The first phase of the program will focus on research and collaboration that will establish a more accurate baseline to measure sustainable building standards across the construction industry. The second phase will be a strategic pilot of proven, successful tactics implemented in target markets to increase energy-conservation and resiliency. The program will conclude with a third phase, which will focus on creating resources around findings from phases one and two that can be expanded upon and immediately implemented across the U.S.

Whirlpool’s support of the BuildBetter program will help increase Habitat’s tracking measures of 15 markets to more than 60 markets across the U.S. where local Habitat organizations operate. The aim is to deliver a long-term reduction in operating costs for homeowners through an expected improvement in energy efficiency of approximately 15% compared to homes built to current local government code.

"For 110 years, life at home has always been at the heart of our business. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you live, a comfortable, nurturing home is essential for everyone,” said Jeff Noel, vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool Corporation. “This initiative continues our long history of leveraging our innovative appliances and philanthropic support to improve life at home for people around the world.” Jeff Noel, vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool Corporation. “This initiative continues our long history of leveraging our innovative appliances and philanthropic support to improve life at home for people around the world."

"Whirlpool Corporation has been a tremendous partner in helping us improve and broaden the ways we can help more families achieve housing stability,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Through the launch of our BuildBetter initiative, Whirlpool’s support will help us accelerate the construction of resilient, energy-efficient homes and can result in greater savings for families. Whirlpool’s dedication to this program will enable the focused research needed to expand sustainable housing to even more communities, helping with neighborhood revitalization and environmental impact."

In addition to the BuildBetter with Whirlpool initiative, Whirlpool Corporation and Habitat are also collaborating to:

• Inaugurate October as Global Build Month, during which Whirlpool Corporation will provide nearly $6 million in funding and home appliances to Habitat organizations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, India, Singapore, Poland and the UK.
• Host three Habitat global housing forums in Europe, Middle East and Africa; the Latin America and Caribbean region; and the Asia-Pacific region that bring together the best minds in affordable housing to spur innovation that meets the needs of the planet’s growing population, while addressing increasing challenges related to climate change.
• Help advance the Habitat Cost of Home advocacy campaign, a five-year program through which local Habitat organizations, partners, volunteers and community members across the United States work together to help 10 million people have access to an affordable home.

With the addition of these contributions, Whirlpool Corporation has donated nearly $130 million to Habitat for Humanity International and supported Habitat programs in 45 countries.