1. Learn First
Why did houses collapse in this earthquake? Why did they not?
We start out with forensic engineering studies after earthquakes, so we don’t make the same mistake twice.
2. Design Earthquake-Resistant Houses
Why types of houses do people want to build here, now?
It’s easier to make minor, low or no-cost changes to existing ways of building than to introduce completely new technology, or reintroduce a traditional building method that has gone out of style.
3. Build Local Skills
How can we disseminate this knowledge to masses of engineers and builders?
The best designs in the world will not save lives if they are not built properly, or if local engineers are unsure how to design them.
4. Stimulate Local Demand
How can we convince a rural homeowner with little money to invest more to build a safe house?
Make it affordable, easy to implement, and leverage the window of opportunity that exists right after an earthquake disaster.
How can we make it easy for local government officials to enforce building codes?
Create simple building codes, training seminars, and inspection systems that work in rural areas with little infrastructure, budget, time and personnel.
5. Facilitate Access to Capital
What is the minimum amount of funding required to build a safe house?
Build Change partners with governments and financing institutions to provide access to capital that is contingent upon meeting minimum standards for construction quality.
6. Measure the Change
Are people building safe houses now and will they do so after we leave?
Seeing homeowners building safe houses with their own resources – not simply living in houses built for them – is the true test of sustainable, long-term change.