Italy’s Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Experience for Ukraine’s Recovery

On 8 July 2026, members of the LIFE D2R consortium visited several sites across the Umbria Region in Italy to explore practical approaches to material reuse, debris management and post-earthquake reconstruction. The programme combined technical site visits with professional exchange, allowing participants to observe practical solutions that support the safe recovery and reuse of construction materials.

The first stop was Marcucci S.r.l. in Poreta, near Spoleto, a company specialising in the treatment of mineral construction and demolition waste. Participants followed the full process, from incoming inspection, sorting and crushing to metal separation, laboratory testing, quality control and the preparation of secondary raw materials for reuse in construction.

Company representatives presented the facility’s production processes, quality assurance system and approaches to material recovery. The visit demonstrated that safe material reuse begins with proper sorting, testing and reliable quality control.

These processes help determine whether recovered materials are suitable for reuse, reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill and limit demand for new natural resources. They also show how circular economy principles can be integrated into everyday construction practices.

The delegation then travelled to Norcia, a town continuing its recovery from the devastating 2016 earthquake. Participants visited residential reconstruction sites and the reconstruction site of the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Argentea.

Architect and construction manager Giancarlo Battista presented the approaches being used to protect the site’s architectural and cultural heritage during reconstruction.

Surviving stone and architectural elements have been carefully documented, marked and stored so they can be reintegrated into the reconstructed building. This approach helps retain the authenticity and cultural value of the site.

The visit also included a presentation by Professor Massimo Mariani, who shared examples of emergency safety measures applied to historic buildings following earthquakes in Central Italy.

The example of Santa Maria Argentea demonstrated that salvaged materials can carry more than practical value. They can also preserve identity, memory and a connection to the original building throughout the reconstruction process.

Together, the visits near Spoleto and in Norcia highlighted complementary dimensions of sustainable reconstruction. At Marcucci S.r.l., the focus was on technical processes, quality assurance and the preparation of materials for reuse. In Norcia, material reuse also became a way to protect cultural heritage and preserve the identity of affected places.

The day concluded with the “Voices from Ukraine” event, organised by the Municipality of Norcia as part of the San Benedetto da Norcia International Award. The programme included the online participation of Visvaldas Kulbokas, Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine.

The event provided an additional opportunity for Ukrainian and Italian partners to exchange experience and discuss the challenges of recovery following large-scale destruction. The informal discussions further strengthened dialogue between municipalities, technical experts and project partners working on sustainable reconstruction.

The technical visits demonstrated how circular approaches can be applied across different stages of reconstruction, from material recovery and quality control to the restoration of historic buildings. The experience gained in Umbria will help inform the practical solutions being developed through LIFE D2R to support Ukraine’s sustainable and resilient recovery.