Monday 10 May 2021

Whirlpool Corporation targets net zero emissions by 2030

Whirlpool Corporation targets net zero emissions by 2030

Whirlpool Corporation has announced its commitment to reach net zero emissions in its operations and plants by 2030.

It will cover more than 30 of the kitchen and laundry appliance company's manufacturing sites and large distribution centres around the world, including both direct, i.e. Scope 1 and power-related, i.e. Scope 2 emissions.

The company is also aiming for a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions linked to the use of its products globally, i.e. Scope 3 emissions, by 2030, compared to 2016 levels.

It has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative and builds on Whirlpool's 60% reduction in emissions across all scopes since 2005.

The company intends to reach its targets by working towards 100% renewable energy usage, including through wind and solar installations and signing virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) and PPAs with energy companies.

It broke ground on its first VPPA-financed project in Texas in January this year, which will cover 50% of its Scope 2 emissions in the US and help reduce Whirlpool's overall operations' carbon footprint by nearly 15%.

It also plans to implement energy efficiency improvements in plants and processes, including installing LEDs and implementing energy management systems, as well as leverage carbon removal development investments to offset any remaining emissions that cannot be avoided.

To combat Scope 3 emissions, Whirlpool is working to design its products to make them more energy and water efficient, in addition to maximising its use of materials and minimising waste to landfill while increasing the proportion of recycled materials used in products.

Chairman and CEO Marc Bitzer said: “Whirlpool Corporation has a longstanding commitment to sustainability and we established our first office for sustainability over 50 years ago.
“Our net zero commitment is an important milestone in our ongoing effort to improve life at home by protecting our planet and communities.”

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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