A citizen science approach to model water and food circularity in schools

Promoting circularity in schools for climate adaptation requires detailed assessments of their resource metabolism, which is typically challenging due to lack of data. This paper proposes a bottom-up methodology for mapping and quantifying water and food flows in schools that combines the principles of Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and citizen science. A rural school in Catalonia was selected to validate the framework, profiting from an already existing sustainability culture. The study followed a participatory design of the methodology and data collection process that culminated with an MFA of the water and food metabolism of the school and the modelling of circular strategies. The school’s average daily water consumption per student was estimated at 10.5 L, with toilet demand as the main driver. Implementing strategies such as rainwater harvesting and urine-diverting toilets have potential to cover around 74% of the potable water demand. The school displays low food waste generation (13.7% of the total food served is wasted), suggesting there is less room for improvement than in the case of water. By focusing on disaggregated flows and community participation, this study provides new insights into the field of circular educational infrastructure. By involving the school community in every stage of the data collection process, the research strengthens local ownership of sustainability practices and equips participants with tools and knowledge to continue monitoring and improving their resource management independently.