From Waste to Resource: Circular Economy Approaches to Post-Disaster Recovery Logistics

About the Project

Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes generate enormous volumes of waste, much of which is landfilled at high environmental and economic cost. At the same time, disaster recovery demands rapid access to new construction materials. This creates a critical challenge, how can we rebuild communities quickly while reducing waste, carbon emissions, and costs?

This PhD project explores how circular economy (CE) principles, such as reuse, recycling, and resource recovery, can be applied to disaster recovery logistics. It will develop a novel framework that integrates forward logistics (delivery of reconstruction materials) with reverse logistics (collection, sorting, and reuse of disaster debris). Advanced hybrid simulation (Agent-Based Modelling and System Dynamics) will be used to test cost, carbon and time trade-offs under different scenarios, while life cycle cost and carbon analysis will evaluate long-term impacts.

The project will be grounded in case studies of recent disasters and validated through participatory workshops and serious gaming with stakeholders (e.g., government agencies, NGOs, contractors). Outcomes will include a decision-support tool for sustainable recovery and policy guidance on embedding CE principles in disaster risk reduction.

This project offers a unique opportunity to combine sustainability, logistics innovation, and disaster resilience, with significant implications for climate adaptation and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Academic qualifications

A first degree (at least a 2.2) ideally in Built Environment or Environmental disciplines.

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted.Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Good fundamental knowledge of Sustainability and Circular Economy principles, Construction and the Built Environment, Quantitative Modelling and Systems Thinking, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically evaluate data, policies, and practices.
• Good research and writing skills, demonstrated through prior academic work (e.g. dissertation, project report).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, including academics, practitioners, and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage with stakeholders.
• Motivation and commitment to undertaking original doctoral research that addresses real-world sustainability and disaster management challenges.