The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have named Whirlpool Corporation as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to making and promoting energy-efficient products, resulting in a reduction in both utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions. The accomplishments of Whirlpool will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 15, 2005.

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Whirlpool Corporation, an ENERGY STAR partner since 1998, will be honored for its leadership in manufacturing and promoting appliances that earn the ENERGY STAR, the government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. This represents the sixth Partner of the Year award won by the company.

Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. Energy efficiency helps the economy, too, by saving consumers and businesses millions of dollars in energy costs. Energy efficient solutions can reduce the energy bill for many homeowners and businesses by 20 to 30 percent. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy to power 20 million homes and reduce air pollution equivalent to that of 18 million cars -- all while saving $8 billion.

Among the reasons cited in naming Whirlpool Partner of the Year was the company's integration of ENERGY STAR with their work on behalf of Habitat for Humanity International. Whirlpool donates an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator and a range to every Habitat home built in North America. To date, over 40,000 Whirlpool® appliances have been donated. Whirlpool's partnership expanded into Europe in 2004 to help further the mission of Habitat for Humanity on a global scale. Additionally, Whirlpool teamed up with Reba McEntire, sponsoring McEntire's 2004 concert tour to benefit Habitat for Humanity International.

Whirlpool was also selected as Partner of the Year for its impressive ENERGY STAR qualified product volume and percent of product line, as well as their innovative campaigns promoting the products. Also cited was the company's commitment to include ENERGY STAR messaging and information throughout its training programs.

"Whirlpool is once again honored to be named an ENERGY STAR partner," said Dave Swift, executive vice president, North America Region. "Our unmatched portfolio of brands offers a broad range of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, which customers are increasingly looking for to help them lower utility bills and protect the environment."

The Partner of the Year Award is given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver ENERGY STAR qualified products, saving consumers money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Award winners are selected from thousands of organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program each year.

"The success of the ENERGY STAR program depends on the dedication of partners such as Whirlpool Corporation," said Richard Karney, ENERGY STAR Program Manager for the Department of Energy. "Through this unique partnership, consumers are able to purchase energy-efficient products that provide comfort, performance and savings throughout the home. By looking for the ENERGY STAR, consumers can save up to 30 percent on their utility bills each year."

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances. The company manufactures in 13 countries and markets products in more than 170 countries under major brand names, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Roper, Estate, Bauknecht, Ignis, Laden, Inglis, Brastemp and Consul. Whirlpool Corporation is also the principal supplier to Sears, Roebuck and Co. of many major home appliances marketed under the Kenmore brand name.

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary market-based partnership with the goal of reducing air pollution through increased energy efficiency. Co-managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, the ENERGY STAR program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 7,000 organizations have become ENERGY STAR partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit http://www.energystar.gov/ or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).

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SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation