Social Entrepreneur and Build Change Founder Honored for Earthquake-Resistant Housing Innovation

Social Entrepreneur Wins 2011 $100,000 Lemelson-MIT Award for Sustainability for Innovative Post-Disaster Reconstruction Dr. Elizabeth Hausler, founder and CEO of Build Change, a nonprofit aimed at reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses caused by housing collapses from earthquakes in developing countries, received this year's $100,000 Lemelson-MIT Award for Sustainability. By leveraging materials, engineers, laborers, homeowners, and government officials native to the areas in which she works, Hausler has created a low-cost model that ensures lasting adoption. (Photo: Tim Pelling)