From recovery to regeneration: embedding core sustainability principles into Ukraine’s reconstruction effort

Abstract

This article focuses on the integration of most important sustainable development elements into Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction process, taking into account contemporary challenges such as the climate crisis, resource depletion, and social vulnerability. Central to the discussion is the need to shift from a harm-reduction approach (sustainability) toward a worldview rooted in regenerative design - an approach aimed at generating positive environmental, social, and economic impact. The authors examine the role of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with EN 15978 standards, the use of building energy modeling that incorporates future climate scenarios (using modified weather data based on Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (IPCC RCP 8.5) and other projections), and the adoption of measurable, evidence-based performance indicators embedded in international green building certification systems (e.g., Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), etc). These tools support informed design decisions that align with long-term sustainability goals. Special attention is given to the potential of implementing such solutions during the early stages of the building life cycle, where the cost of change is lowest and the impact on final quality is greatest. The paper outlines practical measures for both new construction and retrofit projects, including the reduction of embodied carbon, the use of renewable energy sources, and strategies for managing indoor air and water quality, along with climate adaptation measures. Additionally, the article explores the redefinition of fundamental terminology and principles underlying contemporary design thinking, proposing a shift toward an ecologically-centered and multidisciplinary approach that prioritizes the interests of future generations.