Eco-Design and Environmental Performance of Smart Buoy for Autonomous Marine Monitoring

This research evaluates the environmental footprint of an innovative smart buoy developed within the SUMMER (Smart low-impact bUoys for Monitoring Marine EnviRonments) project, designed specifically for autonomous monitoring of marine environments significantly impacted by human activities. Unlike conventional marine monitoring systems that require extensive mooring apparatus involving heavy anchors, chains, and substantial support vessels, this innovative buoy features a compact, autonomous, self-propelled design, eliminating the need for permanent mooring systems and considerably reducing physical and ecological disturbances. The compact design enhances adaptability and operational effectiveness, even under challenging marine conditions, making it particularly suitable for deployment in coastal areas, estuaries, ports, and other sensitive marine ecosystems. A comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), aligned with ISO 14040 standards, was conducted using OpenLCA software and the Ecoinvent database, applying the Environmental Footprint (EF) 3.1 methodology. Four alternative manufacturing technologies Stereolithography (SLA), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), and Vacuum Bagging Infusion (VBI) were assessed comprehensively from cradle to gate. The environmental impacts evaluated included critical indicators such as climate change, eutrophication, ecotoxicity, human toxicity, resource depletion, ozone depletion, particulate matter formation, photochemical oxidant formation, land use, and water use. Results revealed substantial environmental performance variations among the manufacturing technologies analyzed, highlighting SLA as the most sustainable solution due to its reduced energy consumption, material efficiency, and overall lower ecological impacts. Conversely, FDM demonstrated significantly higher environmental impacts, primarily linked to its elevated energy requirements. This study emphasizes the critical role of sustainable material choices and energy efficient production methods in reducing the environmental footprint of marine monitoring technologies. The findings contribute significantly to advancing eco-innovative technologies, providing valuable insights for sustainable marine ecosystem management and promoting scalable solutions in marine science and conservation efforts globally.