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Sears Expands Commitment to Conservation With Introduction of Kenmore Elite High Efficiency Appliance and Educational Alliance With Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Program

    NEW YORK, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, Sears is helping
consumers attain greener homes without sacrificing appliance performance by
rolling out the Kenmore Elite(R) dishwasher with Ultra WashHE technology,
and the SteamCare(TM) Washer and Dryer lines, along with a new alliance
with the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Program. The high
efficiency appliances offer significant water and energy savings, while
providing unsurpassed cleaning performance and sleek, modern style.
    "Consumers understand that small changes made in their homes can have a
significant impact on the environment," said Tina Settecase, vice president
and general manager of home appliances, Sears Holdings Corp. "Today, Sears
-- the recognized leading retailer of ENERGY STAR(R) appliances -- is
announcing a partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots
program to better educate consumers on conserving water and energy in their
homes. We call it 'doing more to use less' water and energy, and today,
we're very pleased to introduce the Kenmore Elite dishwasher with Ultra
WashHE technology, which uses 41 percent* less water compared to
dishwashers manufactured seven years ago."
    In October 2007, the Kenmore brand and Roots & Shoots will launch a
comprehensive home energy conservation initiative to help consumers
nationwide make informed water- and energy-saving decisions to bring about
a meaningful conservation difference. As part of the initiative, $25 will
be donated to the Roots & Shoots Program for every Kenmore Elite dishwasher
with Ultra WashHE technology sold between Oct. 28 and Nov. 7, 2007. Other
program elements include:
    --  Distribution of educational materials featuring easy-to-understand
        tips for saving water and energy at home. The materials also will be
        available on the Kenmore.com and Roots & Shoots Web sites
        (http://www.rootsandshoots.org).
    --  Media outreach to help deliver this information to consumers.
    --  Appearances at select Sears stores by Roots & Shoots volunteers, where
        they will distribute energy-saving tips and answer customers'
        questions.
    "By collaborating with Roots & Shoots and continuing to develop
innovative, high efficiency products that exceed ENERGY STAR(R) standards,
we can better help homeowners do their part for the environment, while
still delivering the function and simplicity expected of the Kenmore name,"
Settecase said.
    Skip the Sink with Kenmore Elite dishwashers with Ultra WashHE
Technology
    Kenmore Elite dishwashers with Ultra WashHE technology improve and
simplify the dishwashing process by eliminating the need for pre-rinsing
dishes altogether. Smarter use of energy and water, unprecedented
effectiveness and quiet operation combine to create the first Kenmore Elite
high efficiency dishwasher line.
    Smarter Design Creates Energy Savings
    The high efficiency Ultra WashHE motor uses 75 watts of energy -- the
same required to turn on a light bulb. It uses 34 percent less energy and
41 percent less water than seven- to 10-year-old dishwashers. Ultra WashHE
models exceed 2007 ENERGY STAR (1) standards, qualifying for a $60 federal
tax credit after purchase in many states.
    Adding to the efficiency, the dishwasher employs a state-of-the-art
filter that keeps water cleaner by removing soil and food particles
throughout operation. Because the water stays clean, it eliminates the need
to introduce and heat additional water during the cycle. The filter is
easily maintained, requiring only a quick rinse in the sink to restore it
to optimal cleaning performance.
    The new line utilizes SmartWash(TM)HE sensors to assess the load's soil
level and employ the minimum amount of water and energy required for
cleaning. The sensors reassess and adjust twice more during the cycle to
tackle any remaining food particles and ensure best performance.
    The "top rack only" option allows consumers to wash partial loads in
the top rack to conserve water and energy that might otherwise go to waste
when the dishwasher is operated without a full load. Applicable on any
cycle, it can reduce wash time by seven to 18 minutes depending on cycle
selection.
    Steam and Sound
    The dishwasher line introduces steam to the washing cycle, sanitizing
with the power of steam and better protecting family members from bacteria
that could linger if washed by a traditional dishwasher. The
QuietControl(TM) sound package keeps dishwasher noise at 47 dBA, so the
only clue the dishwasher is in operation is the LED status lights on the
front panel.
    The Kenmore Elite dishwasher with the Ultra WashHE feature will be
available in White, Bisque, Black and Stainless Steel. Pricing ranges from
$799 to $1,249 depending on color and model.
    Steam Meets High Efficiency in the Laundry Room
    The new Kenmore Elite washer and dryer use SteamCare(TM) technology to
create powerful cleaning and wrinkle and odor reduction in high efficiency
laundry appliances. During the past decade, the brand has released several
high efficiency models, culminating in the introduction of today's
SteamCare washers that combine high efficiency operation with trademark
Kenmore style, simplicity and powerful stain removal.
    Efficient Operation
    The Kenmore Elite SteamTeam(TM) pairing includes a steam washer and
steam dryer. The washer delivers the best combination of cleaning,
capacity, and energy and water usage (2) and exceeds 2007 ENERGY STAR
standards by 50 percent.(3) Using 73 percent less water and 77 percent less
energy than conventional washers manufactured before 2004(4), the HE5t
Steam delivers more than $166 in total annual savings. Additionally, the
Save Energy Plus option conserves up to 26 percent more energy(5) without
hindering performance.
    The SteamTeam(TM) pair also makes efficient use of consumers' time by
offering larger capacity drums (7.4 cu. ft.) that can clean/dry up to 23
bath towels in a single load. The king-sized dryer capacity accommodates
large loads and allows clothes to properly expand during the cycle for
superior drying.
    SteamCare(TM) Tackles Stains and Wrinkles
    The Steam Treat option cleans assorted stains in a single load by
slowly increasing the temperature of the wash cycle with a gentle yet
penetrating blast at the end of the cycle. This unique feature eliminates
the need for pre-sorting laundry by stain. The Timed Oxi(TM) feature
improves the performance of oxygen-based stain removers during the cleaning
cycle by releasing them into the washer at the optimal time. The Steam
Sanitize option employs steam to sanitize and eradicate certain types of
bacteria from clothing -- a feature that is NSF(R) certified.
    Kenmore Elite dryers with SteamCare spray a fine mist over fabrics
early in the cycle while the dryer simultaneously heats the laundry to
reduce creases. The "Refresh" cycle relaxes wrinkles and removes odors from
up to four garments, making them ready to wear in 15 minutes, while the
"Touch Up" cycle quickly refreshes loads left in the dryer too long after a
cycle has finished.
    The HE5t SteamTeam pairing will be available in White and Barolo, with
HE3t Steam models available in white. Available in Sears stores Sept. 30,
pricing is:
    HE3t Steam Washer in white (model 46742) -- $1399.99
    HE5t Steam Washer in white (model 47781) -- $1599.99
    HE5t Steam Washer in Barolo (model 47789) -- $1699.99
    HE3 Steam Electric Dryer in white (model 86747) -- $1299.99
    HE3 Steam Gas Dryer in white (model 96747) -- $1359.99
    HE5 Steam Electric Dryer in white (model 87721) -- $1299.99
    HE5 Steam Gas Dryer in white (model 97721) -- $1359.99
    HE5 Steam Electric Dryer in Barolo (model 87729) -- $1399.99
    HE5 Steam Gas Dryer in Barolo (model 97729) -- $1459.99
    About Sears, Roebuck and Co.
    Sears, Roebuck and Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings
Corporation (Nasdaq: SHLD), is a leading broadline retailer providing
merchandise and related services. Sears, Roebuck offers its wide range of
home merchandise, apparel and automotive products and services through more
than 2,400 Sears-branded and affiliated stores in the United States and
Canada, which includes approximately 926 full-line and 1,100 specialty
stores in the U.S. Sears, Roebuck also offers a variety of merchandise and
services through sears.com, landsend.com, and specialty catalogs. Sears,
Roebuck offers consumers leading proprietary brands including Kenmore,
Craftsman, DieHard and Lands' End -- among the most trusted and preferred
brands in the U.S. The company is the nation's largest provider of home
services, with more than 13 million service calls made annually. For more
information, visit the Sears, Roebuck website at http://www.sears.com or
the Sears Holdings Corporation website at http://www.searsholdings.com .
    About the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots Program
    Founded in 1991 by Dr. Jane Goodall and a group of Tanzanian students,
the Jane Goodall Institute's Roots & Shoots program is about making
positive change happen -- for our communities, for animals and for the
environment. With tens of thousands of young people in almost 100
countries, the Roots & Shoots network branches out across the globe,
connecting youth of all ages who share a common desire to help make the
world a better place. Roots & Shoots fosters a fun, flexible and supportive
environment where young people and adults alike come together to share
ideas and inspiration, implement community service projects and participate
in special events and global campaigns. The powerful, interactive Roots &
Shoots website, at http://www.rootsandshoots.org, provides members with
helpful online tools that allow them to connect globally and take action to
make a difference.
    * based on the normal cycle, using average water, sewer and electricity
      rates and electric water heater

    (1) Based on DOE testing
    (2) Among leading brand front load washers, based on overall performance
        including cleaning, capacity, water and energy usage
    (3) Based on DOE testing
    (4) Based on the normal cycle
    (5) Based on Whitest Whites cycle with and without the option

SOURCE Sears, Roebuck and Co.

 

 
Web site: http://www.sears.com http://www.rootsandshoots.org

 http://www.searsholdings.com

  

 
CONTACT: Larry Costello of Sears, Roebuck and Co.,
 +1-847-286-9036, lcoste5@searshc.com; or Kara Cook,
 +1-312-616-2404, kcook@ckpr.biz, for Sears, Roebuck and Co.