Biodiversity

Proactively preserving and restoring biodiversity

Natural ecosystems are vitally important for sustaining life on Earth, and they can be the basis for climate change adaptation and securing a thriving future for our communities. That’s why our efforts focus on control, protection and restoration of green areas, water resources and the fauna and flora surrounding our sites, by working with key stakeholders in our communities.

Protecting biodiversity in our Latin America region

In Brazil, our operations are located in three important biomes: Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and the Amazon. These sites are surrounded by a green area of more than 360,000 square meters, which includes four rivers and two water springs, and is the habitat for more than 1,300 animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. In order to protect and restore biodiversity in these important biomes, the Latin America region team is working through the proactive steps of WCM and has developed the Biodiversity Index, a tool used to measure progress against these steps. Through the methodology, the sites map local fauna and flora, evaluate the anthropic pressure on the natural surroundings and then define the necessary programs, actions and countermeasures for the preservation of local plants and animals.

One of the methods used to map local fauna in Joinville and Manaus is the use of motion-activated cameras that are installed in green areas and in places that are difficult to access.

An example of the programs developed is the “Sustainable Pathway” at our Joinville, Brazil, site. Two specific projects were implemented in the area: the WBee Project, a dedicated area to preserve local species of stingless bees, which are insects that contribute immensely to the pollination of local flora. The other project is the installation of boxes that are used as a refuge for bats, which are known as biological pest control and reforesting agents; the boxes offer perfect conditions to protect the species and prevent bats from taking refuge in inappropriate places around buildings. People walking the path can learn more about the local fauna and flora through visual information boards and the dedicated projects. The pathway is a great tool to promote awareness of the possibility and importance of aligning nature preservation with industrial development.

Protecting the Brabbia Marsh

Our Cassinetta, Italy, site borders the protected area of Brabbia Marsh, which is owned by Provincia di Varese and managed by the Italian League for Protection of Birds. It’s qualified as a Zone with Special Protection and hosts 9 species of trees, 15 species of fish and 41 species of birds. Whirlpool is currently working with the Italian League for Bird Protection, a non-profit organization, for the adoption of a common strategy for biodiversity conservation actions in the area.

Reforestation in Mexico

In 2022, the Ramos, Mexico, site worked together with Green Network to extend participation in our ongoing reforestation campaign to other Mexico sites. The Coahuila region has suffered severe forest fires in recent years, which has affected biodiversity, water quality and air quality in the region. In order to carry out this campaign, the site joined a civil association called “Apoya tu Bosque Local,” an organization with the sole mission of reforesting to help reverse climate change. Whirlpool Corp. joined this campaign by purchasing and donating a record 950 trees through an “adoption program” that was extended to employees to participate in as well. Whirlpool Corp. employees, family members and friends were among the 120 volunteers who planted 651 of the donated trees around the cities of Saltillo and Arteaga.

Promoting employee awareness

In 2022, actions were taken in many of our sites across all regions to celebrate and promote Biodiversity:

Our plant in Radomsko, Poland, organized the “Insects Houses,” a contest to engage employees and their families. Participants built the houses using materials such as dry leaves, bamboo canes, stones and natural materials. The best projects were recognized with an award and placed on the factory grounds to benefit local wildlife.
In Brazil, Whirlpool Corp. recognizes Arbor Day, which is a good opportunity to celebrate the environment and local biodiversity. During the day, the region promoted the planting of trees with employees and leadership as a symbolic action to reinforce the company's commitment to preserve biodiversity.
In response to one of the most predominant impacts experienced in the state of Nuevo León, Mexico, due to drought, the campaign "Clean Up Presa de la Boca" was launched by our Whirlpool Horizon site. 38 employee volunteers cleaned up the area around Presa de la Boca, the main dam that supplies water to the state of Nuevo León.
To celebrate International Biodiversity Day, the Wroclaw, Poland, site held an ecological art contest to illustrate the impact of individual actions on preserving biodiversity. In Lodz, Poland, employees participated in educational activities around that same topic.