Innovative solutions for the reconstruction of Syria: Workshop in Weimar!

Innovative solutions for the reconstruction of Syria: Workshop in Weimar!

In recent years, the civil war in Syria has left devastating damage. It is estimated that over two million buildings were destroyed, with most of these structures being concrete or steel structures. In view of the massive destruction, scientists, politicians and business representatives have come together to discuss the reconstruction of the country. An international workshop taking place on April 24th and 25th, 2025 at the Bauhaus University Weimar will provide an important framework for these discussions. The Bauhaus University Weimar reports that around 100 actors from various sectors, including the United Nations, are expected.

The workshop aims to evaluate the technical and political challenges in construction waste management and to develop innovative solutions and sustainable recycling concepts for urban reconstruction in Syria. According to Prof. Tom Lahmer, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment, there is great confidence regarding the reconstruction. Particular attention is also paid to the expertise of Prof. Dr. Aref Al-Swaidani, a specialist in building material recycling and a visiting professor at the Institute for Applied Building Research Weimar (IAB) since January 2025. He emphasizes that construction waste should be viewed as a valuable resource and not as waste.

Circular economy in construction

Comprehensive changes are necessary to meet the challenges of the construction sector. The construction sector is responsible for over 50% of resource consumption and waste production globally. The circular economy is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor for sustainable construction. The focus here is on the principles of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Innovative approaches such as the use of recyclable building materials and modular construction methods are promising. They promise not only a reduction in material consumption, but also a reduction in construction time and costs, as well as a minimization of the environmental impact. Effesus highlights that up to 80% of construction waste could be avoided through circular economy.

The annual construction waste generation is around 220 million tons, of which over 129 million tons are excavated soil. Currently only 13% of aggregates are covered by recycled building materials. By using recycled concrete and steel, raw materials can be efficiently saved and environmental impact reduced. This shows the importance of innovative technologies, such as sensor-based sorting or robot-assisted dismantling processes.

The aim of the workshop and future perspectives

The workshop in Weimar is not only a platform for discussion, but also the start of a planned scientific conference that is expected to take place in Syria at the end of 2025. The event receives support from international partners such as GORD, iiSBE, UNDP and UN-Habitat. It turns out that there is a global consensus: the future reconstruction of Syria must be based on the principles of the circular economy in order to pursue a sustainable and environmentally friendly development path.

For Prof. Al-Swaidani and his colleagues, it is crucial that construction waste is viewed as a potential resource. Ecological benefits can be achieved by using innovative, environmentally friendly materials such as recycled steel and hempcrete. For the reconstruction of Syria, this not only opens up possibilities for using resources, but also approaches for CO₂ reduction and cost savings.