#United States #Bloomington #Habitat for Humanity #Whirlpool Corporation #Indiana University

Celebrating 15 Years of Collaboration in Sustainable Housing

In a significant milestone, Whirlpool Corporation, Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, and Indiana University's Kelley School of Business are coming together to celebrate 15 years of impactful collaboration in the realm of sustainable housing. This partnership has resulted in the successful construction of homes that not only provide shelter but embody hope and resilience for families in Bloomington, Indiana.

Recently, these organizations joined forces to build five new net-zero homes in the Osage Place neighborhood. The initiative, coined the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, underscores Whirlpool's dedicated commitment to integrating sustainability within community development. As Jim Peters, the chief financial and administrative officer at Whirlpool, remarked, "A home acts as a foundation for opportunity, stability, and well-being. Our collaboration with Habitat and the Kelley School has brought this belief to life over the past 15 years."

Building for a Sustainable Future

The houses constructed this year are not just buildings; they represent a transformative effort towards climate resilience. Notably, these homes are designed with energy-efficient features, contributing to a substantial reduction in energy costs for the families who will inhabit them. According to statistics from the BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, families that benefit from such homes typically save an average of 45% on energy costs compared to standard new homes.

In acknowledging the importance of grants for solar power, the City of Bloomington awarded $250,000 to help install solar panels on 30 homes within the community, furthering the sustainability objectives set forth by the BuildBetter initiative. Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County celebrated this achievement, stating through CEO Wendi Goodlett, "Each home we build is more than just walls; it paves the way for lasting change for families. With the support of Whirlpool and IU students, we're not just building houses; we're shaping thriving neighborhoods."

Volunteer Spirit at the Core

At the core of this collaborative effort are the volunteers, encompassing Whirlpool employees, local Habitat for Humanity volunteers, and students from Indiana University. This partnership goes beyond mere construction; it integrates workforce development and offers IU students invaluable real-world experiences. Pat Hopkins, dean of the Kelley School, emphasized the importance of practical learning, noting, "Through these meaningful projects, our students not only engage with concepts of leadership and social impact but also actively contribute to their community."

The BuildBetter with Whirlpool program has gained momentum since its inception in 2021, leading to the construction of 260 climate-resilient homes across the U.S. In the next phase, an additional 50 net-zero or energy-ready homes are slated for construction, promoting advanced sustainable practices that feature solar panels and energy-efficient systems tailored to meet the needs of each household and the surrounding environment.

Looking Ahead

In looking towards the future, this inspiring continuity of partnership between Whirlpool Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, and Indiana University paves the way for ongoing community development, ecological sustainability, and social change. Individuals interested in following the progress of this impactful collaboration can visit Whirlpool's dedicated page at whirlpoolcorp.com/HfH.

Ultimately, the work undertaken through this longstanding collaboration sets a precedent for how businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits can unite to address pressing societal issues and contribute positively to the communities they serve. As these organizations mark this impressive 15-year journey, they reaffirm their commitment to building resilient families and communities in Indiana and beyond.