Integrating circular strategies into post-disaster rebuilding: Pathways to resilient and resource-efficient recovery

¹ School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
² School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Construction Management, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters pose significant challenges for the built environment, especially during post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Traditional linear rebuilding practices often focus on rapid implementation and cost reduction, sometimes at the expense of sustainability, resource efficiency, and long-term resilience. In recent years, the Circular Economy (CE) has emerged as a promising and innovative approach to addressing these systemic issues. By prioritizing resource loops through reduction, reuse, recycling, and designing for adaptability, CE offers a more regenerative and resilient model for rebuilding. Despite its potential, a consistent and comprehensive Build Back Circular framework specific to post-disaster contexts is still underdeveloped. This study presents a systematic literature review of 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings to examine how CE principles can be operationalized in post-disaster recovery to support sustainable rebuilding practices. The review identifies two dominant domains where CE integration offers the greatest leverage: disaster waste management and post-disaster shelter design. The finding shows CE integration into waste management occurs through three identified clusters, including (i) Waste Handling & Processing; (ii) Digitalization & Traceability; (iii) Material Recovery & Circular Flows, and the design shelter-related CE strategies occur through four identified clusters, including (i) Material Circularity in Shelter Design; (ii) Design for Circularity Principles; (iii) Flexibility & Adaptability; (iv) Durability & Long-Term Performance. This study adds to the ongoing discussion on sustainable reconstruction by proposing a systems-based approach that aligns environmental, social, and economic goals in the wake of disasters, ultimately aiding long-term community resilience and sustainability.