Approved by the Infrastructure and Research Policy Committee on May 1, 2026
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on June 3, 2026
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 21, 2026 

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports the equitable, sustainable, and resilient reconstruction of areas devastated by natural hazards and human-caused disasters. In order to achieve this, ASCE supports the following activities:

  • Reconstruction that incorporates the use of latest design standards, building codes, technology, land use restrictions, and nature-based solutions to rebuild communities in a manner that is resilient, sustainable, more livable, and less vulnerable to future hazards. 
  • Redesign and reconstruction of disaster protection systems defense of the population, critical infrastructure, and the environment. 
  • Redesign and reconstruction of critical infrastructure to meet current resiliency standards that exceed those in place prior to the disaster, to ensure future protection of this infrastructure. 
  • Consideration of various rebuilding options, included, but not limited to relocating infrastructure from vulnerable areas to areas less susceptible to disasters or not rebuilding certain infrastructure.

Issue

Disaster events cause catastrophic loss of life, massive disruptions and displacement of populations, loss of critical infrastructure, loss of economic prosperity, and environmental degradation. The impacts of these events often extend beyond the affected areas, resulting in broader regional economic and social consequences. 

Areas affected by disaster events must consider multiple possibilities when deciding between recovery options. After evaluating the post-disaster condition of the infrastructure, the decision to reconstruct must include determining whether reconstruction of the affected infrastructure is viable, feasible and beneficial to facilitate the task of protecting life, property, and critical infrastructure.

Rationale

Post-disaster reconstruction of infrastructure and community recovery must include consideration of the pre-disaster conditions which may have facilitated the destruction. To better protect lives, property, and infrastructure, there may be cases where rebuilding may not result in sustainable or resilient solutions. At times, rebuilding resiliently could require relocating infrastructure from high-risk areas to locations that are less susceptible to disasters.

This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 541
First Approved in 2013