
UNITAR Online Catalogue
CIFAL Lebanon - Exploring Scalable Solutions for Sustainable and Resilient Housing

Population
Arrière plan
CIFAL Lebanon is pleased to present a webinar highlighting an innovative approach to sustainable construction for housing. The session contributes to a broader exploration of practical strategies that support resilient infrastructure and advance the Sustainable Development Goals.
The session will feature insights from John Avrett, a business leader with experience in modular and industrialized construction. Drawing from real-world applications and project case studies, the speaker will share how design, scalability, and sustainability principles are integrated into alternative building systems aimed at addressing today’s housing challenges.
Objectifs de l'événement
- To encourage cross-sector learning and knowledge exchange among professionals, students, and stakeholders interested in sustainable development.
- To provide a platform for sharing practical, innovative approaches to sustainable and resilient construction.
- To facilitate dialogue on the role of industrialized building systems in addressing current infrastructure challenges.
- To highlight private sector contributions to sustainability and the SDGs, particularly in the context of housing and urban development.
Objectifs d'apprentissage
- Describe key challenges in the construction industry related to housing, resilience, and sustainability.
- Understand how offsite, factory-built construction models function and their intended benefits.
- Identify core design principles that support scalability, resilience, and sustainability in construction.
- Analyze real-world case studies to explore the practical applications and outcomes of modular building systems.
Contenu et structure
Day 1
1. Introduction
- Welcome from CIFAL Lebanon
- Introduction to the event’s focus and its relevance to sustainable development
- Overview of the session agenda
2. Setting the Context: Introduction to the Topic
- Overview of housing and infrastructure challenges in a global context
3. Intro Video – Guest Introduction
- Short video introducing John Avrett and his organization, Hive Modular
- Focus on mission and values, providing context for the solutions being discussed
4. Challenges in the Construction Industry and Housing Scarcity
- Barriers within traditional construction
- Increasing demand for affordable, resilient housing
- Linkages to relevant SDGs and development goals
5. Offsite, Factory-Built, Rapidly Deployable Systems
- Introduction to industrialized construction models
- Where and how these systems are being explored or applied
6. Mid-Session Poll
7. Building in a Factory: Benefits of Industrialized Construction
- Benefits such as consistency, efficiency, and safety
- Opportunities for improving timelines and cost predictability
8. Designing for Resilience: Building Systems That Withstand Disruption
- Building to withstand climate, logistical, or social challenges
- Integration of resilience in design and material choices
9. Designing for Scale: Standardization and Speed as Design Principles
- How standardized components support scalability
- Balancing speed and flexibility in project delivery
10. Designing for Sustainability: Environmental Benefits of the Approach
- Sustainable material use, reduced waste, and energy-efficient processes
- Environmental outcomes during both construction and lifecycle use
11. Q&A Session
12. UNITAR Survey
13. Closing Remarks
- Summary of key insights
- Final thoughts from the speaker
- Closing by CIFAL Lebanon
Day 2
1. Summary of the Day 1 Session
2. Case Studies
- Two real-world examples of implementation
- Context, outcomes, and key lessons from each project
3. Post-Session Assessment
- Assessing learnings from the session
4. UNITAR Survey
5. Closing Remarks
- Summary of key insights
- Final thoughts from the speaker
- Closing by CIFAL Lebanon with information on future events and resources
Méthodologie
This webinar will follow a conversational and case-based format, designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing and practical insights on sustainable construction models. The session will begin with an introduction to the topic and framing of the challenges in housing and infrastructure, followed by a guided presentation by John Avrett, with experience in modular and industrialized construction. He will share perspectives on design principles, operational approaches, and lessons learned from real-world implementation.
The webinar will include thematic segments covering key issues such as resilience, scalability, and environmental sustainability, supported by examples from project case studies. An interactive Q&A session will follow the presentation, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker, ask questions, and explore relevant ideas in greater depth.
This approach aims to provide participants with practical knowledge, foster critical thinking, and encourage dialogue on innovative pathways toward sustainable and resilient built environments.
Audience visée
This webinar is designed for a diverse audience interested in sustainability, innovation, and the built environment, including:
- Urban development and housing professionals
- Sustainability and ESG practitioners
- Public sector and local government representatives
- Academics and students
- Private sector and industry leaders
- Nonprofits, NGOs, and international development professionals