Whirlpool Corp. was recently awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications for two of its recent building projects in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
The Riverview campus, the company's North American regional headquarters, is now LEED gold certified for phase three of its development, while the global headquarters is LEED silver certified for the south and east wings of the building. This marks the 14th and 15th LEED-certified projects for Whirlpool since 2009, with all projects now totaling more than 9.4 million square feet.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is a globally recognized program for buildings that are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. LEED certification ensures electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments.
"Being awarded additional LEED certifications is validation of our long-held belief that sustainability is not just important for our business but a responsibility on behalf of our consumers," said Lee Utke, senior director of global corporate real estate. "Each project represents a continuation of our commitment to designing, constructing and/or remodeling buildings using sustainable practices."
The Whirlpool projects feature restroom faucets with ultra-low-flow valves and toilets to reduce water usage. Energy efficiency was also a priority, with the Riverview campus designed around a central plant heating and cooling system with a building management system, as well as high-efficiency interior and exterior lighting.
A waste-reduction plan was enacted during the construction process of all three phases for each building, resulting in thousands of tons of waste diverted from landfills. At the Riverview campus, materials containing recycled content constituted 31 percent of the total cost of materials, which included drywall, carpet, steel columns, and concrete in the floor slabs and exterior.
Both buildings also maximize open space, with more than 111,000 square feet of open space at the Riverview campus, and nearly 284,000 square feet of outside vegetated green space at the global headquarters.
In addition, the facilities promote alternative transportation methods to reduce the organization's overall carbon footprint. Bike stations and bus routes are available to employees, as well as several electric car charging stations and dozens of reserved priority parking spots for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
For more information, visit www.whirlpoolcorp.com.
