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report:sus [2026/05/12 15:44] – [5.2 Environmental] team4report: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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 ==== 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.
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 ==== 5.3 Economical ==== ==== 5.3 Economical ====
  
-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.+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.
  
 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. 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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 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.
  
-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.+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 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. 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.
  
-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)]. Electronic components, including the microcontroller, were 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)]. 
  
 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. 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 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. 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.
  
-To reduce environmental risks, the smart block can be removed for maintenance, battery replacement, data collection, or repairs without disturbing the main reef structure. Separating the electronic components from the permanent habitat also helps reduce the risk of long-term marine 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.
  
 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. 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.