May 9, 2014: Whirlpool Corp., Purdue University Partner to Renew Home as Net-Zero
Off-Campus House to be Transformed into a Net-Zero Energy, Water, and Waste Structure
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — An energy-inefficient, late 1920’s vintage bungalow in West Lafayette, Indiana, will become a living laboratory for resource-efficient remodeling and net zero research thanks to a combined effort by the Whirlpool Corp. and Purdue University.
Whirlpool engineers are working with Purdue University to transform an off-campus house into a net-zero energy, water, and waste structure. Called the ReNEWW house — for Retrofitted Net-zero Energy, Water and Waste — the structure will be renovated to include energy-saving features, such as a high-efficiency HVAC system, solar panels, a “gray” water system that reuses water from sinks and showers, and other technologies that promote resource efficiency.