Eco-designing Aquaponics: A Case Study of an Experimental Production System in Belgium

Aquaponics is receiving a growing interest as an emerging technology that combines recirculating aquaculture practices and hydroponics to produce fish and vegetables. However, a proper eco-design is essential to limit the environmental burdens and to enhance the economic profitability. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) were here combined to estimate the environmental and economic impacts of a designed pilot indoor aquaponic system in Belgium. Results showed that energy consumption, infrastructure and water consumption represent the main critical issues to achieve both the environmental and economic sustainability of this aquaponic system.

Aquaponics is receiving a growing interest as an emerging technology that combines recirculating aquaculture practices and hydroponics to produce fish and vegetables. However, a proper eco-design is essential to limit the environmental burdens and to enhance the economic profitability. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) were here combined to estimate the environmental and economic impacts of a designed pilot indoor aquaponic system in Belgium. Results showed that energy consumption, infrastructure and water consumption represent the main critical issues to achieve both the environmental and economic sustainability of this aquaponic system. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.