KOHLER, Wis. – October 8, 2009 – Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath design and technology, was chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program as the Manufacturing Partner of the Year for the second time in as many years as the award has been in existence.
“Kohler is honored to be recognized by the EPA for the company’s efforts promoting the WaterSense program. And, we are extremely proud to be the first and only two-time recipient of this significant award for water efficiency,” said David Kohler, president and COO for Kohler Co. “Kohler has a large stake in the availability of clean, safe water. Because water is integral to the very function of our products, and to the experience of those who use our products, our company has an implicit responsibility to raise the public awareness about how to use water more efficiently.”
EPA launched the WaterSense Awards program in 2008, honoring work performed during 2007. Kohler received the inaugural award in 2008. The Partner of the Year awards recognize WaterSense partners who help advance the overall mission of WaterSense; increase awareness of the WaterSense program in a measurable way; and demonstrate overall excellence in the water-efficiency arena.
Kohler prominently displays the WaterSense logo in product literature, on its Web site, at trade shows and regularly conducts continuing education courses on water efficiency.
Moreover, the company’s spokesperson, Ed Del Grande of Ed the Plumber on the DIY Network, tours the United States talking about high-efficiency toilets, conducting interviews on reducing water use, and promoting WaterSense for audiences at national trade shows.
In August 2007, Kohler signed on as a Presenting Sponsor of the new IMAX film, "Grand Canyon Adventure: River at Risk," from MacGillivray-Freeman Films. The film, released in March 2008, speaks powerfully about how civilization is impacting the Colorado River, and what can be done to reduce our use of water. Kohler hosted more than 30 IMAX events around the country throughout 2008, and invited guests to view the movie and learn about the water-conserving products from Kohler. The sponsorship of the movie signaled a massive effort by Kohler to promote the message of water conservation and WaterSense directly to homeowners. Tens of thousands of homeowners were introduced to the WaterSense program via these events, and more than 90 million media impressions were garnered about the film.
Kohler built upon its successful support of WaterSense in 2007, and into 2008 introduced new programs, products, media opportunities and promoted the company’s recognition of the inaugural EPA WaterSense Partner of the Year Award. During 2008, Kohler worked to convert all of its lavatory faucets to adhere to the WaterSense guidelines, with full conversion completed in the first quarter of 2009.
Note: Kohler is a sponsor of Building Design+Constructions 2009 White Paper, "Green Buildings + Water Issues," to be published in November and distributed at Greenbuild in Phoenix Nov 10-12.
SaveWaterAmerica.com – a viral site devoted to water conservation – was developed by Kohler in 2008, and officially launched in January 2009. The viral site educates homeowners about WaterSense plumbing products, and provides useful information to reduce their water consumption.
WaterSense, the EPA’s voluntary public-private partnership program, seeks to protect the future of the nation’s water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing the market for water-efficient products, programs and practices. Plumbing fixtures and faucets that qualify for the WaterSense label assure consumers of actual water savings and strict performance standards.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wis., Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies. Kohler is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power generation systems, cabinetry, tile and home interiors, and an international host to award-winning hospitality and world-class golf destinations.
Contact: Mark.Mahoney@kohler.com
