Habitat for Humanity, Home Depot to Build Green Homes

The Home Depot Foundation committed $30 million over the next five years to ensure that 5,000 new homes built by Habitat for Humanity will comply with environmental initiatives such as ENERGY STAR and LEED.

The two organizations have partnered since last year, with 263 sustainable homes completed already. Habitat anticipates an additional 1,500 will be completed between August 2009 and December 2010. Of the many benefits of these homes, one includes a 50-percent reduction in energy use.

According to the EPA, benefits of a green-standard home include approximately 11 tons less carbon and greenhouse gas emissions per household annually. Photo: Habitat.org

“This partnership will provide our affiliates with the additional resources and training they need to create homes that are more durable and energy efficient, which will make them even more affordable to our homeowners,” said Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan T.M. Reckford.

“We are truly grateful to The Home Depot Foundation for making this partnership possible, because it will improve the lives of thousands of low-income families while promoting good stewardship of our natural resources.”

More than 120 Habitat affiliates across 45 states will participate in the program, beginning at the end of August. Affiliates will be given $3,000 for each home built to ENERGY STAR standards and up to $5,000 for homes with higher standards.

“The Home Depot Foundation believes green building techniques are not a luxury – they aren’t exotic or expensive,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation.

“By embracing the practical principles of green building, our partnership with Habitat for Humanity International is demonstrating that these techniques can actually make homes more affordable to own, maintain and live in from day one and for the long term. With health and economic concerns at an all-time high, this issue is more important than ever for the families who will purchase these homes.”

Habitat for Humanity also offers a way for the public to reuse building supplies. Its Habitat ReStores serve as a drop-off for everything from tools to appliances and furniture in good condition.