Whirlpool Launches 3D Program for Green Home Builders

The appliance manufacturer has also created two awards programs.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 7/1/2008

Home appliance powerhouse the Whirlpool Corporation has an innovative new 3D program for builders looking for Energy Star-certified appliances. With the Green Touch Program, the manufacturer aims to streamline the process of designing, building, and marketing sustainable homes through sustainable products, digital technology, and an awards program.

The Green Touch Program will allow builders to use 3D appliance models at the Google 3D Warehouse's Green Appliance Collection to visualize home plans featuring the company's more than 600 Energy Star appliances, which meet criteria for water and energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Builders and designers will also be able to take 3D virtual tours of built projects featuring Whirlpool products using Google SketchUp.

"As part of the program, we consult with our builder customers to provide them with appliance packages that save energy, water and promote healthy indoor air quality, while also fitting homebuyers' lifestyle needs," says Whirlpool senior contract manager Tracy Frye. "From kitchens and laundry rooms, to even HVAC products, we're here to make specifying sustainable products as easy as possible."

To help builders promote their sustainable purchases, Whirlpool has created two green awards programs: the Green Touch Certified Kitchen and Laundry awards and the Green Touch Excellence in Sustainability awards. After earning the Certified Kitchen and Laundry awards, builders will be able to display them within home plans, design centers, or model homes. The Green Touch Excellence in Sustainability awards program is for projects that qualify as sustainable under LEED and NAHB guidelines and feature full Whirlpool kitchen or laundry facilities.