ESG Spotlight: Whirlpool
By Samantha Carlin
Originally published by Green Builder
Whirlpool has been committed to the environment since the company’s inception 110 years ago. The company’s long-term commitment to fostering sustainable, resilient operations starts with innovative technology and design to improve efficiency, reduce waste and eliminate carbon emissions.
Ron Voglewede, the director of global sustainability at Whirlpool, joins Sara Gutterman, CEO of Green Builder Media, to discuss Whirlpool Corporation’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, outlined in the company’s newly released 2021 Sustainability and ESG report.
Whirlpool is continuously seeking to broaden its ESG commitments and recently announced a target to achieve net-zero in its operations and manufacturing by 2030. The company plans to achieve this through renewable energy, water conservation, manufacturing efficiency upgrades and retrofits, waste reduction, innovative packaging, and newly designed resource-conserving products.
In 2021, Whirlpool achieved a 27 percent reduction of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally (compared to a 2016 baseline) and 14 percent reduction in Scope 3 Category 11 emissions (compared to 2016 levels).
90 percent of the company’s manufacturing sites achieved Zero Waste to Landfill Gold or Platinum status, and the company reduced its water consumption by 30 percent.
Whirlpool also issued its first Sustainability Bond, with the proceeds designated to drive positive environmental and social impacts.
Watch the interview to learn more about Whirlpool Corporation's leadership in corporate sustainability and ESG strategies.
