World Overshoot Day represents the day of the year where we, as a planet, have used up more resources than Earth is able to renew in one year. The Overshoot date this year (1 August 2018) is the earliest in history.

CREW researchers are working to move the date back through a number of projects that relate in some way to the circular economy. In fact, one of our four themes is Sustainable Communities, focusing on efforts to help rural and urban communities become more sustainable and resilient by helping to address challenges associated with access to affordable energy, treatment and disposal of waste, and the provision of drinking water supplies.

CREW Circular Economy Projects:

• Water and the Circular Economy
• Water Resource Balancing: Is a closed loop system possible that enables sustainable rural supplies?
• Innovative solutions for sustainable drinking water treatment at small to medium scales
• Developing a foundation for reclaimed water re-use in Scotland
• Phosphorus flow mapping to identify opportunities for recovery and reuse