with a goal of building homes that are energy-efficient, resilient and sustainable, helping ensure they are affordable generation after generation. We are proud to work alongside Whirlpool and cannot wait to see what we continue to build together.”
 
Whirlpool Corporation has been a staunch supporter of Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing and foster community development. This partnership, which began in 1999, has positively impacted over 1 million families across 45 countries. Whirlpool’s contributions extend beyond monetary and product donations, as they actively participate in Habitat’s BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, the Cost of Home national advocacy campaign, and the Latin American and Caribbean Housing Forum. Furthermore, Whirlpool employees worldwide are actively involved in construction projects.