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| report:sus [2026/04/27 18:12] – [5.4 Social] team4 | report:sus [2026/06/03 16:20] (current) – [5.5 Life Cycle Analysis] team4 |
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| ===== 5. Eco-efficiency Measures for Sustainability ===== | ===== 5. Eco-efficiency Measures for Sustainability ===== |
| | This chapter presents the sustainability aspects of Maris Habitats by looking at environmental, economic, and social impacts. It also explains how the product’s life cycle is considered from material selection and production to maintenance and end-of-life. |
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| <color #ed1c24>This section cites 3 references only.</color> | |
| ==== 5.1 Introduction ==== | ==== 5.1 Introduction ==== |
| This chapter examines the environmental, economic and social dimensions of the project, as well as the product’s life cycle, in order to assess its overall sustainability. The aim is to highlight the considerations taken to minimize negative environmental impacts when introducing artificial structures into marine ecosystems. | This chapter examines the environmental, economic and social dimensions of the project, as well as the product’s life cycle, in order to assess its overall sustainability. The aim is to highlight the considerations taken to minimize negative environmental impacts when introducing artificial structures into marine ecosystems. |
| ==== 5.2 Environmental === | ==== 5.2 Environmental === |
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| This section considers the environmental impact of the project using principles inspired by the butterfly diagram, a model that represents circular material flows [(ellenmacarthur_butterfly_diagram)]. The model distinguishes between biological processes, where materials safely integrate into natural systems, and technical processes, where products are maintained, reused, and recycled to extend their lifespan (See Figure {{ref>fig:Butterfly}}). | This section considers the environmental impact of the project using principles inspired by the butterfly diagram, a model that represents circular material flows [(ellenmacarthur_butterfly_diagram)]. The model distinguishes between biological processes, where materials safely integrate into natural systems, and technical processes, where products are maintained, reused, and recycled to extend their lifespan (see Figure {{ref>fig:Butterfly}}). |
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| <WRAP centeralign> | <WRAP centeralign> |
| </WRAP> | </WRAP> |
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| The MARIS HABITATS concept reflects these principles by combining long-term environmental integration with efficient use of technical components. From a biological perspective, the habitat is designed to support marine colonization over time. The use of non-toxic and durable materials allows algae, microorganisms, and small marine species to attach and grow on the structure, contributing to biodiversity enhancement. | The Maris Habitats concept reflects these principles by combining long-term environmental integration with efficient use of technical components. From a biological perspective, the habitat is designed to support marine colonization over time. The use of non-toxic and durable materials allows algae, microorganisms, and small marine species to attach and grow on the structure, contributing to biodiversity enhancement [(DIPNDIVE)]. |
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| From a technical perspective, the system is designed with longevity and adaptability in mind. The modular concrete habitat structure is intended to remain underwater for long periods, while the electronic components are housed in a detachable waterproof enclosure attached to the habitat. This enclosure contains the battery, microcontroller, and data storage system. Sensor probes are mounted through the enclosure and remain exposed to seawater to measure environmental conditions such as pH, conductivity, pressure, and temperature. This modular design allows maintenance or replacement of electronic components without removing the entire habitat structure. | From a technical perspective, the system is designed with longevity and adaptability in mind. The modular concrete habitat structure is intended to remain underwater for long periods, while the electronic components are housed in a easily detachable waterproof enclosure attached to the habitat. This enclosure contains the battery, microcontroller, and data storage system. Sensor probes are mounted through the enclosure and remain exposed to seawater to measure environmental conditions such as pH, conductivity, pressure, and temperature. This modular design allows maintenance or replacement of electronic components without removing the entire habitat structure. |
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| Maintenance requirements are reduced through the use of durable materials that can withstand harsh marine conditions. When maintenance is required, divers can retrieve stored data and replace batteries without disturbing the reef structure. This reduces unnecessary material replacement and extends the operational life of the system. | Maintenance requirements are reduced through the use of durable materials that can withstand harsh marine conditions. When maintenance is required, divers can retrieve stored data and replace batteries without disturbing the reef structure. This reduces unnecessary material replacement and extends the operational life of the system. |
| The project also considers the reuse of technical components. If monitoring is no longer required, electronic components such as sensors, batteries, and storage devices can be removed and reused in future installations. | The project also considers the reuse of technical components. If monitoring is no longer required, electronic components such as sensors, batteries, and storage devices can be removed and reused in future installations. |
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| For the prototype, conventional concrete may be used to reduce costs, while the final design uses basalt fiber-reinforced concrete to improve durability and corrosion resistance in marine environments. This approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining long-term functionality. | For the prototype, conventional concrete or 3D printing may be used to reduce costs, while the final design uses basalt fiber-reinforced concrete to improve durability and corrosion resistance in marine environments. This approach reduces environmental impact while maintaining long-term functionality. |
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| ==== 5.3 Economical ==== | ==== 5.3 Economical ==== |
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| The economic aspect of MARIS HABITATS is mainly related to the long-term benefits created through ecosystem restoration and its integration with existing marine infrastructure. By improving marine biodiversity and supporting the growth of fish populations, the system contributes to increased fishery productivity over time. This can generate direct economic benefits for local communities that depend on fishing as a source of income and food. | The economic aspect of Maris Habitats is mainly related to the long-term benefits created through ecosystem restoration and its integration with existing marine infrastructure. By improving marine biodiversity and supporting fish population growth, the system may help increase fishery productivity over time. This can create economic benefits for coastal communities that depend on fishing as a source of income and food. |
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| Previous studies have shown that artificial reefs can increase fish biomass and support the development of fisheries, which can lead to economic improvements in coastal areas [(Artificial reef preparation)]. In this project, this principle is applied through the design of habitat structures that provide shelter and breeding areas for marine species. | Previous studies have shown that artificial reefs can increase fish biomass and support the development of fisheries, which can lead to economic improvements in coastal areas [(Artificial reef preparation)]. In this project, this idea is applied through habitat structures that provide shelter and breeding areas for marine species. |
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| The system is also designed to be integrated with existing marine infrastructure, such as offshore wind farms or coastal protection systems. This approach avoids the need for completely new structures and allows existing installations to be enhanced with ecological functions, improving resource efficiency. | The system is also designed to be integrated with existing marine infrastructure, such as offshore wind farms or coastal protection systems. This approach reduces the need for completely new structures and allows existing installations to gain additional ecological functions, improving resource efficiency. |
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| The integration of sensors adds an additional layer of economic value. The system continuously collects environmental data, which can be used for research, monitoring, and decision-making. In this project, this data supports more efficient management of marine resources and can help reduce costs associated with poor environmental monitoring. | The integration of sensors adds another layer of economic value. The system collects environmental data that can be used for research, monitoring, and decision-making. In this project, this data supports more efficient marine resource management and may help reduce costs related to ineffective environmental monitoring. |
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| Another important aspect is the modular and scalable design of the system. Habitat units can be deployed gradually and adapted to different marine environments, reducing the need for large initial investments. This allows pilot implementations to be carried out before full-scale deployment. | Another important aspect is the modular and scalable design of the system. Habitat units can be deployed gradually and adapted to different marine environments, reducing the need for large initial investments. This allows pilot projects to be tested before full-scale deployment. |
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| The modular monitoring system also contributes to lower maintenance costs. Instead of replacing the entire structure in case of failure, only specific components need to be repaired or replaced. This improves operational efficiency and reduces long-term costs. | The modular monitoring system also helps reduce maintenance costs. Instead of replacing the entire structure in case of failure, only specific electronic components need to be repaired or replaced. This improves operational efficiency and reduces long-term costs. |
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| In addition, the project can benefit from collaboration with public institutions, research organizations, and environmental programs. Marine restoration and biodiversity protection are increasingly supported by sustainability policies and funding initiatives [(DEUTZ2020)]. This creates opportunities for financial support through grants and public-private partnerships. | In addition, the project can benefit from collaboration with public institutions, research organizations, and environmental programs. Marine restoration and biodiversity protection are increasingly supported by sustainability policies and funding initiatives [(DEUTZ2020)]. This creates opportunities for financial support through grants and public-private partnerships. |
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| Although the initial investment may be relatively high, the long-term benefits are expected to outweigh these costs. These benefits include improved ecosystem services, increased fish production, and enhanced coastal protection [(COSNTANZA2014)]. For this reason, MARIS HABITATS can be considered not only environmentally sustainable, but also economically viable in the long term. | Although the initial investment may be relatively high, the project can create long-term value through ecosystem restoration, fishery support, and improved coastal protection [(COSNTANZA2014)]. For this reason, Maris Habitats can be considered both environmentally sustainable and economically viable in the long term. |
| ==== 5.4 Social ==== | ==== 5.4 Social ==== |
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| The project contributes to social sustainability by supporting marine ecosystems that are important for coastal communities and fisheries. Healthier fish populations can improve food security, support local fishing activities, and contribute to local economic stability. | |
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| The integration of environmental sensors also creates social value by generating data that can be used by research institutions and environmental organizations for marine monitoring and scientific research. This can improve understanding of marine ecosystems and support better environmental decision-making. | The integration of environmental sensors also creates social value by generating data that can be used by research institutions and environmental organizations for marine monitoring and scientific research. This can improve understanding of marine ecosystems and support better environmental decision-making. |
| ==== 5.5 Life Cycle Analysis ==== | ==== 5.5 Life Cycle Analysis ==== |
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| The life cycle of the project is considered from material selection to end-of-life, with the aim of minimizing environmental impact while ensuring long-term functionality. | The life cycle of the project is considered from material selection to end-of-life, with the aim of reducing environmental impact while maintaining long-term functionality. |
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| In this project, the material phase focuses on selecting environmentally responsible and durable materials. The proposed solution uses basalt fiber-reinforced concrete. Basalt fibers are derived from natural volcanic rock and are known for their resistance to corrosion and chemical stability in saline environments, making them suitable for marine conditions [(FIORE2015)]. Electronic components, including the microcontroller, are also selected based on energy efficiency, reliability, and expected lifespan. | In this project, the material phase focuses on choosing durable and environmentally responsible materials. The final design uses basalt fiber-reinforced concrete. Basalt fibers are made from natural volcanic rock and are known for their resistance to corrosion and chemical stability in seawater, which makes them suitable for marine environments [(FIORE2015)]. |
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| During the manufacturing phase, the habitat structure is produced and the sensor system is integrated. In this project, the structure is designed to be manufactured using relatively simple casting processes, which helps reduce energy use and material waste. | During the manufacturing phase, the reef structure is produced through concrete casting, while the monitoring system is assembled separately as a detachable smart block. This smart block contains the battery, microcontroller, SD card, and sensors. Keeping the electronic components separate helps avoid embedding electronics directly into the permanent structure and reduces unnecessary material waste. |
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| The testing phase involves validating both the structural performance of the habitat and the functionality of the sensor system. In this project, particular attention is given to energy consumption, battery life, and reliable data collection, as these factors directly influence maintenance requirements. | The testing phase focuses on checking both the structural performance of the habitat and the operation of the monitoring system. Special attention is given to battery life, waterproof protection, sensor accuracy, and reliable data collection because these factors affect maintenance needs. |
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| The structure is also designed for long-term environmental integration. Its geometry includes cavities and irregular surfaces that support marine colonization, allowing the habitat to remain functional even if some parts degrade over time. | The structure is also designed for long-term use in marine environments. Its geometry includes cavities and irregular surfaces that help algae, microorganisms, and small marine species attach to the structure over time. |
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| To reduce environmental risks, the monitoring system is designed as a separate modular unit containing the sensors. This unit can be retrieved for maintenance, data collection, or replacement without disturbing the main structure. By separating the electronic components from the permanent habitat, the design reduces the risk of long-term pollution. | To reduce environmental risks, the smartlogger is designed as a removable unit that is not cast into the main reef structure. It is mounted on a separate support frame and secured to the module block with a chain, which keeps the smart box connected to the reef structure and gives the diver a clear point to attach a hook or line. During maintenance, battery replacement, data collection, or repairs, only the smart box is lifted from the seabed, while the main reef structure stays in place. This also helps reduce the risk of long-term marine pollution from electronic components. |
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| At the end-of-life stage, the structure is intended to remain in the marine environment and gradually integrate into the ecosystem, functioning as an artificial reef. Instead of becoming waste, it continues to support biodiversity [(SELLA2015)]. The electronic components can be removed and reused or redeployed in new systems, contributing to more efficient resource use. | At the end of its life cycle, the structure is intended to remain in the marine environment and continue functioning as an artificial reef that supports biodiversity [(SELLA2015)]. Electronic components can be removed and reused in future systems, which helps reduce waste. |
| ==== 5.6 Summary ==== | ==== 5.6 Summary ==== |
| This chapter has examined the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the project, together with a lifecycle perspective, in order to evaluate its overall sustainability. The analysis highlights the importance of minimizing environmental impact while ensuring long-term functionality, economic viability, and social value. | This chapter has examined the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the project, together with a lifecycle perspective, in order to evaluate its overall sustainability. The analysis highlights the importance of minimizing environmental impact while ensuring long-term functionality, economic viability, and social value. |