Not so long ago, the term “sustainability” in the business sector was defined as the capacity to remain afloat even in difficult economic circumstances. The term has taken on a whole new meaning in recent years, particularly in the wake of Greta Thunberg’s rise to fame as the most renowned Swedish actress since Ingrid Bergman. It refers to attempts to “positively affect the environment and/or society,” as defined by the Harvard Business School.
Of fact, some firms, such as Whirlpool Corporation, have been ahead of the curve and are now setting even higher new objectives to combat climate change than they were previously.
Marc Bitzer, the company’s chairman, and CEO stated, “We created our first office for sustainability more than 50 years ago.”
1. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions in plants and operations by 2030
In this month’s announcement, the world’s largest kitchen and laundry appliance business reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability in an updated manner.
To get there, the firm has been building even more wind turbines and solar panels to assist in powering its locations and distribution centers using sustainable energy sources. (It is already one of the Fortune 500’s largest on-site consumers of wind energy in the United States.)
Retrofits are being implemented at more than 30 of the company’s manufacturing and distribution facilities across the world to improve efficiency even more.
2. Using VPPAs to make homes more environmentally friendly
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, it refers to Virtual Power Purchase Agreements. In other words, agreements reached with energy firms to assist in the financing of wind and solar farms, which will create renewable energy for the electric grid.
The first phase of Whirlpool Corporation’s first VPPA project, in Texas, broke construction in early January. It is expected to be the first of many similar initiatives that would contribute to the clean energy generation of not just the company’s own facilities, but also nearby residences.
Yes, you are correct.
3. New and Improved Household Products
Anyone who knows anything about appliances should not be surprised that U.S. News & World Report has listed four innovative Whirlpool brand items among the top freezers, dryers, and washing machines of 2020. Yes, they do appear to be of high quality. They are, however, engineered to be very energy and water-efficient as well.
As a matter of fact, Whirlpool Corporation has already lowered the emissions associated with its products in use by 60 percent since 2005 and has pledged to further reduce emissions by an additional 20 percent by 2030 from a baseline of 2016.
One interesting statistic for you: as compared to hand washing your dishes, dishwashers save three to four times the amount of water. They also save you around 30 minutes each time you use them.
4. Assisting you in reducing waste material
The firm is not satisfied with the fact that more than 70% of its production locations are currently zero waste to landfill; it wants to achieve zero waste to landfill at all of its facilities by 2022.
A further step is being taken to address other environmental issues, such as plastic pollution, by increasing the use of recycled or reused materials in its appliances. Moreover, guess what? Those high-performance recycled polymers that Whirlpool Corporation has begun to include in its products imply that the company is repurposing its own garbage.
Businesses can play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution by embracing innovative solutions, such as unique custom gift boxes made from recycled or reused materials. Encouraging customers to choose sustainable packaging options and promoting the benefits of eco-friendly choices can contribute to a significant shift in consumer behavior.
