Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation have announced the national expansion of Partners in Sustainable Building. The $30 million green building program will provide funds and resources over a five-year period to help Habitat affiliates build 5,000 homes that meet Energy Star guidelines or a nationally recognized green building standard. These features incorporate the use of energy-efficient equipment and water-conserving fixtures and help ensure good indoor air quality.

More than 120 Habitat selected affiliates will be granted $3,000 for each home built to Energy Star standards and up to $5,000 for each home built to a higher green standard. Nearly 1,500 sustainable homes will be built in 2009 and 2010 alone. The grant process is annual, which gives other Habitat affiliates the opportunity to participate in the program as well.

To inspire and educate additional affiliate participation, eight Habitat State Support Organizations, which provide
services to 440 affiliates, will also receive grant money to add staff and host training sessions for Habitat affiliates
to learn how to build to nationally recognized green standards.