Turning rubble into resources: Leeds experts weigh in on Ukraine’s reconstruction on top podcast
Two University of Leeds academics spoke on a leading UK sustainability podcast about pioneering circular reconstruction in Ukraine, turning war rubble into high-quality building materials.
In conversation with Constructive Voices, Theodore Hanein discusses the Safe, Sustainable, and Swift (S3) Reconstruction of Ukraine (S3ROU) collaboration between partners in Ukraine, the UK, and the Netherlands, which was working to develop safer, faster, and more sustainable approaches to rebuilding war-damaged communities.
In the episode “From Rubble to Resilience: Circular Reconstruction for Rebuilding Ukraine,” the duo outlines how circular construction could offer both environmental and social benefits during recovery. Professor Hanein describes his “simple but radical” vision: a mobile system capable of travelling to devastated areas and turning rubble back into high-quality construction materials.
He says: “Concrete is made up of cement, sand, gravel, and water – and we can theoretically get them all back. My vision is to decentralise it, prove it can work, and show people – through real demonstrations – that this is doable.” By reactivating these components on site, communities could reduce embodied carbon, limit material imports, and accelerate rebuilding.
Professor Phil Purnell goes on to set the project within the broader context of the circular economy, noting the scale of global construction material use and the potential for Ukraine to demonstrate approaches that may later guide reconstruction efforts elsewhere.
The episode also includes reflections from green and circular reconstruction expert Roman Puchko, the CEO of Ukrainian circular-economy NGO ReThink. He speaks about preserving “embodied memory” within damaged homes and involving women, veterans, and underrepresented groups in the reconstruction process, underlining that cultural, social, and psychological ramifications match engineering challenges.
The team also highlights the forthcoming S3 Conference 2026, which will bring together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, educators, and construction experts in March 2026 to share research and collaborate on innovative solutions for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
For the University and School of Civil Engineering, the appearance on Constructive Voices offered a chance to contribute to a critical international conversation; you can listen to this episode on Spotify or via Castos.
Further information
- Lead image, left to right: Professor Theodore Hanein, Dr Shuang Liang, Dr Hassan Alabdrabalameer, Nafiseh Sohrabi, Ali Al Janabi, and Professor Leon Black.
- Read more about the interview at Constructive Voices.
- Listen to the Constructive Voices podcast on Spotify.
- Learn about the Safe, Sustainable, and Swift (S3) Reconstruction of Ukraine Conference.
- For media enquiries, please contact Faculty Communications Manager Matt Gardner at M.D.Gardner@leeds.ac.uk.
