I got firsthand experience with Habitat for Humanity in 1992 when I joined a crew of all women who built a house in a week in Washington, DC. At that time it was noteworthy that the construction was 100% female powered. I’m glad to say that such a feat wouldn’t garner that much attention these days but Habitat continues to push the boundaries — this time on an environmental note.

Habitat for Humanity International and The Home Depot Foundation just announced the national expansion of their Partners in Sustainable Building program. This five-year effort aims to showcase green building by providing $30 million to assist Habitat affiliates to build 5,000 homes that meet Energy Star guidelines or a nationally recognized green building standard.

The nationwide launch begins at the end of August when more than 120 chosen affiliates from 45 states can pick up their green saws and hammers and get busy. They’ll be granted $3,000 for each house they build to Energy Star standards and up to $5,000 for each home built that meets a higher green standard.

This large push comes on the heels of a successful one-year pilot program in which 30 affiliates built more than 260 sustainable homes. These homes will use half the energy of traditional counterparts and one third the amount of water indoors due to high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances.

The Eco features being used aren’t flashy or expensive but are effective. The partners hope to demonstrate to the homeowners and volunteers that earth friendly building can be accomplished in an affordable and simple manner.

Though I haven’t been involved with Habitat since my first foray years ago, this new program sure has my attention.