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The Build Back Circular Framework: Circular Economy Strategies for Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Recovery

Author

Listed:
  • Sultan Çetin

    (Delft University of Technology)

  • Julian Kirchherr

    (Roskilde University
    Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, Utrecht University
    University of Cambridge)

Abstract

Scholars have recently debated the potential of the circular economy (CE) as a crisis response strategy; however, concrete examples demonstrating its effectiveness in such applications remain limited. This study addresses this gap by investigating how CE principles—narrowing, slowing, closing, and regenerating resource loops— can be integrated into post-disaster reconstruction and recovery, with a focus on the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Türkiye. Using an exploratory qualitative research design, including an integrative literature review, workshop with 24 participants and 21 expert interviews, this study develops the Build Back Circular (BBC) framework. The framework proposes ten action strategies: (1) Upcycle, reuse or recycle post-disaster waste, (2) Integrate circular design principles, (3) Introduce circular policies, (4) Leverage digital technologies, (5) Raise awareness and expand knowledge, (6) Drive the market with circular business opportunities, (7) Involve local communities, (8) Improve cooperation and collaborations, (9) Integrate CE principles into post-disaster urban development, and (10) Stimulate the use of healthy, local, and biobased materials. These strategies aim not only to enhance resource efficiency and resilience but also to address the social dimensions of CE, promoting an inclusive recovery. Successful implementation requires a collaborative ecosystem of government, municipalities, academia, the construction sector, and civil society. By bridging the fields of CE and disaster management, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to integrate CE into post-disaster reconstruction and urban development processes. Beyond Türkiye’s recovery, it aims to support global disaster risk frameworks (e.g., UN’s Sendai Framework), enhancing crisis management through a CE lens.

Suggested Citation

  • Sultan Çetin & Julian Kirchherr, 2025. "The Build Back Circular Framework: Circular Economy Strategies for Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Recovery," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 1689-1726, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:5:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s43615-024-00495-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00495-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Piyush Pradhananga & Mohamed ElZomor, 2023. "Revamping Sustainability Efforts Post-Disaster by Adopting Circular Economy Resilience Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-19, November.
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