Drury, Habitat partner to build ‘green’ house

Drury is partnering with Springfield’s Habitat for Humanity to build a home that will incorporate sustainable, or “green,” construction features. Sustainable architecture has a minimal effect on the environment and offers greater energy efficiency.

Construction of the home is scheduled to begin in September 2007. The local Habitat chapter will aid in the construction phase.

The project is a collaboration of Drury students in assorted fields. Biology students are spending this semester researching products to use in the house while accounting students are creating a fund-raising plan for the project. Drury’s architecture students will spend next school year finalizing materials and developing renderings of the house.

Students hope to secure $75,000 by next January. National Avenue Christian Church has committed $25,000, and in-kind donations and grants will help fund the project.

Proceeds from this weekend’s Beaux Arts Ball, Drury’s annual charity art auction, also will go toward the Habitat project. The ball begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at the old Commercial Street Firehouse, 201 E. Commercial. Tickets are $19 for adults and $12 for students.