From Principles to Practice DIGITAL

Key outcomes FUNCTIONALITY This project meets community needs by ensuring health, safety, comfort and accessibility through its design and construction methods. It prioritizes long-term adaptability, with features that can evolve to accommodate future uses. The project also integrates durable, high-quality materials, ensuring enduring functionality that meets diverse, changing needs while safeguarding built heritage. GOVERNANCE With multiple teams of skilled stakeholders collaborating on it, the Sula Valley project exemplifies this principle through transparent, inclusive deci- sion-making. Public engagement is prioritized and that that local communities are involved in shaping the space, ensuring the design is culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of residents. This governance approach drives long-term sustainability, capaci- ty-building and effective management while also improving capacity for maintaining and replicating the solutions, contributing to resil- ience beyond initial implementation. The project has also set a precedent for policy advocacy on resilient housing, engaging gov - ernment bodies at national and local levels to drive systemic change. ENVIRONMENT The project supports sustainability through responsible land use, energy efficiency and the use of durable construction materials. It incorporates climate-re- silient design features and aims to mitigate environmental impacts to preserve natural ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. The use of energy-efficient technologies, sustainable mobility solutions and renewable energy sources further aligns the project with environ- mental stewardship and sustainability goals. Additionally, the project helps prevent water and soil contamination during floods, addressing pressing environmental challenges in flood-prone regions. SENSE OF PLACE This project cultivates strong emotional connection by creating a distinct identity that resonates with the local community. Its design reflects local characteristics and considers cultural and social needs, promoting attachment to the space. This sense of place enhances the commu - nity’s relationship with the environment, supporting social cohesion and contributing to a fulfilling and positive experience for its users. By utilizing locally sourced materials and engaging local builders, the project not only contributes to the local economy but also rein- forces the community’s connection to its built environment. The retrofitting of homes to improve resilience against climate events enhances the sense of security and well-being, cultivating deeper community ties as people feel safer in their homes. 86 87Stakeholders Replicability and lessons learned Replicable or scalable aspects ▪Community-led adaptation: The participatory approach to ret - rofitting homes, in which communities are directly involved in decision-making, can be replicated in other disaster-prone areas. ▪Sustainable and scalable systems: Integrating solar energy, rainwater harvesting and waste management systems into hous- ing retrofits is an approach that can be scaled in regions facing similar climate risks. ▪Multi-sector collaboration: The combination of technical exper - tise (from Build Change) and emergency response experience (from the Honduran Red Cross) makes this model adaptable in other contexts, especially those facing both disaster risks and poverty.Primary funding Build Change and Honduran Red Cross in collaboration with local governments Construction funding Amherst, Skoll Foundation, Paulette and David Friedman, and ICONIQ Climate Equity collaboration Cement funding Argos Water tanks funding Rotoplas Solar panels funding Proteger Resident temporary accomodation funding Airbnb Key stakeholders Residents and wider community Project management Build Change Consultants ▪Local institutions assisting with retrofitting techniques ▪Government agencies and local authorities involved in policy advocacy to scale the initiative nationallyDesign Build Change Construction Local construction firms with expertise in disaster- resistant housing Training of local community members in retrofit techniquesFUNDING AND DONATIONS