Whirlpool Corporation, Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, and Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business are celebrating 15 years of partnership dedicated to building homes and hope in Bloomington, Indiana. This year, the organizations completed five new net-zero homes in the Osage Place neighborhood under the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, underscoring Whirlpool’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and community development.
Jim Peters, Whirlpool’s Chief Financial and Administrative Officer and a Kelley School alumnus, shared,
“At Whirlpool, we see housing as the cornerstone of opportunity, security, and well-being. Over the past 15 years, our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and the Kelley School has allowed us to bring that vision to life. This year’s expanded effort marks another significant step in our mission to create sustainable, thriving communities.”
The 2025 build, held during the week of October 13, completed the first phase of the Osage Place development. Nine homes in total—including five newly constructed net-zero homes—are part of the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, designed to promote energy efficiency and climate resilience. In support of these efforts, the City of Bloomington has provided $250,000 in grants to install solar panels on 30 homes, further advancing the community’s renewable energy goals.
“Every house we construct represents far more than bricks and mortar—it’s a foundation for generational progress,” said Wendi Goodlett, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. “Through the dedication of Whirlpool Corporation and the enthusiasm of Kelley School students, five more families will soon move into safe, affordable, and sustainable homes. Together, we’re helping to create vibrant neighborhoods rooted in hope and resilience.”
Since its launch in 2021, the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program has helped build 260 climate-smart, energy-efficient homes nationwide, cutting energy costs by an average of 45% and lowering greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 15% per home. The current phase of the program aims to add 50 more net-zero or net-zero-ready homes over the next two years, featuring solar power systems, high-efficiency HVAC units, and water- and energy-saving appliances tailored to local needs.
Volunteers continue to drive these projects forward—ranging from Whirlpool employees and local Habitat volunteers to students from the Kelley School of Business. Beyond the builds themselves, Whirlpool supports student growth through hands-on experience and professional development opportunities.
“This partnership showcases the transformative power of experiential learning,” said Pat Hopkins, Dean of the IU Kelley School of Business and James R. Hodge Chair of Excellence. “Our students don’t just study topics like leadership and social impact—they put them into practice. Collaborating with Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity gives them real-world experience while making a meaningful difference in the community.”
Click here to know more about Whirlpool Corporation’s support of Habitat for Humanity.
Jim Peters, Whirlpool’s Chief Financial and Administrative Officer and a Kelley School alumnus, shared,
“At Whirlpool, we see housing as the cornerstone of opportunity, security, and well-being. Over the past 15 years, our collaboration with Habitat for Humanity and the Kelley School has allowed us to bring that vision to life. This year’s expanded effort marks another significant step in our mission to create sustainable, thriving communities.”
The 2025 build, held during the week of October 13, completed the first phase of the Osage Place development. Nine homes in total—including five newly constructed net-zero homes—are part of the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, designed to promote energy efficiency and climate resilience. In support of these efforts, the City of Bloomington has provided $250,000 in grants to install solar panels on 30 homes, further advancing the community’s renewable energy goals.
“Every house we construct represents far more than bricks and mortar—it’s a foundation for generational progress,” said Wendi Goodlett, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. “Through the dedication of Whirlpool Corporation and the enthusiasm of Kelley School students, five more families will soon move into safe, affordable, and sustainable homes. Together, we’re helping to create vibrant neighborhoods rooted in hope and resilience.”
Since its launch in 2021, the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program has helped build 260 climate-smart, energy-efficient homes nationwide, cutting energy costs by an average of 45% and lowering greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 15% per home. The current phase of the program aims to add 50 more net-zero or net-zero-ready homes over the next two years, featuring solar power systems, high-efficiency HVAC units, and water- and energy-saving appliances tailored to local needs.
Volunteers continue to drive these projects forward—ranging from Whirlpool employees and local Habitat volunteers to students from the Kelley School of Business. Beyond the builds themselves, Whirlpool supports student growth through hands-on experience and professional development opportunities.
“This partnership showcases the transformative power of experiential learning,” said Pat Hopkins, Dean of the IU Kelley School of Business and James R. Hodge Chair of Excellence. “Our students don’t just study topics like leadership and social impact—they put them into practice. Collaborating with Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity gives them real-world experience while making a meaningful difference in the community.”
Click here to know more about Whirlpool Corporation’s support of Habitat for Humanity.