BENTON HARBOR, Mich., Sept. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) today announced it has been named to the 2011/2012 Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the seventh consecutive year. In 2011, the company's centennial year, Whirlpool Corporation was named to both the World and North America lists. The DJSI tracks the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide.

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"It is an honor to be recognized by one of the world's most comprehensive reviews of sustainable business practices for the seventh consecutive year," said Jeff M. Fettig, chairman and CEO, Whirlpool Corporation. "Our goal has always been to provide innovative solutions to every customer while remaining committed to social responsibility. Through the combined power of our global enterprise and outstanding employee commitment, our vision has become a reality."

Whirlpool Corporation has conducted business with integrity since its founding 100 years ago, long before sustainability became a focus of business and society. Nearly 40 years ago, the company established a corporate office for environmental control and, in 2003, Whirlpool became the world's first appliance manufacturer to announce a global greenhouse gas reduction target. Whirlpool Corporation sells more ENERGY STAR® appliances in the U.S. than any other manufacturer and also donates an ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator to every Habitat for Humanity House built in North America. In 2011, the company was also recognized for its leadership in offering consumers energy and water efficiency through its leading home and appliance brands.

Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes are the first global indexes tracking the financial performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide. Based on the cooperation of Dow Jones Indexes, STOXX Limited and SAM they are intended to provide asset managers with reliable and objective benchmarks to manage sustainability portfolios.

Companies are selected for the DJSI based on a thorough assessment of general and industry-specific sustainability criteria including corporate governance, environmental performance, labor practices, and community development. The analyses are verified by an external auditor. Further information on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes can be found at www.sustainability-indexes.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $18 billion in 2010, 71,000 employees, and 66 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. Additional information about the company can be found at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation's 100th Anniversary

Founded on November 11, 1911, Whirlpool Corporation's time- and labor-saving appliance innovations have influenced home and family life during the last century. Driven by the belief that everyone needs a comfortable place to call home, Whirlpool Corporation is focused on improving lives one family, one home at a time.

SOURCE Whirlpool Corporation