EPS@ISEP | The European Project Semester (EPS) at ISEP

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report [2021/06/23 21:35] – team2report [2021/06/26 22:46] (current) – [7.2 Proposed Solution] team2
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 ^ Abbreviation ^ Description ^ ^ Abbreviation ^ Description ^
 +|B2B | Business to Business |
 +|B2C | Business to Customer |
 |C-U | Control-Unit | |C-U | Control-Unit |
 |EMC | Electromagnetic Compatibility | |EMC | Electromagnetic Compatibility |
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 |EU | European Union | |EU | European Union |
 |EUIPO | European Union Intellectual Property Office | |EUIPO | European Union Intellectual Property Office |
 +|FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions |
 |GHG | Greenhouse Gas | |GHG | Greenhouse Gas |
 |IoT | Internet of Things |   |IoT | Internet of Things |  
 |ISEP| Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto | |ISEP| Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto |
 |LAN | Local Area Network | |LAN | Local Area Network |
 +|LCA| Life Cycle Assessment |
 |LVD | Low Voltage Directive | |LVD | Low Voltage Directive |
 |OE | Order of Engineers | |OE | Order of Engineers |
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 |USB | Universal Serial Bus | |USB | Universal Serial Bus |
 |WBS| Work Breakdown Structure | |WBS| Work Breakdown Structure |
-|LCA| Life Cycle Assessment | 
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 ===== - Introduction ===== ===== - Introduction =====
-EPS is a one-semester program offered by different universities throughout Europe, including ISEP. The main idea of the program is to provide students with the experience of working together in an interdisciplinary and international team of three to six students and hopes to foster the kind of team-working skills sought after by employers. The goal is to design and develop a new product by combining each other’s knowledge and skills. In this first chapter of the report, the members of our team are presented and the topic of the project is elaborated. +EPS is a one-semester program offered by different universities throughout Europe, including ISEP. The main idea of the program is to provide students with the experience of working together in an interdisciplinary and international team of three to six students and hopes to foster the kind of team-working skills sought after by employers. The goal is to design and develop a new product by combining each other’s knowledge and skills. In this first chapter of the report, the members of our team are presented, and the topic of the project is elaborated. 
 ==== - Presentation ==== ==== - Presentation ====
-This team, which is part of the European Project Semester at Institutio Superior de Engenharia do Porto during the spring semester of 2021, consists of five students from different countries and fields of study. These students will combine their knowledge and skills to work together towards the same goal, which is stimulating sustainable food production by designing a smart vermiponics system for city buildings. +This team, which is part of the European Project Semester at Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto during the spring semester of 2021, consists of five students from different countries and fields of study. These students combined their knowledge and skills to work together towards the same goal, which is stimulating sustainable food production by designing a smart vermiponics system for city buildings. 
  
 Our scientific backgrounds are shown below in Table {{ref>tstudents}}. Our scientific backgrounds are shown below in Table {{ref>tstudents}}.
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 Food production relies on the availability of resources, such as land, freshwater, fossil energy, and nutrients, and current consumption or degradation of these resources exceeds their global regeneration rate. The concept of planetary boundaries aims to define the environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate concerning scarce resources.  Food production relies on the availability of resources, such as land, freshwater, fossil energy, and nutrients, and current consumption or degradation of these resources exceeds their global regeneration rate. The concept of planetary boundaries aims to define the environmental limits within which humanity can safely operate concerning scarce resources. 
  
-As reflected in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2, one of the greatest challenges facing the world is how to ensure that a growing global population, projected to rise to around 10 billion by 2050, will be able to meet its nutritional needs. To feed an additional two billion people by 2050, food production will need to increase by 50 % globally. Whilst more food will need to be produced, there is a shrinking rural labour force because of increasing urbanization. At the same time, food production will inevitably face other challenges, such as climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, loss of pollinators, and degradation of arable lands. These conditions require the adoption of rapid technological advances, more efficient and sustainable production methods, and also more efficient and sustainable food supply chains. +As reflected in the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 2, one of the greatest challenges facing the world is how to ensure that a growing global population, projected to rise to around 10 billion by 2050, will be able to meet its nutritional needs. To feed an additional two billion people by 2050, food production will need to increase by 50 % globally. Whilst more food will need to be produced, there is a shrinking rural labour force because of increasing urbanization. At the same time, food production will inevitably face other challenges, such as climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity, loss of pollinators, and degradation of arable lands. These conditions require the adoption of rapid technological advances, more efficient and sustainable production methods, and more efficient and sustainable food supply chains. 
  
 In short, the global population is rapidly growing, urbanizing, and becoming wealthier. Consequently, dietary patterns are also changing, thus creating greater demands for greenhouse gas (GHG) intensive foods, such as meat and dairy products, with correspondingly greater land and resource requirements. But whilst global consumption is growing, the world’s available resources, i.e. land, water, and minerals, remain finite. Thus, a major global challenge is to shift the growth-based economic model towards a balanced eco-economic paradigm that replaces infinite growth with sustainable development.  In short, the global population is rapidly growing, urbanizing, and becoming wealthier. Consequently, dietary patterns are also changing, thus creating greater demands for greenhouse gas (GHG) intensive foods, such as meat and dairy products, with correspondingly greater land and resource requirements. But whilst global consumption is growing, the world’s available resources, i.e. land, water, and minerals, remain finite. Thus, a major global challenge is to shift the growth-based economic model towards a balanced eco-economic paradigm that replaces infinite growth with sustainable development. 
  
-In this context, aquaponics has been identified as a farming approach that, through nutrient and waste recycling, can aid in addressing both planetary boundaries and sustainable development goals, particularly for arid regions or areas with non-arable soils. Aquaponics is also proposed as a solution for using marginal lands in urban areas for food production closer to markets. Whilst aquaponics may be considered in the mid-stage of development, there are several allied, novel methods of food production that are aligning alongside aquaponics and also which can be merged with aquaponics to deliver food efficiently and productively. These technologies include algaeponics, aeroponics, aeroaquaponics, maraponics, haloponics, biofloc technology, and vermiponics.+In this context, aquaponics has been identified as a farming approach that, through nutrient and waste recycling, can aid in addressing both planetary boundaries and sustainable development goals, particularly for arid regions or areas with non-arable soils. Aquaponics is also proposed as a solution for using marginal lands in urban areas for food production closer to markets. Whilst aquaponics may be considered in the mid-stage of development, there are several allied, novel methods of food production that are aligning alongside aquaponics, and which can be merged with aquaponics to deliver food efficiently and productively. These technologies include algaeponics, aeroponics, aeroaquaponics, maraponics, haloponics, biofloc technology, and vermiponics.
  
 Additionally, there is another aspect to be considered regarding food - food waste. This is a global issue, and only in the European Union (EU), around 88 million tonnes of food are wasted annually, consequently generating costs of 143 billion euros. Food waste is an ethical and economic issue, but it also depletes the environment of limited natural resources. It is estimated that food waste generates eight per cent of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The food wasted should be distributed to the 33 million people in the EU suffering from hunger and malnutrition [(EU_foodwaste)]. Most of the food waste ends up in landfills, making up more than 50 per cent of global landfill waste [(JennyGustavsson2011)]. This value could be reduced through better use of the organic food waste generated, as it can be composted to form organic fertilisers. Additionally, there is another aspect to be considered regarding food - food waste. This is a global issue, and only in the European Union (EU), around 88 million tonnes of food are wasted annually, consequently generating costs of 143 billion euros. Food waste is an ethical and economic issue, but it also depletes the environment of limited natural resources. It is estimated that food waste generates eight per cent of Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The food wasted should be distributed to the 33 million people in the EU suffering from hunger and malnutrition [(EU_foodwaste)]. Most of the food waste ends up in landfills, making up more than 50 per cent of global landfill waste [(JennyGustavsson2011)]. This value could be reduced through better use of the organic food waste generated, as it can be composted to form organic fertilisers.
  
-In our project, the focus will be on vermiponics, which uses worm casts of mainly red wriggler worms also known as tiger worms (Eisenia fetida or E. foetida) to provide nutrients in a hydroponic system. Allied to the vermicomposting, we will include a 'keyhole garden' design in our product. It should be noted that vermiponics is in its infancy and mainly practised by hobbyists and in research laboratories. This is why it is interesting to explore the possibilities of vermiponics.+In our project, the focus will be on vermiponics, which uses worm casts of mainly red wriggler worms also known as tiger worms (Eisenia fetida or E. foetida) to provide nutrients in a hydroponic system. Allied to the vermicomposting, we will include a 'keyhole garden' design in our product. It should be noted that vermiponics is in its infancy and mainly practised by hobbyists and in research laboratories. Therefore, it is interesting to explore the possibilities of vermiponics.
  
 ==== - Objectives ==== ==== - Objectives ====
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-From this analysis it is possible to say that **monitoring** is a common and important usage feature, mentioned in each project, to improve the relationship with the customers. Other key aspects to retain are that this relationship with customers should be open and truthful, as the company should provide information about the design and manufacturing stages, as well as service support during the usage stage. Furthermore, the products should be **reusable**, and/or **recyclable** products that actually add value, and the **modularization** and **customization** help to create **upgradable** services/products for greater longevity.+From this analysis it is possible to say that **monitoring** is a common and important usage feature, mentioned in each project, to improve the relationship with the customers. Other key aspects to retain are that this relationship with customers should be open and truthful, as the company should provide information about the design and manufacturing stages, as well as service support during the usage stage. Furthermore, the products should be **reusable**, and/or **recyclable** products that add value, and the **modularization** and **customization** help to create **upgradable** services/products for greater longevity.
 ==== - Commercial Projects ==== ==== - Commercial Projects ====
-The commercial projects/products are vital in the comparative process of the first research steps, to oversee what is already available on the market, to analyze the qualities and downsides of the products, and to conclude on which features the team's product should compile, and some issues that could be solved with said product.+The commercial projects/products are vital in the comparative process of the first research steps, to oversee what is already available on the market, to analyse the qualities and downsides of the products, and to conclude on which features the team's product should compile, and some issues that could be solved with said product.
  
 The next table contains a smart object/product for each context/market mentioned previously, with its description, main features, market, price, and an evaluation of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social) and ethics. The next table contains a smart object/product for each context/market mentioned previously, with its description, main features, market, price, and an evaluation of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social) and ethics.
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-As seen in table {{ref>rsolutions}}, indoor food production is conditioned in the three products analyzed. Subpod is perfect for outside (gardens, backyards, etc.), while Biovessel is idealized for the inside, but only for vermicomposting, as it has no space for food production, given the size of the product. Urbalive would be more interesting if everything was combined in one product (plant production and vermicomposting). Therefore, the combination of greater space for plant production with an appealing design is something that has not yet been achieved in the vermicomposting market.+As seen in Table {{ref>rsolutions}}, indoor food production is conditioned in the three products analysed. Subpod is perfect for outside (gardens, backyards, etc.), while Biovessel is idealized for the inside, but only for vermicomposting, as it has no space for food production, given the size of the product. Urbalive would be more interesting if everything was combined in one product (plant production and vermicomposting). Therefore, the combination of greater space for plant production with an appealing design is something that has not yet been achieved in the vermicomposting market.
 ==== - Summary ==== ==== - Summary ====
 Nowadays, endless smart products can be found on the market, with different applications. These objects are divided into five main contexts/markets: smart cities, smart homes, health, mobility, and lifestyle. There are common features for these markets, including remote monitoring, digitalization, and adaptability. Furthermore, people look more and more for products on which they can have a say, on which their opinion matters, and having customers' loyalty and trust is important for companies. Nowadays, endless smart products can be found on the market, with different applications. These objects are divided into five main contexts/markets: smart cities, smart homes, health, mobility, and lifestyle. There are common features for these markets, including remote monitoring, digitalization, and adaptability. Furthermore, people look more and more for products on which they can have a say, on which their opinion matters, and having customers' loyalty and trust is important for companies.
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 Based on this study of the state of the art, the team decided to adopt the following strategies: manufacture a modular/reconfigurable product with connectivity; develop a product that adds value and that answers to the existing problem of sustainable food production in today's society; choose the most sustainable production strategies and materials possible; be communicative with customers, and open about the manufacturing process and materials used. Therefore, the team will develop a smart modular 'keyhole garden' structure, to fulfil the need for sustainable food production techniques as the world's population grows. Based on this study of the state of the art, the team decided to adopt the following strategies: manufacture a modular/reconfigurable product with connectivity; develop a product that adds value and that answers to the existing problem of sustainable food production in today's society; choose the most sustainable production strategies and materials possible; be communicative with customers, and open about the manufacturing process and materials used. Therefore, the team will develop a smart modular 'keyhole garden' structure, to fulfil the need for sustainable food production techniques as the world's population grows.
  
-The following chapter is an overview of project management throughout the duration of the semester.+The following chapter is an overview of project management throughout the semester.
 ===== - Project Management ===== ===== - Project Management =====
 The team followed the agile project management methodology named Scrum, due to its short, iterative cycles (sprints) and flexibility. This is a simple framework to implement and it solves problems such as development cycles, inflexible project plans, and shifting production schedules [(wrike_scrum)]. The team followed the agile project management methodology named Scrum, due to its short, iterative cycles (sprints) and flexibility. This is a simple framework to implement and it solves problems such as development cycles, inflexible project plans, and shifting production schedules [(wrike_scrum)].
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 It seems that quality is a major category that consumers use to evaluate a product or service. Meeting users expectations is crucial for people involved in a business and is driven by the market conditions such as competition.
 It seems that quality is a major category that consumers use to evaluate a product or service. Meeting users expectations is crucial for people involved in a business and is driven by the market conditions such as competition.

 ==== - People ==== ==== - People ====
-Human resources are the key factor for a project. Team members contribute to multiple task development. To help organize the work different tasks were allocated to team members. What is more the team knows who is responsible for a certain task. It is visible in the table below.+Human resources are the key factor for a project. Team members contribute to multiple task development. To help organize the work different tasks were allocated to team members. What is more the team knows who is responsible for a certain task. It is visible in the following table.
  
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 | TR         | Teambuilding report    | Done      |    | TR         | Teambuilding report    | Done      |   
 | TC         | Topic choice   | Done   |       | TC         | Topic choice   | Done   |      
-| SA         | State of art and project backlog   | In progress     |   +| SA         | State of art and project backlog   | Done |   
 | BB         | Blackbox  | To do      |    | BB         | Blackbox  | To do      |   
-| SSS        | System schematic and structural drawings + cardboard model   | To do      |    +| SSS        | System schematic and structural drawings + cardboard model   | Done     |    
-| LM         | List of materials    | To do      |    +| LM         | List of materials    | Done      |    
-| IR         | Interim report and presentation   | To do      |  +| IR         | Interim report and presentation   | Done     |  
-| LLR        | List of materials (revised): local providers & price, including VAT & transportation | To do      |  +| LLR        | List of materials (revised): local providers & price, including VAT & transportation | Done     |  
-| RDP        | Refined design of the product  | To do      |  +| RDP        | Refined design of the product  | Done      |  
-| RIR        | Revised interim report  | To do      | +| RIR        | Revised interim report  | Done      | 
-| SD         | Start Design  | To do      | +| SD         | Start Design  | Done      | 
-| FD         | Finalize design  | To do      | +| FD         | Finalize design  | Done  | 
-| FD         | Finalize design: high fidelity prototype  | To do      | +| FD         | Finalize design: high fidelity prototype  | Done     | 
-| FT         | Upload result of functional tests  | To do      | +| FT         | Upload result of functional tests  | Done      | 
-| FR         | Upload final report + presentation + video + paper + poster  | To do      | +| FR         | Upload final report + presentation + video + paper + poster  | Done     | 
-| FP         | Final presentation  | To do      |+| FP         | Final presentation  | Done      |
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 ==== - Introduction ==== ==== - Introduction ====
  
-Creating a marketing plan is critical for any business. Developing a marketing plan will help us think about the purpose, buyer personas, budget, methods, and deliverables for each campaign. We'll be able to keep on track with a campaign, notice what works and what doesn't, and measure the effectiveness of our brand strategy if we have all of this information in one place.+Creating a marketing plan is critical for any business. Developing a marketing plan will help us think about the purpose, buyer personas, budget, methods, and deliverables for each campaign. We will be able to keep on track with a campaign, notice what works and what does not, and measure the effectiveness of our brand strategy if we have all this information in one place.
  
 The focus of our strategy will be to ensure that Wormify meets client needs and develops long-term and profitable relationships with those clients. To do this, will develop a flexible strategy able to adapt to changes in customer perceptions and demand. The focus of our strategy will be to ensure that Wormify meets client needs and develops long-term and profitable relationships with those clients. To do this, will develop a flexible strategy able to adapt to changes in customer perceptions and demand.
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 Second, we will conduct an honest and comprehensive SWOT analysis of our marketing strategy document, looking at our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. We will perform market research on existing customers to get a more accurate picture of our reputation in the marketplace. Second, we will conduct an honest and comprehensive SWOT analysis of our marketing strategy document, looking at our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. We will perform market research on existing customers to get a more accurate picture of our reputation in the marketplace.
  
-The third step is to identify the strategic objectives by using the SMART methodology. Specific and measurable objectives define the success of a project or initiative. Fourth, we will visualize Wormify concerning the market and competition. Fifth, we will focus on the 4P’s of the marketing mix to decide how to take the new offer to the market and to test our marketing strategy. The final focus will be on the budget and strategy control to ensure that the marketing objectives are attained.+The third step is to identify the strategic objectives by using the SMART methodology. Specific and measurable objectives define the success of a project or initiative. Fourth, we will visualize Wormify concerning the market and competition. Fifth, we will focus on the 4C’s of the marketing mix to decide how to take the new offer to the market and to test our marketing strategy. The final focus will be on the budget and strategy control to ensure that the marketing objectives are attained.
  
  
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 **Competitive Matrix** **Competitive Matrix**
  
-A competitive matrix is a technique for industry analysis that analyzes the attributes of different brands in your market sector to determine their differences, strengths, and weaknesses. This data assists you in identifying your unique competitive edge and prospects for business growth.+A competitive matrix is a technique for industry analysis that analyses the attributes of different brands in your market sector to determine their differences, strengths, and weaknesses. This data assists you in identifying your unique competitive edge and prospects for business growth.
  
 We will use a competitive matrix in a form of a chart that lists each competitor along with a list of their features and benefits. **Table {{ref>CompetitiveMatrix}}** shows the differences between the Wormify composting system and other similar products. We will use a competitive matrix in a form of a chart that lists each competitor along with a list of their features and benefits. **Table {{ref>CompetitiveMatrix}}** shows the differences between the Wormify composting system and other similar products.
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 ==== - Strategic Objectives ==== ==== - Strategic Objectives ====
  
-Strategic goals are statements that suggest what is crucial or essential in your organizational strategy. In other words, they’re targets that allow the team to understand their strategic goals and to decide if their plan is successful and well implemented. As a result, we've agreed to use the SMART approach to set targets.+Strategic goals are statements that suggest what is crucial or essential in your organizational strategy. In other words, they are targets that allow the team to understand their strategic goals and to decide if their plan is successful and well implemented. As a result, we have agreed to use the SMART approach to set targets.
  
 SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Therefore, a SMART goal incorporates all of these criteria to help focus our efforts and increase the chances of achieving the end goal. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Therefore, a SMART goal incorporates all of these criteria to help focus our efforts and increase the chances of achieving the end goal.
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-The team has decided to break into the bio marketplace with a unique and cost-effective product named Wormify. Knowing the benefits that Wormify brings to the table, we will further analyze it as a product.  An effective positioning strategy considers the strengths and weaknesses of the team, the needs of the customers and market, and the position of competitors. The purpose of a positioning strategy is that it allows the team to spotlight specific areas where they can outshine and beat their competition.+The team has decided to break into the bio marketplace with a unique and cost-effective product named Wormify. Knowing the benefits that Wormify brings to the table, we will further analyse it as a product.  An effective positioning strategy considers the strengths and weaknesses of the team, the needs of the customers and market, and the position of competitors. The purpose of a positioning strategy is that it allows the team to spotlight specific areas where they can outshine and beat their competition.
  
 During the project semester, we collected different proposals to find a suitable name for our vermiculture project. Towards the beginning of the project, a survey was created in which the possible brand names were divided into the two groups "closed-loop" and "sustainable/local" to find out which brand name and which group was preferred. During the project semester, we collected different proposals to find a suitable name for our vermiculture project. Towards the beginning of the project, a survey was created in which the possible brand names were divided into the two groups "closed-loop" and "sustainable/local" to find out which brand name and which group was preferred.
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   - **Measure performance** \\ Wormify creates a safe environment for compost worms and aerobic (odourless) microbes to convert organic household waste into vermicompost. The worms move through the perforations in the underground part, aerating and carrying those nutrients into the surrounding soil, creating an optimally fertile environment for plants to thrive.   - **Measure performance** \\ Wormify creates a safe environment for compost worms and aerobic (odourless) microbes to convert organic household waste into vermicompost. The worms move through the perforations in the underground part, aerating and carrying those nutrients into the surrounding soil, creating an optimally fertile environment for plants to thrive.
   - **Compare performance**  \\ Conventional household compost systems, such as tumblers, worm towers, and those ubiquitous big black buckets, sit above the ground where the material, worms and microbes are exposed to extreme temperatures. \\ When compost gets too hot, and not correctly managed, it becomes anaerobic and turns into a foul-smelling, greenhouse-gas-emitting sludge that attracts vermin and makes composting a drag – as well as a complete waste of time. Managing these systems is labour-intensive and difficult. Wormify eliminates these issues and is practically maintenance-free. \\    - **Compare performance**  \\ Conventional household compost systems, such as tumblers, worm towers, and those ubiquitous big black buckets, sit above the ground where the material, worms and microbes are exposed to extreme temperatures. \\ When compost gets too hot, and not correctly managed, it becomes anaerobic and turns into a foul-smelling, greenhouse-gas-emitting sludge that attracts vermin and makes composting a drag – as well as a complete waste of time. Managing these systems is labour-intensive and difficult. Wormify eliminates these issues and is practically maintenance-free. \\ 
-  - **Analyze deviations** \\ A typical mistake in worm feeding is assuming that they can or would consume anything organic or biodegradable. In reality, there are some popular foods and organic materials that should not be composted in a vermicomposting system: \\ - Grass clippings are a fantastic addition to a conventional compost pile, and worms will consume them in their natural environment, but they will heat the soil and kill all of the worms in a vermicomposting system. \\   - Meats, oils, and dairy products can be treated in a closed compost system, but not in a vermicomposting system. \\   - Citrus has the ability to decrease the pH of the vermiculture environment. Citrus peels or leftovers should make up no more than 20% of any given meal. \\   - Excessive salt in leftovers should be avoided as well because salt might kill worms.+  - **Analyse deviations** \\ A typical mistake in worm feeding is assuming that they can or would consume anything organic or biodegradable. In reality, there are some popular foods and organic materials that should not be composted in a vermicomposting system: \\ - Grass clippings are a fantastic addition to a conventional compost pile, and worms will consume them in their natural environment, but they will heat the soil and kill all of the worms in a vermicomposting system. \\   - Meats, oils, and dairy products can be treated in a closed compost system, but not in a vermicomposting system. \\   - Citrus can decrease the pH of the vermiculture environment. Citrus peels or leftovers should make up no more than 20% of any given meal. \\   - Excessive salt in leftovers should be avoided as well because salt might kill worms.
   - **Decide if corrective action is needed** \\ Wormify began with a simple idea: make composting a part of everyday life. We believe that if we can do that, we can teach people to love the soil their food comes from, and make the world a little bit better together. To achieve this purpose and avoid risks we have created a comprehensive FAQ and User Manual.   - **Decide if corrective action is needed** \\ Wormify began with a simple idea: make composting a part of everyday life. We believe that if we can do that, we can teach people to love the soil their food comes from, and make the world a little bit better together. To achieve this purpose and avoid risks we have created a comprehensive FAQ and User Manual.
  
  
-Whenever there is a bottleneck in the business – we need to first identify the cause and then run a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to improve the specific area that is causing problems. PDCA cycle is an iterative process for continually improving products, people, and services. It became an integral part of what is known today as Lean management. The Plan-Do-Check-Act model, represented in **Figure {{ref>swot}}**, includes solutions testing, analyzing results, and improving the process.+Whenever there is a bottleneck in the business – we need to first identify the cause and then run a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to improve the specific area that is causing problems. PDCA cycle is an iterative process for continually improving products, people, and services. It became an integral part of what is known today as Lean management. The Plan-Do-Check-Act model, represented in **Figure {{ref>swot}}**, includes solutions testing, analysing results, and improving the process.
  
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 ==== - Introduction ==== ==== - Introduction ====
-Sustainability is a strong concept how has the value to keep us healthy as a society. The “Brundtland Commission” (the duty of this commission is to connect countries to pursue sustainable development together) released its final report, Our Common Future, which defines sustainable development as "a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” [(MCGILL2017)].+Sustainability is a strong concept how has the value to keep us healthy as a society. The “Brundtland Commission” (this commission must connect countries to pursue sustainable development together) released its final report, Our Common Future, which defines sustainable development as "a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” [(MCGILL2017)].
  
 These days, most organizations are seeking to attain sustainable development through assessing green performance and the main criterion is Eco-efficiency. Eco-efficiency is an improved measure of sustainability because it connects environmental impacts directly with economic performance and it works as a valuable tool to approach sustainable development [(RodrigoCaiado2017)]. These days, most organizations are seeking to attain sustainable development through assessing green performance and the main criterion is Eco-efficiency. Eco-efficiency is an improved measure of sustainability because it connects environmental impacts directly with economic performance and it works as a valuable tool to approach sustainable development [(RodrigoCaiado2017)].
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   * Analysis of the contribution of the life cycle stages to the overall environmental load, usually to prioritize improvements on products or processes;   * Analysis of the contribution of the life cycle stages to the overall environmental load, usually to prioritize improvements on products or processes;
-  * Comparison between products for internal use [(IyyankiV.Muralikrishna2017)].+  * Comparison between products for internal use [(IyyankiV2017)].
  
 To describe the process we need to get through the different stages of a product’s life, such as raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, and use. In this ecodesign wheel, the final stage is recycling, here we need to optimize the end-of-life systems to approach infinity recycling.  To describe the process we need to get through the different stages of a product’s life, such as raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, and use. In this ecodesign wheel, the final stage is recycling, here we need to optimize the end-of-life systems to approach infinity recycling. 
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   - Provide their services with diligence and punctuality so as not to harm the client or third parties, never abandoning, without justification, the jobs entrusted to them or the positions they perform;   - Provide their services with diligence and punctuality so as not to harm the client or third parties, never abandoning, without justification, the jobs entrusted to them or the positions they perform;
   - Not disclose or use professional secrets or information, especially scientific and techniques obtained confidentially in the exercise of their functions, unless, in conscience, they consider that the requirements of the common good may be at risk;   - Not disclose or use professional secrets or information, especially scientific and techniques obtained confidentially in the exercise of their functions, unless, in conscience, they consider that the requirements of the common good may be at risk;
-  - Only be paid for the services they have actually provided and taking into account their fair value;+  - Only be paid for the services they have provided and taking into account their fair value;
   - Refuse to collaborate in jobs whose payment is subject to confirmation of a predetermined conclusion, although this circumstance may influence the setting of remuneration;   - Refuse to collaborate in jobs whose payment is subject to confirmation of a predetermined conclusion, although this circumstance may influence the setting of remuneration;
   - Refuse compensation from more than one person interested in their work when there may be conflicts of interest or if there is no consent of either party.   - Refuse compensation from more than one person interested in their work when there may be conflicts of interest or if there is no consent of either party.
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-To sum up, the following table shows the most important aspects from the four articles analyzed.+To sum up, the following table shows the most important aspects from the four articles analysed.
  
  
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 ==== - Environmental Ethics ====  ==== - Environmental Ethics ==== 
  
-Environmental concerns have been around for many decades but with the huge impact of the media, these have been brought to the spotlight in recent years. Green marketing is the process of promoting products or services based on their environmental benefits. However, labels such as "sustainable", "conscious" or "green" are many times, used wrongfully and without proof. This is called **Green-washing**, giving a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products/services are more environmentally friendly than they actually are. Some examples of Green-washing are:+Environmental concerns have been around for many decades but with the huge impact of the media, these have been brought to the spotlight in recent years. Green marketing is the process of promoting products or services based on their environmental benefits. However, labels such as "sustainable", "conscious" or "green" are many times, used wrongfully and without proof. This is called **Green-washing**, giving a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products/services are more environmentally friendly than they are. Some examples of Green-washing are:
   * Saying "product made **with** recycled materials", but only a small percentage of recycled materials was indeed used;   * Saying "product made **with** recycled materials", but only a small percentage of recycled materials was indeed used;
   * Irrelevant allegations saying "product does not contain CFCs" or "not tested on animals" when the product is produced in Europe - both are forbidden in Europe. This is different from "Cruelty-Free", which certifies that the brand does not sell for countries that do those tests (like China, for example);   * Irrelevant allegations saying "product does not contain CFCs" or "not tested on animals" when the product is produced in Europe - both are forbidden in Europe. This is different from "Cruelty-Free", which certifies that the brand does not sell for countries that do those tests (like China, for example);
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 === - Target Group === === - Target Group ===
  
-To come with a valuable design, we first thought of a target group, presented in the figure below. We decided to focus on people who live in the city, as previously stated in the marketing chapter. More specifically on people living in apartment buildings. They could use their roof to install the modular vermiponics system or just use one module on their own personal balcony. This way the vermiponic system will not only allow them to produce herbs and vegetables sustainably but also will have the power to connect the residents to one and other, as it can function as a meeting spot to come together. +To come with a valuable design, we first thought of a target group, presented in the following figure. We decided to focus on people who live in the city, as previously stated in the marketing chapter. More specifically on people living in apartment buildings. They could use their roof to install the modular vermiponics system or just use one module on their balcony. This way the vermiponic system will not only allow them to produce herbs and vegetables sustainably but also will have the power to connect the residents to one and other, as it can function as a meeting spot to come together. 
  
 <WRAP centeralign> <WRAP centeralign>
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 ==== - Parts and Materials ==== ==== - Parts and Materials ====
-This section provides a detailed overview of each part of the system, analyzing the options the team went through regarding shape and material.+This section provides a detailed overview of each part of the system, analysing the options the team went through regarding shape and material.
  
 === - Bars === === - Bars ===
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-Where 1 means the lowest grade and 10 is the highest (the best) in each category, i.e. in costs production 1 means is very expensive and 10 stays for being extremely cheap.+
  
 **Properties of the different materials** **Properties of the different materials**
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 Organic material composed solely of carbon and hydrogen. It has no impact on the environment. Organic material composed solely of carbon and hydrogen. It has no impact on the environment.
-Its advantages are: physiologically indifferent, air permeability and low water vapour permeability, non-flammable, odourless, does not absorb water, ease of processing, thermoplastic, it is perfect for the production of products with complex shapes [(polypropylene)].+Its advantages are: physiologically indifferent, air permeability and low water vapour permeability, non-flammable, odourless, does not absorb water, ease of processing, thermoplastic, it is perfect for the production of products with complex shapes [(polipropylen)].
  
  
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 On the right side of the flowerpot, a closed compartment is integrated to protect the technical/electrical components. A solar panel is integrated into the lid of this area. The keyhole garden is made of two concentric cylinders. The two cylinders will be connected through tubes. These ‘worm tubes’ provide a passageway for the worms to go in and out of the composting centre. These tubes will have two integrated time-of-flight distance sensors to detect the movement of the worms. This way the user can track the worms and the direction of their movement. On the right side of the flowerpot, a closed compartment is integrated to protect the technical/electrical components. A solar panel is integrated into the lid of this area. The keyhole garden is made of two concentric cylinders. The two cylinders will be connected through tubes. These ‘worm tubes’ provide a passageway for the worms to go in and out of the composting centre. These tubes will have two integrated time-of-flight distance sensors to detect the movement of the worms. This way the user can track the worms and the direction of their movement.
    
-Furthermore, there are two more sensors integrated into the flowerpot. One is a humidity sensor, which will measure the humidity in the soil. This way the user knows when he has to water the plants. The sensor is placed in a foreseen hole in the partition wall or “the electrical component wall”. This way the distance between the microcontroller and the humidity sensor is minimized. The last sensor in the flowerpot is a temperature sensor. This sensor measures the temperature inside the composting bin. This sensor is connected with the microcontroller through the double bottom. Both sensors will be protected from humidity with a brass pipe. +Furthermore, there are two more sensors integrated into the flowerpot. One is a humidity sensor, which will measure the humidity in the soil. This way the user knows when he has to water the plants. The sensor is placed in a foreseen hole in the partition wall or “the electrical component wall”. This way the distance between the microcontroller and the humidity sensor is minimized. The last sensor in the flowerpot is a temperature sensor. This sensor measures the temperature inside the composting bin. This sensor is connected with the microcontroller through the double bottom. The wires of the sensors will be protected from humidity with a brass pipe. 
  
  
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   * P = I x U = 0.95 W   * P = I x U = 0.95 W
  
-Further, we will analyze different options for the photovoltaic panel.+Further, we will analyse different options for the photovoltaic panel.
  
 === - Photovoltaic panel === === - Photovoltaic panel ===
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 In this part, the types of simulation that were performed for Wormify are presented.  In this part, the types of simulation that were performed for Wormify are presented. 
-First of all, we built a 1:1 scale model of one module. The prototype is obviously a simplified version of what the actual product is supposed to be. This means that dimensions are smaller and materials are cheaper and more accessible versions of the ideal ones. +First of all, we built a 1:1 scale model of one module. The prototype is a simplified version of what the actual product is supposed to be. This means that dimensions are smaller and materials are cheaper and more accessible versions of the ideal ones. 
  
 The team followed the traditional protocol to collect the worms from the land. Firstly, a bucket was inserted into the ground. Then, a layer of food waste was added, followed by a layer of dry leaves and shredded paper. Finally, the team inserted the lid on top to prevent other animals from entering the composting basket. After five days, we were able to remove the bucket from the ground and get the worms that were attracted to the food waste. The team followed the traditional protocol to collect the worms from the land. Firstly, a bucket was inserted into the ground. Then, a layer of food waste was added, followed by a layer of dry leaves and shredded paper. Finally, the team inserted the lid on top to prevent other animals from entering the composting basket. After five days, we were able to remove the bucket from the ground and get the worms that were attracted to the food waste.

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