Sustainable Research Center Celebrates Launch in the Basin

By: Marianne Elisak

Updated: February 8, 2013

MIDLAND---Housing in the Permian Basin is about to get greener with the Sustainable Research Center(SRC) launching their first super efficient green home.

The SRC is calling it the fastest most efficient way to construct a home while saving money.

Michael Loya is the Executive Director for the SRC and says they've streamlined a technology that's been around for years, but he believes that now is the time to turn the concept into physical homes.

"We want to make sure that all these natural resources are used" says Loya.

The houses are structural insulated panels built with polystyrene wafered by OSB board, making them efficient and very durable with a life span stretching into the decades.

"It will be 250% stronger than a stick built home" says Loya.

But that's not the most shocking part. Loya says they can be built incredibly fast providing a quick solution to the housing crisis in the Basin. "These homes will go up literally in one day" says Loya.

Loya says that one of the most important things the homes are bringing to the Permian Basin in cutting dry-in time. The typical dry-in time is 120 days, but Loya says that the SRC can do it in 47 business days or less.

Loya says the best part is that it will save people money. "Over the span of a 30 year mortgage, the minimum that a home owner would save is $75,000 in energy costs" says Loya.

The first home is being built off Nobles and Main Street in conjunction with the City of Midland.

For more information of the Sustainable Reseach Center call 201-0728 or email sustainableresearchcenter@gmail.com