First eco-friendly community in Pedasi

PANAMA. Rancho Pedasi will be the first green project with environmentally-friendly houses in Panama. The engineering company COTRANS and the Think Panama real estate company have reached an agreement with Build Green Inc to develop a community with 155 houses over 27 hectares.

According to Douglas Choy from Think Panama, Rancho Pedasi will have 6 different mediterranean style house models, with walls made of recycled, insulated panels that help maintain a fresh temperature (under 70F) during the day, requiring less energy consumption by air conditioners.

Additionally, Choy said “houses will use solar energy panels to provide clean energy, and the sewage will be recycled and used for plants.”

“Houses will also use special water delivery and disposal systems that regulate consumption,” he said.

Developers will also promote environmentally-friendly lifestyles, for instance, through recycling. They will facilitate the recycling of glass, paper and aluminum materials among Rancho Pedasi inhabitants.

These measures will not affect house prices, which according to Choy remain competitive.

When it comes to prices Choy said that Pedasi Ranch has some advatages over other projects in the region.

“The cost of the houses are of $100,000 and the lots have a fixed price of $50,000. The square meter has been fixed on $50, the lowest in the region compared with other projects with average costs of $80 to $200,” he said.