Rubble from war can become a resource
We see it in news reports from war zones and disaster areas: mountains of debris where homes, schools and hospitals once stood. The rubble is often treated as waste. But according to a new report, it can also become a valuable resource for reconstruction.
Millions of tonnes of debris are generated every year by conflicts and natural disasters. The volumes can overwhelm local systems and damage ecosystems. At the same time, rubble contains materials such as concrete, steel and brick that can be reused in rebuilding efforts.
A new guide published by UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) and researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology outlines practical ways to manage and reuse debris in communities affected by conflict and disaster. The report was developed with contributions from KTH researchers Louise Wernersson, Daniel Adshead and Francesco Fuso-Nerini.
"Following a disaster or conflict, a country or region can be left with volumes of rubble far beyond what it is equipped to manage," says Louise Wernersson , doctoral student at the Division of Energy Systems.
"It's important to address the problem quickly. Debris may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos or unexploded ordnance, posing significant risks to public health."
Rubble to be adobe bricks and new pavement
The most common solution is to send the waste to landfill. But as cities grow and the built environment expands, future disasters and conflicts are likely to generate even larger amounts of debris. Landfill disposal is therefore becoming an increasingly unsustainable option, contributing to problems such as soil and water contamination, air pollution and habitat loss.
The report argues that debris should instead be viewed as a potential resource. When handled properly, it can support reconstruction efforts while reducing both environmental impacts and costs.
Depending on its quality, rubble can be reused in several ways.
"In Iraq, after the conflict with ISIL in 2017, a recycling facility was established where rubble was crushed and processed into pavement blocks and adobe bricks. Recycled materials were also used to improve roads," says Wernersson.
She points to another example from Sierra Leone, where debris from a landslide was used to stabilise slopes and reduce the risk of future landslides.
According to Wernersson, reconstruction is about much more than rebuilding individual structures.
"Restoring infrastructure and basic services such as water supply, healthcare and education is essential for communities to recover."
KTH's contribution to the report focused on energy planning in reconstruction processes.
"We've explored how energy choices in rubble management, from machinery efficiency to the use of on-site renewable energy, can significantly reduce both emissions and costs. Our research highlights the importance of integrating different reconstruction activities and strengthening collaboration between actors."
She emphasises that successful implementation depends on cooperation between waste management organisations, governments and planning authorities.
The report is part of the strategic partnership between the KTH Climate Action Centre and UNOPS.
Text: Anna Gullers