The Home Depot Foundation and Habitat for Humanity International on August 4 announced that they have expanded their “Partners in Sustainable Building” program.

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 standards.

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

“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,” he said. “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.”

More than 120 Habitat affiliates across 45 states were selected to participate in the first year of the national rollout that will begin at the end of this month.

The 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.

“Partners in Sustainable Building” was established last year through a pilot program with 30 Habitat affiliates across a variety of climates in rural and urban areas throughout the U.S. During the pilot program, Habitat built more than 260 sustainable homes that met a green building standard.

With the support of The Home Depot Foundation, we have a great opportunity to bring the economic benefits of sustainable building to home owners and to show volunteers how easily and affordably they can make their own homes greener as well.

For more green ideas, look for Home Decor: A Sunset Design Guide at your local Home Depot store.