Whirlpool Corporation today announced that two of its Design+Development Group (D+DG) on-staff architects, Andrea Hutchins, AIA, AKBD; and Daniel Page-Wood, Assoc. AIA, AKBD, recently earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) certification. The LEED AP certification will allow Whirlpool Corporation to further support trade customers beyond appliance selection and make the sustainable design process easier for the building and design community.

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Now managed by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. LEED APs demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. Specifically, the LEED AP certification provides a standard for professionals participating in design and construction of high-performance green buildings that use less energy, water and natural resources; create less waste; and are more healthful and comfortable for the occupants.

According to the GBCI, a LEED credential provides employers, policymakers and other stakeholders with assurances of an individual's current level of competence and is the mark of the most qualified, educated and influential green building professionals in the marketplace.

"These achievements are in support of Whirlpool Corporation's leadership in sustainability, which strives to mirror the green movement in design and architecture," said Terri Connett, senior manager of the Whirlpool Corporation D+DG. "Dan and Andrea's leadership in sustainable building practices adds value to our department, our corporation and ultimately to the design community as a whole."

As part of The Inside Advantage™, Whirlpool Corporation's dedicated program for building and design professionals, the D+DG was formed to provide a continuing education resource for architects and designers in the homebuilding industry. Hutchins and Page-Wood joined Whirlpool Corporation after nearly a decade of practicing architecture with residential and commercial firms.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation works to exceed expectations with appliances that help building and design professionals create homes of distinction. The company's The Inside Advantage™ Program offers Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Targeted Services and Consumer Insight to support building and design professionals.

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, 70,000 employees and 68 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world.

For more information on Whirlpool Corporation and its offerings for architects and design professionals, please visit insideadvantage.com/designers or call 1-800-253-3977.

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SOURCE: Whirlpool Corporation