Habitat for Humanity and Home Depot build green homes

Hello good idea: Habitat for Humanity and the Home Depot Foundation have joined forces to build about 5,000 energy efficient homes that meet national sustainability standards. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards come in levels, and the organizations haven't indicated which level they intend to build at.

However, over the next five years Home Depot will give $30 million dollars in donations and in-kind support to build single and multi-family homes for needy families that are also energy efficient.

The program starts next year, following a pilot. Participants have to opt-in, but it will be available in all parts of the country. Habitat and Home Depot will be installing water-conserving fixtures, using energy efficient building equipment and verifying their green building standards with an organization like the U.S. Green Building Council.

This is the first time the Home Depot Foundation has formally worked with Habitat for Humanity. Home Depot has donated trees in Miami and partnered with Brad Pitt on his New Orleans rebuilding project. Habitat for Humanity has been around since 1978. It builds homes around the globe. In the U.S. they say they've helped over 30,000 people.

Building green, what a concept.

[via PR Newswire]