AzuLoop

• Berta Marco
• Luna Hongenaert
• Esmée Keijzer
• Kristoffer Julin
• Akseli Järvimäki
• Darius-Alexandru Ion

The European Project Semester (EPS) is an innovative engineering capstone project semester. Currently, the programme is offered by 20 European universities, including the Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP). EPS employs a learning framework based on real-world challenges, interdisciplinary projects, and multicultural and multidisciplinary teamwork. Teams are required to design solutions based on market and state-of-the-art analyses, adhere to ethical and sustainability principles, and develop and test a proof-of-concept prototype. In the spring of 2025, an EPS@ISEP team decided to address the issue of domestic water waste. The most apparent waste occurs when users turn on the tap and wait for the water to heat up, sending clean water down the drain. The designed solution eliminates this waste by redirecting water below the temperature set by the user from the shower to an additional toilet water tank. AzuLoop consists of a smart shower mixer, a water tank that adapts to existing toilet water tanks, and a few additional pipes. AzuLoop is easy to install, provides a comfortable shower experience, and reuses the clean cold shower water. During the semester, the team successfully designed, developed, and tested the AzuLoop prototype, while gaining valuable technical and personal skills through collaborative learning

This project was completed by a team of six students, each with a different academic background. They are presented in Table 1.

We all came to ISEP with the ambition to create an innovative and impactful project. By combining our knowledge and skills, we aimed to achieve an optimal result that is not only technically strong but also provides real value. The EPS programme is supported with other courses about topics that enhance our project and make us consider different perspectives of it.

Individual motivation

• Luna - I chose the EPS programme because I often love to work in a team with students from different backgrounds because I know all the better that working in the real-world, this would be the standard. Also the hands-on approach is interesting because we learn mostly from each other and the proces of the project rather than on dry class material. I'm looking forward to step out of my comfort zone and take projects that are not in my expertise to learn new skills and face new challenges.
• Berta - My motivation to choose EPS program was broadening my horizons by working together with people from other cultures and learning from each other. Also I wanted to challenge myself by living on my own in a whole new country and having fun from people from all around Europe.
• Esmée - I chose the European Project Semester, because I am excited to work with people from different educational and cultural backgrounds. I want to experience living on my own in a foreign country, it will be a challenge to solve problems in my personal time and in the EPS project. I have to work outside of my comfort zone , because engineering has nothing to do with my main studies. This is a unique opportunity to come up with creative solutions to implement User Experience Research & Design and it is also an opportunity to learn more outside of my usual field of work.
• Darius - As an Industrial Engineering and Computer Science student, being part of the European Project Semester (EPS) in Porto at ISEP allows me to apply my technical expertise in an interdisciplinary, real-world setting. My experience with AI-based image recognition, additive manufacturing, and sustainability projects has strengthened my problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation skills. Through this program, I am enhancing my engineering knowledge, collaborating in a diverse environment, and developing sustainable solutions that align with my passion for electric propulsion and mobility technologies. EPS is a perfect opportunity to bridge my academic background with practical industry challenges while growing as an engineer and global team player.
• Kristoffer - I chose the EPS program because it seemed like a convenient way, to combine courses with a project, and then apply the knowledge from the courses to the actual project. Another reason why is to learn how to work in a multicultural environment, and learn how to work in a multidisciplinary field.
• Akseli - I chose the EPS program because it offers a structured way to merge theoretical learning with practical project work. It also provides a great opportunity to apply course knowledge to real-world challenges. Another key reason was the chance to gain experience in a multicultural and multidisciplinary work environment.

Project motivation

Beyond our personal motivation to participate in the EPS project at ISEP, we are strongly driven by our chosen topic. Smartifying everyday objects can be very diverse, but we see it as an opportunity to use our technical skills and knowledge on a topic that inspires us and that is challenging enough to work on an entire semester on it. We want to deliver a project we can be really proud of.

We started with identifying the design focus, namely sustainability. This way we are able to contribute to environmental improvements in our own way and set a clear goal for this project. Water consumption in everyday households stood out for us as an issue that we are able to understand, extremely relevant all over the world and it is tangible enough to contribute to a solution. Water usage is something we deal with daily on both environmental and financial terms. We hope with just a few adjustments in the daily household, we can contribute to reducing unnecessary water waste with just a small addition or transformation to an already existing object.

By tackling this problem we are not only creating a solution, but we are also raising awareness and encouraging others to consume water in a responsible way. This challenge offers an opportunity for us to gather our technical skills and knowledge to create something meaningful and make a real difference in the way we interact with essential resources.

Water waste is a widespread issue. A study by Water Practice and Technology estimates that approximately 20 % to 50 % of all usable water is lost due to leaks, poor infrastructure, or inefficiency. Household water waste ranks as the second largest contributor to this problem, following agriculture. One significant yet often overlooked source of household water waste is the water lost while waiting for the shower to reach the desired temperature [Bassey James, 2025].

This type of waste, known as warm-up waste, varies depending on the household's plumbing system and the distance between the water heater and the shower. In cases where the heater is not located near the shower, it can take up to 60 seconds for hot water to arrive. If one assumes an average wait time of one minute, approximately 5.6 liters of clean water is wasted per shower. In a household of four people showering daily, this amounts to 24.4 liters per day or 8.906 liters per year [Evolve Technologies, 2025].

Beyond water waste, this also translates into financial loss. In Portugal, the cost of water is 0.001 7 € per liter, meaning that a family of four could save around 15.14 € per year by simply redirecting and reusing this cold water instead of letting it go to waste [TPN, 2024].

Reducing warm-up waste is not only beneficial for household expenses but also has a significant environmental impact. Although 71 % of the Earth's surface is covered in water, only 3 % is freshwater, and just 0.5 % is accessible for human use. The less water people waste, the smaller the strain on water resources and wastewater systems. Additionally, minimizing wastewater discharge helps reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals into natural bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, protecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity [4].

Our goal is to develop a simple yet effective system that significantly reduces household water waste, potentially decreasing shower water consumption by up to 10 %. Instead of letting cold water run down the drain while waiting for the shower to heat up, our system will redirect it to an extra tank above the toilet, allowing it to be reused for flushing.

The product is a separate device that is installed between the water mixer and the showerhead. It includes a temperature sensor, a microcontroller, and two solenoid valves: one that directs water to the showerhead when the desired temperature is reached and another that redirects cold water to the toilet tank when it is not warm enough yet. The extra tank above the toilet has a float sensor that measures the water level to make sure if the stored water can or should be used to flush the toilet.

By applying this product, the team wants to minimize water waste while the user doesn't has to change their daily behaviour or make too much effort. The process is completely automated, which makes water management and sustainable behaviour effortless.

Specify here the identified and mandatory requirements the solution has to fulfil

User interaction:

• Safe to use around water.
• Easy to use, intuitive.
• Possibility to personalize user settings.
• Make the user aware of their actions.

Interior:

• Usable water saving system
• Energetic efficient

Exterior:

• Attractive design.
• As small as possible.
• In harmony with the surroundings

Others:

• Budget friendly
• Ecologic

The main objective of building a prototype is to test the product's functionality. Prototype functional testing is a crucial step to validate if the product can be brought into real life. To guarantee the best result and experience for the users, the team will conduct several tests on the prototype.

• Structural test:To verify the structural adequacy and integrity of the water tank under hydrostatic pressure loads, a comprehensive stress analysis will be performed using SOLIDWORKS Simulation. The tank will be subjected to 30L water capacity (equivalent to 1,720 Pa maximum pressure at the bottom) through nonuniform pressure distribution simulation. The analysis will evaluate von Mises stress concentrations, particularly at critical locations such as base-wall junctions and corner regions where maximum stresses occur. Material yield strength will be compared against calculated maximum stresses to ensure a minimum safety factor of 2.0. Displacement analysis will verify that wall deformations remain within acceptable limits. The structural test passes if maximum stress values stay below material yield strength with adequate safety margins, and if no excessive deformation or structural failure occurs under the specified hydrostatic load conditions.
• Software test: To make sure the components and their connections are well planned, the team will simulate the software test first with Tinkercad.Afterwards, the testing of all input values will be done, the water level switches, the temperature sensor, and the potentiometer. Making sure values are similar to reality. Mapping the potentiometer so it represents the temperature values correctly. Checking if the valves can be controlled through the relay through the microcontroller. Making sure the valves are activated at the right time based on said temperature , and the level of the tank.
• Electrical test: Test the electrical components of the system, and the automation (in this case the microcontrollers switching properties), relays, and solenoid valves. In this case the test will be done by applying both a 5 and a 12 voltage from the power supply to the electrical components, 5 V will be applied with jumper cables, and the solenoids will be tested by applying 12 V from the relays switches by using a cable with fast connector terminals. How the team determines whether the electrical test passes or not is based on the functionality of the relays and solenoids, If the solenoids and relays work (the relay pulls & the solenoid opens), the test passes, If not, the test automatically fails.
• Real quality prototype test: Testing the complete product's functionality as fully assembled, and in a normal working environment, in order to make sure that it complies with our quality standards. Here both the software and the electrical parts go through another test phase, simultaneously with the hardware test to make sure it withstands the affecting stress caused by water pressure, this test will be done by mounting the water hoses to a water mixer with a threaded connector, the team will gradually increase the water pressure to make sure it withstands the requirement. How the team determines whether the Real quality prototype test passes or not is based by the system's whole functionality ( Software & electrical test & stress test combined). The Real quality prototype test passes if the electrical test passes as announced on the electrical test part, and the Software test passes as announced on the Software test part. Also the pipes and their connectors should withstand 3 bar water pressure without any leakage from pipes or pipe fittings. If the prototype does not meet these requirements it does not pass the test and automatically fails.

With these tests, the team will conclude whether the product is viable or should be redesigned. The team's aim is to ensure a good product with good quality, in this case the test will be completed by installing our product to a water mixer, from where the team can regulate the warm/cold water distribution and therefore test the sensors and switching properties, as well as make sure our product withstands the affecting water pressure.

In order to have an overview of the actual market and solutions to the problem, it is fundamental to do a state-of-the-art research.

Below there's research on different products that help solve the problem of water wasting, and some projects that help spread awareness of water being a finite good and solutions to the problem.

Finally, the comparative analysis helps define the current solutions' areas of action and identify their weaknesses and strengths.

Some concepts that help understand the main problem and the proposed solution are:

• Water flow It's defined by the volume of water moving through a specific area or point during a period of time.
• Valve It's a device that controls, regulates or directs the flow of a fluid by opening, closing or partially obstructing passageways.
• Water consumption It's the quantity of water used by people, agriculture, and industries for daily activities like cooking, drinking, farming, and manufacturing
• Environmental crisis An actual serious problem affecting nature, caused by the human impact that harms ecosystems and threatens life on Earth resulting in climate change and species extinction.
• User awareness Knowledge and understanding by people about how their actions affect resources such as water, with the aim of promoting their responsible and sustainable use.
• Safe water It is the kind of water which is drinkable or suitable for personal hygiene, without representing any risk to health.
• Greywaters This is wastewater from domestic or office uses that does not contain fecal contamination, such as that coming from showers, toilets, washing machines or sinks.
• Water reuse The process of treating and repurposing wastewater, stormwater, or graywater for beneficial uses
• Water recycle The process of treating wastewater to remove impurities so that it can be reused for the same or different purposes, reducing water waste and promoting sustainable resource management. While water reuse generally refers to using treated water for various applications, water recycling emphasizes the process of purification and returning water to a system for continued use.

In this section you can find a research on some of the products that are already on the market which address water waste in households:

Shower Timer (See figure 1)

The user sets a shower time and how many showers a day should be available. When the user presses the start button, the shower timer starts counting back; when the time is off, the shower water is also cut off until the next available shower period. It is designed for domestic and commercial use in Australia. A regular shower uses between 8L and 15 L per minute, so considering a 13 min shower at 12 L/min, it would be using 156 L. If the shower length was reduced to 6 min, it would save 84 L.

When it’s on it consumes less than 10 W, and when it’s not in use it consumes less than 2 W. So this solution helps to avoid unnecessary long showers, compromising the user’s comfort, but improving the customer's finances.

Flow and temperature meter connector (See figure 2)

Device that measures the temperature and water flow, so users are more conscious about the energy and water usage. It is a connector to place in the shower head cord with a display that shows the temperature and the water consumption in real time. It has an LED frame around the display that changes colors from green to red depending on the water consumption, so the user knows when they are wasting too much water.

Furthermore, it works without any battery thanks to a dynamo, so it doesn’t increase energy consumption.

Shower regulator (See figure 3)

A flow regulator is a device that is installed between the shower head and the hose in order to control and limit the flow of water. Its main purpose is to reduce water consumption without compromising a comfortable and enjoyable shower. This device incorporates a small opening or valve mechanism that restricts the water flow. Some models use rubber or plastic diaphragms that adapt to the water pressure to maintain a constant flow rate, while others have fixed orifices that allow up to a certain volume of water per minute.

Flow regulators can be found in different capacities, usually between 14 L/min and 6 L/min.

Faucet aerator (See figure 4)

Faucet aerators are small attachments that screw onto the tip of a faucet, they are a type of water flow regulators. They help control water flow by mixing air with water, creating a smooth, non-splashing stream. Because of their compact design, aerators blend with the faucet, making them hardly noticeable at first glance.

Like shower flow regulators, faucet aerators come in different flow rate options from 14 L/min to 4,5 L/min, allowing customers to choose how much water is restricted.

WOTA box (See figure 5)

WOTA Box is a portable water reuse system that enables water use even with no water supply. More than 98 % of wastewater is reused, delivering safe and reliable water anytime, anywhere.

This product is designed to solve the problem of not being able to bring water in emergency situations or outdoor events. Although it actually needs a power supply source.

WOTA BOX removes more than 99.99 % of viruses and bacteria using four types of filters (one sediment, two activated carbon and one RO membrane), deep ultraviolet rays and chlorine disinfection. 

This product relies on AI to monitor and control the quality of the clean water and system and notifies the user when there’s any problem or need for maintenance.

Toilet with integrated sink (See figure 6)

The solution described below is an accessory to put over the toilet tank, although there are other similar solutions, which are a toilet with an integrated sink. The purpose of this accessory is reusing the waste water from washing hands for flushing the toilet. It’s designed to be easy to install.

It also addresses the issue of kids not remembering to wash their hands after using the toilet, and with its touch-free faucet, it breaks the chain of germs. Likewise, it is very suitable for small spaces since the sink room is not needed anymore in the bathroom.

Water Flow Kit (See figure 7)

The kit can be connected to an existing faucet or pipeline, allowing the user to track their water usage accurately. This kit enables real-time monitoring of the water consumption. It can also monitor water temperature and flow.

It has been designed for an easy installation so that the user can do it themselves by just attaching the sensors to the chosen pipeline or faucet and connecting the kit to the home assistant system via Wi-Fi.

The user can also set up alarms or notifications for a certain level of water consumption in order to prevent careless water waste.

Some of the product limitations are the ability to connect only up to two flow sensors, only allowing to track water consumption in two different locations. And also, it’s designed for indoor use, and it’s not recommended for outside use.

Water impact awareness campaign

Some associations and agencies have launched campaigns to raise awareness of water misuse, giving users some tips to save water in their daily lives such as EPA(United States Environmental Protection Agency), WaterWiseEU, EPAL (Grupo de Águas de Portugal).

Hydraloop [Hydraloop, 2025].

This project from the Netherlands and Belgium offers products to recycle waste water from the shower, purifying it and bringing it back to the system. It reduces the water use by 25 % - 45 %.

Grey Water Action [Grey Water Action, 2025].

This project, from a collaborative of educators and the California Department of Water Resources, leads people on grey water systems in order to reuse it in irrigation systems.

One Drop Foundation [One Drop, 2025].

It's a nonprofit foundation that is organizing water-saving initiatives worldwide to guarantee safe access to water for different communities.

Figure 2 shows a comparative analysis of all products and projects that are related to what the team wants to achieve.

Based on this study on the state of the art, the team decided to focus on recycling water from the shower.

Inspired by the WOTA box technology, the final product could be a redirection from the shower waste water to the house water system. The problem with this kind of project is purifying the water and the maintenance the system would need. There’s where another solution comes up; the project could be focused on the clean water that goes to waste before actually showering, just because it’s too cold. Inspired by the water flow kit, the solution could track the temperature of the water and only let it run when it’s warm enough. That way there wouldn’t be any need for filters or chemicals, and the not-warm-enough water would go back to the boiler.

Also inspired by the toilet with integrated sink, another solution would be redirecting the cold water or the shower waste water to the toilet tank instead of the boiler, and as a result, saving energy.

This chapter will address the topic of project management. It will present a comprehensive overview of the practical aspects of project management, including key elements such as stakeholders, costs, procurement, scope, and time. Project management is a crucial part of the project since it ensures the formation of a highly organised team. This, in turn, leads to the successful completion of a project that aligns with the needs of stakeholders, meets the desired scope, and provides team members with a good view of what is going on.

The team designed a system using a microcontroller that continuously measures the temperature of the input water from the boiler. If the temperature is below an input (, the water is automatically divert to a storage tank instead of being wasted. This stored water is later used to flush the toilet, giving it a second life and reducing overall water consumption. The following chapter defines the project's boundaries by outlining the overall project scope (Figure 8), detailing the work required to achieve each.

In order to effectively manage the project scope, the work will be further divided into the different deliverables that the team has to hand over in the wiki expressed in this work task breakdown structure:

The EPS teams have to complete a list of milestones (See figure 3).

The total cost of those components is 912.42 € and that would just be for one unit of the product. Also, the team is composed of a staff as seen in the table with salary budgeting [Glassdoor, 2025]. Since the project lasts 5 months, the total budget for the staffs salary will be 76000 € (See Table 4). Furthermore, there's a set budget for the prototype of 100 € which is the budget this EPS project should adjust to. (See Figure 9).

The team has documented quality metrics that apply to the project deliverables, associated thresholds and how they should be reviewed (See Figure 5 and 6).

People participating in a project can cause a high risk of unpredictability, that is why it is important to organize and delegate tasks among all the parties & team members involved in the project. This particular section outlines the key individuals and groups involved in the project, and describes their roles, responsibilities, and contributions to the project .

The key to successfully delegating tasks is to keep in mind the following aspects of the group members:

• Skills and Expertise: Knowing the skills and capabilities of the team members is fundamental when assigning tasks, so that the outcome can be the best possible.
• Roles and Responsibilities: In order to avoid confusion and overlap, it is important to define the roles and responsibilities of each member and make sure that the tasks align with that.
• Availability and Workload: Equity is a synonym of fairness. When talking about workload, it is important to make sure no team member is overburdened to prevent burnouts.
• Interest and Motivation: Assigning team members tasks they are interested in will improve their engagement and productivity in the project.
• Collaboration and Team Dynamics: Sharing tasks should promote teamwork and collaboration, so in order to get that, it is necessary to know how team members work together.

Azuloop doesn’t have any project manager, resulting in that all team members have the same responsibility among project management, and following the scope. See on the table 7 the roles and responsibilities of the different individuals and groups involved in the project.

The team documented how they will manage communications and meetings, which communication channels they use, etc.

Meeting agenda

The Meeting Agenda will be uploaded to the wiki page at least 1 day in advance of the meeting. The Agenda should identify the topics to be discussed or addressed during the meeting.

Meeting minutes

Meeting minutes will be uploaded to the wiki page within the same day as the meeting. Meeting Minutes will include the status of all items on the agenda, along with new agreements discussed in the meeting.

Meeting chair person

The Chair Person is responsible for uploading the Meeting Agenda and leading the meeting. This role will change each meeting, letting all team members lead the meeting, usually according to the expertise of each one of them.

Note taker

The Note Taker will change every meeting, just like the Chair Person. The Note Taker is responsible for documenting everything discussed in the meeting and using those notes to complete and upload the Meeting Minutes.

Time keeper

Usually the time keeper will be a professor. Its responsibility is to help the team adhere to the time limit, letting the Chair Person know when they are approaching the end of their given time.

In the matrix is stated what types of communication the team used, the objective, medium, frequency, audience and deliverable of those communication types (See figure 8).

• Microsoft Teams: It is the most used tool by the professors and supervisors to upload information and resources.
• Outlook: It is the medium through which the formal communication that needs to be fast is sent.
• WhatsApp: It is the most used mean for fast communication with the team members. The team uses it daily and communicates issues that need to be solved quickly.
• Jira: It is the main tool for project management; the team uploads their progress, completes the sprint reports, and is used for knowing and communicating the tasks and scopes.

The team documented how they communicate with the stakeholders (See figure 9).

The risks associated with this project can be divided into three categories: technical risks, installation risks, and safety risks. Each of these has the potential to affect the reliability, usability, and safety of the system. Below we describe each risk type, its potential impact, and suggest ways to mitigate them. (See Figure 10).

Technical risks

-Sensor failure: Could result in incorrect water routing, leading to cold water going to the shower or overflowing the toilet reservoir.

-Microcontroller failure: May cause total system malfunction, stopping valve control and logic execution.

Response:

-Use reliable, tested components.

-Add redundancy or a manual override if possible.

-Perform regular software and hardware testing.

Installation risks

-Compatibility issues: The system might not fit all shower or toilet models.

-Water leaks: Poor installation or connector mismatch could result in leaks.

Response:

-Provide detailed installation guides.

-Use standard fittings and connectors.

-Test prototypes on different fixture types.

Safety risks

-Melting or overheating: If the case or components are made of unsuitable material or poorly ventilated.

-Electrical hazards: Risk of shock if 230V components are exposed or wiring is incorrect.

Response:

-Use flame-retardant, waterproof housing.

-Make sure to let a professional to the installing.

-Separate high and low voltage components properly & keep metallic parts grounded to protect from touch voltages in case of grounding faults.

-Ensure compliance with electrical safety standards (e.g. CE marking, IP classing, LVD ).

Procurement

-Delayed component delivery: may cause timeline delays, and project cancellations. -Quality issues: May cause timeline delays, and project cancellations. -Limited availability: May cause timeline delays and project cancellations. -Cost fluctuations caused by market change: Exceedings of budget.

Response:

-Select reliable suppliers -Keep in mind backup suppliers -Order early -Lock component prices with contracts with suppliers

Communication

-Unclear communication between team and stakeholders: Can lead to wrong decisions being made. -Poor communication between team members: Can lead to project task overlaps as well as missed deadlines -Poor documentation: Can lead to important details being neglected/forgotten

Response:

-Use Jira as a project management tool -Take meeting notes -Set clear deadlines -Hold briefings to make sure everyone is well informed

Risk level definition

1-4 = Low risk

• Minimal impact on project outcomes.
• Issues can be managed easily without disrupting timelines or budgets.
• Usually requires routine monitoring only.

5-9 = Medium risk

• May cause moderate delays or increased costs.
• Could affect some project deliverables or quality.
• Needs planned mitigation and regular review to avoid escalation.

10-15 = High risk

• Likely to cause significant disruption or cost overruns.
• May impact core functionalities or safety.
• Requires immediate mitigation efforts and close management attention.

16-25 = Critical risk

• Threatens overall project success and safety.
• Can cause severe financial loss, legal issues, or safety incidents.
• Demands urgent, comprehensive mitigation and contingency planning.

Possibility & Impact

• The possibility factor of a risk matrix is defined from 1-5, where 1 indicates very unlikely, and 5 very likely.
• The impact factor of a risk matrix is also defined from 1-5, where 1 indicates very low impact, and 5 very high impact.

Risk assessment See the risk assassment the team made below (See figure RiskAssassment).

The project's procurement plans have been based on a list of external sources of webshops for the components. Due to the wide variety of needed components we decided on purchasing the components from different websites. Since the procurement is an important part, there is also a need to define rules regarding the suppliers, time limits, and the possibility of locking a price contract with the selected suppliers, another important thing to keep in mind is to also have trusted backup suppliers in case the primary suppliers stock runs out.

The valves are going to be acquired from Digikey due to their good high quality selection of products.

The procurement strategy is based on table 11, in which are stated primary suppliers as well as back-up suppliers.

Stakeholder management refers to the identification, analysis, engagement, and continuous communication with individuals or organizations that can affect or be affected by the project. Effective stakeholder management is essential to ensure that the project runs smoothly, meets expectations, and achieves its goals within the required scope, time, and budget. (See Figure 11).

Key Stakeholders in Our Project:

Team members

-Responsible for designing, prototyping, testing, and reporting.

-Key for innovation, decision-making, and implementation.

-Regular internal meetings to align progress and resolve issues.

Project Supervisor (EPS Coordinator)

-Provides guidance, feedback, and ensures academic requirements are met.

-Acts as a communication link with the institution and faculty.

-Reviews deliverables and gives approval for project milestones.

ISEP / Hosting Institution

-Offers resources such as laboratory space, tools, and technical support.

-Ensures a safe and professional learning environment.

-Provides deadlines, academic structure, and evaluation criteria.

Clients / End Users

-Potential beneficiaries of the solution (e.g. homeowners, building developers, facility managers).

-Their needs influenced the design choices (e.g. water-saving functionality, usability).

-Feedback was considered during the initial design phase.

Technical Advisors / Mentors

-Offer domain-specific expertise (e.g. plumbing, electronics, automation).

-Help troubleshoot technical challenges and validate solutions.

-Occasionally consulted throughout the development process.

Suppliers / Manufacturers

-Provide components (e.g. valves, microcontrollers, relays).

-Delivery time and product quality affect project schedule and functionality.

Engagement Strategy:

-Weekly team meetings and progress reviews.

-Midterm and final presentations for feedback from ISEP faculty and peers.

-Email and face-to-face communication with mentors and supervisors.

-Documentation and progress updates via shared platforms (e.g. Google Drive, Teams).

-Prototypes and testing results shared for validation before final implementation.

Risk Mitigation Related to Stakeholders:

-Regular communication to prevent misunderstandings or delays.

-Clear role distribution and responsibilities among team members.

-Early involvement of advisors to validate design feasibility.

-Continuous feedback loops to ensure alignment with stakeholder expectations.

The team has a global sprint plan (See figure 12).

The team got a project backlog in the briefing, which they should finish by the end of the semester (See figure 13).

During the first sprint, the team focused on team building and brainstorming. They explored various everyday problems and discussed ideas on how technology could help improve daily life. One recurring theme was the waste of clean cold water while waiting for hot water in the shower. This led to ideas about how water consumption could be reduced in households.

Sprint 1 – Burnup chart (See figure 13)

Sprint end status: The project was succesfully defined, and all of the tasks were completed successfully. Planned velocity for this sprint was 7 tasks, and achieved velocity was 7 tasks.

In the second sprint, the team deepened their understanding of the water waste issue. The initial idea was to capture the cold water that runs before hot water arrives in the shower, and somehow reuse it. One early idea was to return the cold water to the boiler. The team began to research water flow, temperature sensors, and basic plumbing systems to assess feasibility.

Sprint 2 – Burnup chart (See figure 14)

Sprint end status: The making of initial system diagrams, structural plans were started, and the project backlog as well as the state-of-the-art analysis was completed. Planned velocity for this sprint was 15 tasks, and achieved velocity was 15 tasks.

During the third sprint, the team made a key decision: the cold water would be routed to the toilet flush tank instead of being wasted. This concept combined simplicity and functionality. The project got the name “AzuLoop”. The focus then shifted to identifying necessary components, such as valves, sensors, and control logic. The team also started drafting basic system diagrams.

Sprint 3 – Burnup chart (See figure 15)

Sprint end status: The gant chart, global sprint plans were all completed. Planned velocity for this sprint was 13 tasks, and achieved velocity was 13 tasks.

In the fourth sprint, the team refined the system design and created electrical diagrams. They confirmed how the logistics will work and finalised the list of components.

Sprint 4 – Burnup chart (See figure 16)

Sprint end status: Schematics and structural drawings were completed for the time being, the team also started thinking about the designing. Planned velocity for this sprint was 10 tasks, and achieved velocity was 10 tasks.

In the fifth sprint the team changed the product. They decided to redesign and create a product to redirect the cold water from the shower to the toilet tank. Also the cardboard model was done, which helped to get a visual image of the actual product. The team updated the components list for the prototype.

Sprint 5 – Burnup chart (See figure 17)

Sprint end status: New revisison for the system diagrams and schematics were completed after receiving feedback about the current version. Planned velocity for this sprint was 12 tasks, and achieved velocity was 12 tasks.

In the sixth sprint, the team made the 3D model for the product, and started refining the interim report as asked. They also calculated the product cost and the expected cost of operation.

Sprint 6 - Burnup chart (See figure 18)

Sprint end status: The initial interim deliverable tasks were started. Planned velocity for this sprint was 15 tasks, and achieved velocity was 15 tasks.

During the seventh sprint finished the final component list for the product, finalised the interim report and improved the cost calculation.

Sprint 7 - Burnup chart (See figure 19)

Sprint end status: The research of components and materials for the prototype were started, interim deliverables were prepared, and the 3D model and video were completed. Planned velocity for this sprint was 11 tasks, and achieved velocity was 11 tasks.

In the eighth sprint the team uploaded the leaflet and the poster, the first paper abstract version and the proposed packaging solution.

Sprint 8 - Burnup chart (See figure 20)

Sprint end status: The packaging solution, poster, brochure, and leaflet were developed. Planned velocity for this sprint was 11 tasks, and achieved velocity was 11 tasks.

During the ninth sprint, the team successfully managed to plan the prototype's hardware and software configuration and also managed to order the parts for it before Easter break.

Sprint 9 - Burnup chart (See figure 21)

Sprint end status: System diagrams and schematics and were controlled for the prototype, and the list of components and materials were all refined and completed again.

During the tenth sprint, the team started assembling and soldering the components they had and they started coding the prototype. Because of the missing components they were a little behind with the prototype assembling. The first and second chapter of the scientific report were also submitted, for sprint 10 there is no burnup chart available.

Sprint end status: Design development continued after new feedback, and we did some more research and building of the prototype.

During the eleventh sprint, the team assembled the components of the prototype (pipes and electrical components), but they had some problems with the coding and electronic components. For sprint 11 there is no burnup chart available.

Sprint end status: The team managed to assemble the hardware for the protoype, but ran into setbacks with the coding of the microcontroller.

Sprint end status: Functional testing of the electrical components and pressurization test of the system was done, and the manual was made.

During the twelfth sprint the team started doing technical documenting work regarding the prototype, the team did not yet receive a functioning powersupply, and therefore we could not achieve much further progress. For sprint 12 there is no burnup chart available.

Sprint end status: The team managed to successfully complete the technical documenting work, but ran into setbacks regarding the malfunctioning powersupply.

During the thirteenth sprint the team continued the report writing, as well as doing correction work for the report, the microcontroller also got damaged presumably by overvoltage or overcurrent, causing further delays with the functional testing part.

For sprint 13 there is no burnup chart available.

Sprint end status: The team managed to do significant progress with the coding as well as report corrections, but ran into a setback with a malfunctioning microcontroller, and therefore could not proceed with the prototype development.

During the fourteenth sprint, the team received a functioning power supply and we managed to complete the assembly of the prototype, but they had a problem with the thermostat for the water distribution controlling, and therefore we couldn't complete all of the functional tests. For sprint 14 there is no burnup chart available.

Sprint end status: The team managed to get a new microcontroller and do the programming, but we ran into a setback with the thermostat, otherwise everything was going as planned.

During the fifteenth sprint, the team successfully managed to fix the microcontroller and the temperature measurement, after which the prototypes functional tests were succesfully completed, the team also managed to do significant progress with the scientific report writing.

For sprint 15 there is no burnup chart available.

Sprint end status: The team managed to successfully get the prototype working, and successfully completed the functional tests with success, also the scientific report was completed.

For sprint 16 there is no burnup chart available.

Sprint 1:

Positive: Good communication and open idea exchange within the team.
Negative: It took time to agree on which problem to focus on.
What to improve on: Early team alignment is essential for smooth progress later.
Start doing: Align early on the main problem to solve.
Stop doing: Waiting too long to reach consensus.
Keep doing: Encouraging open communication and idea sharing.

Sprint 2:

Positive: Solid concept development and active engagement in discussions.
Negative: We had some mixed opinions on what we should work on.
What to improve on: Let everyone know your opinions.
Start doing: Clearly express and explain individual opinions.
Stop doing: Avoiding disagreement—differences can lead to better solutions.
Keep doing: Actively participating in team discussions.

Sprint 3:

Positive: A clear technical direction was established, and the project got its name, AzuLoop.
Negative: As a team everyone agreed that some are working more than others and the work should be more balanced.
What to improve on: Work better as a team. Communication should be a lot better within the whole group.
Start doing: Assign tasks more fairly and communicate expectations.
Stop doing: Letting workload fall unevenly across members.
Keep doing: Defining direction and making big decisions as a team.

Sprint 4:

Positive: We successfully gathered the necessary parts and had better communication.
Negative: Workload was still unbalanced even though having better communication.
What to improve on: More documenting, more communication and teamwork. Balance the workload.
Start doing: Document work and decisions more thoroughly.
Stop doing: Assuming others know who’s doing what.
Keep doing: Working on improving communication.

Sprint 5:

Positive: We successfully managed to create the 3d-model.
Negative: Workload was unbalanced.
What to improve on: More open communication, more briefing.
Start doing: Hold regular briefings to keep everyone updated.
Stop doing: Letting communication drop between work sessions.
Keep doing: Making steady technical progress.

Sprint 6:

Positive: We successfully managed to plan and order parts for the prototype.
Negative: Workload was unbalanced.
What to improve on: More direct communication, as well as more briefing, in order to prevent misunderstandings.
Start doing: Use more direct communication and clarify roles.
Stop doing: Relying on assumptions instead of briefings.
Keep doing: Making clear progress on the prototype.

Sprint 7:

Positive: We successfully managed to finish all the tasks within the deadlines.
Negative: We had to correct several times a task that could have been correct the first time.
What to improve on: We should improve teamwork and communication.
Start doing: Double-check work and give early feedback.
Stop doing: Rushing tasks without review.
Keep doing: Meeting deadlines consistently.

Sprint 8:

Positive: We successfully created a packaging solution and poster for the product.
Negative: Workload was unbalanced again.
What to improve on: Try to help when other teammates have a big workload.
Start doing: Offer help to overloaded teammates.
Stop doing: Working isolated from the team.
Keep doing: Delivering high-quality outputs on time.

Sprint 9:

Positive: We made the deadline for ordering the components for the prototype.
Negative: Didn’t get far with the wiki page.
What to improve on: Keep working on the report even when the deadline isn’t close.
Start doing: Allocate time to documentation early.
Stop doing: Postponing wiki/report work until the last minute.
Keep doing: Meeting operational deadlines.

Sprint 10:

Positive: We started working and planning the prototype and managed to work on the scientific paper.
Negative: We didn’t get all the components needed for the prototype so we didn’t get far with it.
What to improve on: Planning next steps ahead.
Start doing: Plan further ahead to avoid delays.
Stop doing: Relying on last-minute solutions for essential parts.
Keep doing: Advancing both practical and theoretical aspects.

Sprint 11:

Positive: We came far with the prototype and finished the tasks the teachers asked us to do.
Negative: Not all the team members were here.
What to improve on: Work on the project even when we are at home or on vacation.
Start doing: Stay engaged even when remote or on vacation.
Stop doing: Letting physical absence mean disengagement.
Keep doing: Completing assigned tasks and building the prototype.

Sprint 12:

Positive: We got some documentation work done. Negative: Not all team members were here, not all of our components were working. What to improve on: Work on the project even when we are at home or on vacation. Start doing: Stay engaged even when remote or on vacation, start backup -planning. Stop doing: Letting physical absence mean disengagement. Keep doing: Completing assigned tasks effectively and always take notes.

Sprint 13:

Positive: We got a lot of documentation work done. Negative: Microcontroller failed, causing further delays. What to improve on: More open delegation of tasks within the group. Start doing: Plan further ahead to avoid delays. Stop doing: Relying on last minute-solutions for essential parts. Keep doing: Documentation work.

Sprint 14:

Positive: We successfully managed to assemble the rest of the hardware for the prototype, and do pressurization and electrical tests. Negative: Workload was unbalanced, malfunctioning sensor. What to improve on: More open delegation of tasks within the group. Start doing: Start doing documentation work if there is nothing else to do. Stop doing: Let work tasks pile up. Keep doing: Work with the prototype.

Sprint 15:

Positive: We successfully finished the prototype and got the functional tests completed with success, also we got a lot of piled up documentation work done. Negative: We let a lot of documentation work pile up, Not all team members were attending. What to improve on: Keep on doing documentation work if there's nothing else to do. Start doing: Taking notes in order to remember the sprint progress details, work on the project even when we are at home or on vacation. Stop doing: Let background work tasks pile up instead of progressing forward little by little. Keep doing: Working with documentation, Keep open team discussions.

Sprint 16:

Positive: Negative: What to improve on: Start doing: Stop doing: Keep doing:

This chapter explains how the team manages their project from the start. The goal was to develop a simple and efficient solution to reduce cold water waste in households. To do this, they applied basic project management tools to organize the work, divide responsibilities according to group members skills, and track the progress.

The team started by clearly defining the scope of the project and the resources available. An estimation of the time needed was made, considering the costs of components, and making sure the right people were assigned to different tasks. Each team member contributed to the work based on their own strengths and background.

Risk management was also an important part of the process. The team identified possible issues early on such as technical failures, installation problems, or safety concerns. This helped for better preparation and avoiding surprises during development.

The team also paid attention to stakeholders, including users, supervisors, and suppliers. Understanding their roles and expectations helped to focus on what matters most and make better decisions during the project.

As the work progressed, the team created technical plans, adjusted our design according to needs and feedback, and gathered the necessary parts. Communication within the team is super important, it makes the work smoother and more efficient.

In the end, good planning, teamwork, and clear goals helped to stay on track and keep the scope focused.

In the next chapter, the team focuses on the marketing strategy of AzuLoop.

Ultimately through applying the agile project management principles and distributing the work between the team members the team finally managed to successfully make the prototype work during sprint number 9.

How will AzuLoop introduce and grow as an innovative product in the market? This chapter will explain the strategies and tactics.

The purpose of this plan is to provide a clear overview of AzuLoop’s marketing approach, taking into account the current market environment and the project’s objectives. It includes an analysis of the market, an evaluation of AzuLoop’s strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats, the chosen strategy with segmentation, targeting, and positioning, as well as the marketing mix, branding, marketing programs, and control mechanisms.

The core of the AzuLoop project is addressing water waste caused by people letting cold water run down the drain while waiting for warm water during a shower. The business idea presents a solution in the form of a device that is installed between the water mixer and the showerhead. This device measures the water temperature and stops the flow to the showerhead until the desired temperature is reached. This idea aligns with the marketing concept, which focuses on identifying and fulfilling customer needs as effectively as possible. Instead of wasting the cold water, it is redirected to an additional tank above the toilet reservoir where it will be used to flush the toilet. This means that water only comes out of the showerhead when the desired temperature is reached and no cold water is being wasted through the drain.

The Business Model Canvas (BMC). See Figure 22. Is a strategic tool used to visualize and analyze how a business creates, delivers, and captures value. It provides a structured approach to developing and refining a business model by breaking it down into nine key building blocks:

Value Creation:

• Value Proposition: The main value the business offers to customers.
• Customers: The different groups of people the business serves.
• Channels: The ways the product or service reaches customers.
• Customer Relationships: How the business interacts with and retains customers.

Operations:

• Key Activities: The essential tasks required to run the business.
• Key Resources: The assets needed to operate successfully.
• Key Partners: External organizations that support the business.

Finances:

• Revenue Streams: The ways the business earns money.
• Cost Structure: The main expenses required to operate.

By using the BMC, businesses can identify strengths, address weaknesses, and make informed decisions to improve efficiency and growth.

• Political: Many governments are introducing regulations to promote water conservation and sustainability. Some provide financial incentives or tax benefits for installing water-saving products, which could make AzuLoop more attractive to buyers. For instance, in the United States, the IRS offers tax credits for certain energy-efficient home improvements, including water-saving technologies. From 2023 through 2032, homeowners can claim a tax credit of up to 30 % of qualified expenses, with a maximum annual credit of 1 200 USD for energy-efficient property and certain home improvements [IRS, 2025]. EPA’s WaterSense program funds projects that install low-flow showerheads and faucets [Ever Flow Bidets, 2025].
• Economic: Rising water costs encourage consumers to look for long-term savings. AzuLoop offers a cost-effective solution by reducing water waste, making it a valuable investment for homeowners and businesses [Joe Eaton, 2023].
• Social: Awareness of environmental issues is increasing, and more consumers are prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. Younger generations, in particular, are willing to invest in eco-friendly home solutions [Xebina Hasnee, 2025].
• Technological: Advances in smart home technology and water recycling systems provide opportunities for AzuLoop to integrate with existing innovations, improving product appeal and functionality [Rusé, 2025].
• Environmental: Climate change and water shortages are pushing governments and individuals to adopt water-saving solutions, making AzuLoop a relevant and timely product [Sanjana Gajbhiye, 2025].
  
• Legal: Regulations requiring water-efficient systems in homes and businesses are becoming more common. Future legal requirements may further increase demand for products like AzuLoop. For example: In Australia, the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme regulates products such as taps, toilets, and dishwashers, requiring them to meet specific water efficiency standards. This program saves significant amounts of water annually and reduces utility costs for households [Autralian Government, 2025].

AzuLoop targets individuals and businesses looking to reduce water consumption and promote sustainability.
Customer Segments

• Eco-Conscious Homeowners: Individuals who prioritize sustainability and want to reduce their environmental impact while saving on water bills.
  
• Landlords & Property Managers: Owners of rental properties who want to increase the value of their property and attract environmentally conscious tenants.

Marketing Personas
Emma, the eco-conscious homeowner

Emma is 32 years old and has been passionate about sustainability since a very young age. She has always followed sustainability influencers on social media platforms, she reads reviews and shares her experience online. Ever since she got a steady income and bought her own house, she was constantly seeking for eco-friendly solutions in her home. She is even willing to invest in products or systems that promote sustainable behaviour, as long as they are functional and aesthetically pleasing. Although she cares a lot about the environment, she also has to combine her vibrant social life with a big workload at her job, which means that eco-friendly alternatives in her household cannot take up any more time or change her daily routine too much.

David, the smart investor

David owns a few apartments in Bonfim, an upcomming and trendy neighbourhood for young families in Porto. He is interested in sustainability, but mainly focusses on easy to install and low maintenance solutions that reduce water and energy costs over time. He is willing to invest in these kind of solutions if he could increase the value of his property and attract conscious tenants who are looking for sustainable living spaces.

AzuLoop will be sold through direct and retail partnerships while avoiding large online marketplaces to maintain brand control.

• AzuLoop’s Own Website: Direct sales through the official website, ensuring customer support and engagement.
  
• Retail Stores: In contract with home improvement and sustainability-focused stores which allows customers to view the product physically before they make the purchase.
  
• Retail Store Websites: Some of these partnered stores could offer AzuLoop on their own websites, this raises awareness about the brand for people who don't know AzuLoop yet.
  

AzuLoop will target regions where costumers are more likely to invest in water-saving solutions.

• Western Countries: Europe, North America, and Australia, where plumbing standards support AzuLoop’s technology and sustainability awareness is high.
  
• China & Other Emerging Markets: Countries with a strong base of young, environmentally conscious consumers who are open to adopting innovative green technologies [M. et al. Masukujjaman A. Al Mamun Y. Hong, 2024].

• Water-Scarce Regions: Areas experiencing frequent droughts or water shortages, where water-saving solutions are in high demand.
  

The competitive analysis has already been discussed in the State of the Art chapter and will be further elaborated on in the “Positioning” chapter.

The SWOT analysis of AzuLoop identifies its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (See figure 23).

AzuLoop's strategy is based on the STP method (Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning).

AzuLoop's strategic objectives fall into three main categories:

Economic Objectives:

• Develop an efficient and sustainable product.
• Offer the best possible product at a reasonable price, based on production costs.
• Make a positive environmental impact by reducing water waste.

Customer-Oriented Objectives:

• Raise awareness about water waste and the importance of sustainability.
• Give users a high-quality product that helps them save water.
• create a user-friendly experience which includes easy installation and an automatic operation without any huge behavioural changes.

Technological Objectives:

• Create a reliable and effective device that can measure the water temperature accurately.
• Ensure the system correctly redirects water to maximize efficiency and savings.

AzuLoop's market segmentation is based on several criteria:

• Geographic Segmentation: Focus on countries with Western-style toilets (as opposed to squat toilets) and regions where water scarcity is a pressing issue.
• Demographic Segmentation: Targeting homeowners and landlords with a stable income, aged 30 to 80, who are environmentally conscious and willing to invest in sustainable solutions.
• Psychographic Segmentation: Aiming at consumers who lead a sustainable lifestyle, aligning with values such as customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Behavioral Segmentation: People could potentially be segmented by their behaviour on the level of awareness about environmentally changes and their willingness to adopt new technologies.

AzuLoop’s target market consists of eco-conscious homeowners and landlords within the identified geographic and demographic segments, with a strong emphasis on sustainability-minded consumers. An important subsegments are millennials because their focus on sustainability is increasing rapidly.

AzuLoop positions itself as a user-friendly and highly effective water-saving solution. When AzuLoop is compared to other water saving methods, they may require active effort from the user or offer limited savings, while AzuLoop differentiates itself as a simple, automated, and sustainable solution (See figure 24).

Key Differentiators:

• No behavior change required: once installed, users save water effortlessly.
• Bundled services: AzuLoop includes installation and potential maintenance to enhance convenience.
• Direct environmental impact: immediate reduction in water waste.
• Psychological positioning: Consumers feel good about making an eco-friendly choice.

Although AzuLoop might not save as much water as other water-saving solutions, it has the advantage that all the water coming through the showerhead is actually used. Other solutions like the shower regulator or faucet aerator mainly focus on providing a softer flow or shorter showers, but the cold water that comes out of the shower is still wasted, and in some cases, it even takes longer to reach the desired temperature.

The main differentiator of AzuLoop is its ease of use. The user does not need to worry about the installation and can confidently turn on the tap without experiencing a cold shock, simply waiting for the warm water to flow. Unlike the shower timer, water flow kit, and flow and temperature meter connector, AzuLoop requires no changes in habits or behavior. Wota Box comes closer to a system solution like AzuLoop but requires much more installation and falls into a higher price range.

AzuLoop’s marketing mix follows the four P’s:

Product: A tangible device installed between the water mixer and the showerhead, supported by installation and potential maintenance services. The product is designed for ease of use, water conservation, and reliability.

Price: Based on cost-based pricing, covering production, materials, transportation, and installation costs. The goal is to keep the price affordable to encourage widespread adoption.

Place: Sold via AzuLoop’s own website and through retailers specializing in household products, ensuring both direct and indirect sales channels.

Promotion:

• Informative advertising to raise awareness about water waste and AzuLoop’s solution.
• Emotional marketing to highlight the positive impact of sustainable choices.
• Personal selling in retail stores and through consultations.
• Trade promotions to encourage retailers to stock AzuLoop.
• Sales force promotions offering incentives to sales representatives.
• Online marketing, including social media and SEO, to boost brand visibility.
• Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) ensures a consistent and clear brand message across all channels.

In table 16 is a breakdown of the price of the Azuloop for the customer.

Identity Pillar

The Identity Pillar includes the visible and tangible elements of the brand, how AzuLoop presents itself. It consists of the identity mix: core identity, actual identity, and augmented identity.

Core Identity (Brand Name): AzuLoop’s name was carefully chosen. “Azul” means blue in Portuguese and refers to the color that is most associated with water. “Loop” refers to the water recycling process of the product. “AzuLoop” is a playful creation of saying “water recycling”, which is the literal function of the product.

Actual Identity (Visual Elements): This includes the logo, typography, and colors. AzuLoop’s logo represents its function: two pipelines forming a loop with shower and toilet icons, emphasizing water reuse. The brand colors are dark blue (associated with water) and cyan for highlights. The typography was chosen to match the square shape of the logo, ensuring a consistent visual identity.

Augmented Identity (Additional Branding Elements):

AzuLoop is positioned as an easy-to-use, effective water-saving solution.

Object Pillar

The Object Pillar covers all marketing activities related to the brand. It consists of the core object, actual object, and augmented object.

Core Object (main exchange): The key offering is selling the water-saving device to homeowners and eco-conscious customers. The product helps reduce water waste while showering.

Actual Object (Supporting exchanges):

• Partnerships with home improvement stores as indirect sales channels.
• Suppliers and manufacturers who produce the product’s components.
• Agreements with installers/plumbers to offer installation services.
• Logistics companies to handle distribution.
• The AzuLoop website, serving as both a sales platform and an information hub.

Augmented Object (Marketing Strategy):

Product: A user-friendly water-saving device with a temperature sensor and redirection system.

Price: Based on production, material, transportation, and installation costs to ensure affordability (1 564.35 € as described in table 1 ).

Place (Distribution): Sold through the official website and selected retail stores.

Promotion (Marketing & Communication):

• In-store sales and consultations.
• Online marketing via social media and video content.

Response Pillar

The Response Pillar covers how customers and stakeholders perceive AzuLoop. It includes the core response, actual response, and augmented response.

Core Response (Brand Positioning): AzuLoop wants to be seen as an easy and automatic way to save water while showering.

Actual Response (Brand Image): Customers should associate AzuLoop with reliability, innovation, and sustainability. The brand should have the image of a practical and advanced solution that contributes to the environment.

Augmented Response (Brand Value & Reputation):

• Brand Awareness: Marketing efforts are making AzuLoop well-known through online campaigns, PR, and promotional materials.
• Brand Preference: Emotional branding and sustainability messaging aim to make customers prefer AzuLoop over alternatives.
• Customer Loyalty: A strong brand image, high-quality products, and good customer service help build trust and encourage repeat customers.

Managing Key Audiences:

• Customers: Environmentally conscious homeowners and landlords.
• Retailers: Stores that align with AzuLoop’s sustainability values.
• Installers/Plumbers: Partners who can offer installation services.
• Environmental Organizations: Help build credibility and create awareness.
• Media: Crucial for spreading brand awareness and sustainability messaging.

To effectively reach and convince the target audience, there are some marketing programmes made for AzuLoop.

Online Marketing:

• A visually appealing website with detailed product information and an integrated webshop.
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) and YouTube videos to showcase product demonstrations and raise awareness.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to improve online visibility.

Partnerships:

• Collaborations with retailers specializing in household and sustainable products to offer AzuLoop in physical stores.
• Potential partnerships with plumbers and installation companies to facilitate setup for customers.

Public Relations:

• Engaging with media and environmental organizations to generate publicity.
• Participating in trade shows and sustainability-focused events to increase exposure.

Promotional Materials:

• Development of flyers and brochures highlighting AzuLoop’s features and benefits.

Customer Service:

• Offering a 24/7 chat for consultations during office hours to answer customer questions and build trust with a specialist.

There is need for a well-balanced budget for the marketing programme to succeed. The priority of the marketing strategy is online marketing, strategic partnerships, public relations, promotional materials and customer service. Every part of this marketing programme contributes to the brand awareness, increasing sales and engaging with environmentally conscious consumers.

In total, there is a budget of 30 € for the marketing per product. If AzuLoop sells 150 products in one year, the marketing budget is 4 500 € which is more than enough for the listed items in table 17.

The control phase is based on the SOSTAC model which stands for situation, objectives, strategy, tactics, action and control. This model is designed by PR Smith and is ideal for creating and controlling the marketing strategy. In this chapter we zoom in on specifically the last phase of this model where is determined if the monitoring of the progress is successful and if the predetermined goals are being reached. The control phase is all about measuring, evaluating and adjusting. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are predetermined, as well as the frequency and the method of the evaluation.

The important elements of the control phase are:

• Determining KPI’s such as sales figures, website visitors, social media engagement, …
• Choosing the monitoring tools such as Google Analytics, CRM-systems or social media dashboards.
• Composing a time line like a monthly report or a quarterly analysis
• Assigning responsibilities

  • Creating feedback loops to improve future actions

  [Chris Ayman, 2024].

What does this mean for AzuLoop?

First the question that should be asked is; what will be measured, which numbers are important? The answer for AzuLoop is of course the amount of products that have been sold, but also the online engagement is important. The amount of views on the website and YouTube, how many times people click on online advertisements and how many followers on social media and YouTube. The next step is to define how many times these numbers will be measured. The make sure the intervention is on time, a monthly report with the overview of the results is appropriate. How are the results being handled? If a campaign doesn’t reach enough people, the message or the channel should be changed. If it works better than expected, it will be implemented in other campaigns too. The marketing team will be responsible for keeping an eye on these numbers and adjusting the campaign when necessary.

Based on the market and economic analysis, the team decided to create a smart water-saving device intended for eco-conscious homeowners and property managers. This decision was driven by rising water costs, stricter environmental regulations, and increasing awareness of sustainability among consumers.

AzuLoop addresses a specific need: reducing water waste from cold shower runoff, which makes it especially relevant in water-scarce regions and Western countries with compatible plumbing systems.

Consequently, the team designed a solution with the following features: easy installation, automatic operation without behavior change, clear environmental impact, and energy-efficient components. AzuLoop is positioned as a simple and user-friendly product that fits into a modern, sustainable lifestyle.

It will be marketed through direct sales and selected retail partners, supported by online campaigns, partnerships, and PR, with a focus on emotional appeal and measurable impact.

Sustainability is a widely used concept that is applied by companies, organizations and politicians in various contexts. This chapter deals with specific measures to minimize the ecological footprint. An overview of the most important aspects of sustainable development and eco-efficiency. Eco-efficiency measures for sustainability provide a basis for understanding our environmental responsibility and resource efficiency.

Sustainability has become one of the most important topics of this generation. Given the growing concerns about climate change, environmental degradation and the depletion of natural resources, both companies and consumers are looking for new ways to create and use products in a more responsible way. Sustainable development focuses on meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This means that we need to find a careful balance between environmental protection, social well-being and economic growth.

The United Nations developed 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (See Figure 26). to support this global vision. These include goals like clean water, affordable and clean energy, climate action, and responsible consumption and production. Products and systems that follow these principles not only reduce their environmental impact but also contribute to a more fair and resilient society [United nations, 2025].

Azuloop contributes to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. AzuLoop contributes by finding a new use for cold, clean water wasted in showers, ensuring that no more water is wasted.
• Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. By implementing the AzuLoop solution in households, it will contribute to increasing the sustainability of cities and human settlements, as less water will be used or wasted.
• Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. AzuLoop ensures sustainable water consumption by using cold, clean water from showers to flush toilets, which would otherwise be flushed directly.

To support sustainable development in engineering and product design, two key tools are often used: eco-efficiency and life cycle analysis (LCA). Eco-efficiency is the practice of providing goods and services in a way that reduces environmental damage while maintaining economic value. It encourages the use of fewer resources and less energy to achieve the same or better results. [Hari Srinivas, 2025]. Life-cycle analysis, on the other hand, looks at a product's entire journey (from raw materials to disposal) to understand its total environmental impact [P6 Technologies, 2025].

In developing AzuLoop, these tools and ideas are applied throughout the process. The AzuLoop is a product designed not only to help save water and energy, but also to support a circular economy through careful material choices, smart design for maintenance and minimal waste. This chapter will explore the environmental, economic and social strategies that AzuLoop is implementing to remain eco-efficient and sustainable, along with an overview of its full lifecycle impact.

This chapter focuses on the second wing of the butterfly diagram. The butterfly diagram is a circular economy model that focuses on minimizing waste by keeping products and materials in use as long as possible. It consists of two cycles: the biological cycle (natural decomposition) and the technical cycle (maintenance, reuse, refurbishment and recycling) to extend the life of products and reduce environmental impact.(See Figure 27).

AzuLoop is an environmentally conscious product designed to reduce water waste, making it naturally appealing to users who believe in sustainable solutions like those outlined in the Butterfly Diagram. The product is developed with a focus on long-term use, minimizing waste, and optimizing energy efficiency.

• Maintenance: AzuLoop is built to last, and our team is always ready to assist with repairs if needed. Since all components are available separately, users don’t have to replace the entire product if something breaks. This extends the lifespan of the product and prevents unnecessary waste.
• Reuse: The emotional value of saving water encourages users to keep using AzuLoop instead of discarding it. Additionally, the strong ABS casing ensures that the product remains in good condition for a long time, further reducing the need for early replacement.
• Refurbish: If a user does decide to get rid of their AzuLoop, our team can collect the product, repair or replace necessary parts, and resell it at a lower price. This way, parts that are still functional get a second life, reducing overall material waste.
• Recycling: The ABS casing is fully recyclable, so when the product eventually reaches the end of its lifecycle, its materials won’t go to waste. Instead, they can be processed and reused for new products.

Besides material sustainability, AzuLoop is also designed to be energy-efficient. The system uses solenoid valves, which consume less power and are more reliable compared to motor-driven alternatives. This ensures that while saving water, AzuLoop also minimizes its overall energy consumption, making it a truly sustainable solution.

AzuLoop integrates economic sustainability, ensuring that both the product and the business model are cost-effective while maintaining environmental responsibility. By using durable materials such as ABS for the casing, the product has a long lifespan, reducing replacement costs for customers and minimizing waste. In addition, standard off-the-shelf components are used for internal parts, reducing production costs and allowing easy and affordable repairs instead of complete product replacements.

AzuLoop maintenance and repairability also contributes to economic sustainability. Because individual components can be replaced separately, customers do not have to buy a completely new system if a part malfunctions. This approach not only reduces long-term costs for users, but also aligns with sustainable resource management by preventing unnecessary waste.

From a business perspective, AzuLoop ensures financial viability by offering a high-value product that appeals to both environmentally conscious consumers and cost-oriented property owners. The product's efficiency in reducing water consumption provides financial benefits to users over time, making it a worthwhile investment. By balancing sustainability with practical economics, AzuLoop ensures long-term market success while promoting responsible resource management.

Social sustainability means considering how a product affects both people and the environment. AzuLoop, for example, helps to conserve water while providing many benefits to everyday life.

By reducing water waste, AzuLoop reduces household costs. A benefit that goes beyond saving money on the utility bill. With less waste, families may have additional funds to invest in other environmentally friendly products or services. This benefit is particularly important in areas where water is scarce, as the product uses it more efficiently.

The AzuLoop design also supports equity. Its affordability and sustainability make it accessible to many, including low-income households. If government funding comes into play, this benefit could be even more significant. Because the product is professionally installed, it minimizes complications for users, making it a practical choice for everyone.

Health and convenience are also part of the picture. By redirecting cold water from the shower to the toilet, AzuLoop helps avoid the sudden shock of cold water, resulting in a more pleasant showering experience. This thoughtful approach alleviates the worries of those who worry about water wastage, providing additional peace of mind.

In short, AzuLoop not only provides a more uniform and comfortable shower, but also contributes to the overall quality of life. It helps reduce utility bills, improves water use efficiency and ensures that a wider community benefits from technological innovation, all of which helps promote social sustainability.

Life-cycle analysis is an important method for assessing the environmental impact of a product or service, from design to end-of-life management. It is important to determine the effect of each stage in the life of materials and components and to analyze the overall lifetime.

Life-cycle analysis is an important method for assessing the environmental impact of a product or service from design to end-of-life management. It is important to establish the effect of each life stage of materials and components and to analyze the overall lifetime.

Metal Components (Copper Pipes, Metal Valves, Tanks):

• Require energy-intensive mining and processing, contributing to a high carbon footprint.
• Resource depletion and pollution are the result of metal extraction [Solubility of Things, 2025].
• Metals like copper and steel are recyclable, if it is recycled this can help the environment in the long term

Plastic Components (Sensors, Plastic Tanks)

• They use less energy during manufacturing but pose environmental concerns during disposal due to microplastic pollution and lower recyclability [Woodly, 2025].

Electronics (Microcontrollers, Power Supplies, Solenoid Valves):

• The semiconductor manufacturing process is resource and energy-intensive, involving rare earth elements and toxic chemicals.
• These components contribute to waste issues if discarded [Geneva Environment network, 2024].

Active Devices (Solenoid Valves, Digital Sensors, Power Supplies):

• Require a continuous or intermittent power supply, affecting operational efficiency.

Recyclability

• Metals tend to be more recyclable than plastics.
• Electronic waste requires careful handling to recover valuable materials and prevent environmental contamination.

Maintenance

• Components with longer lifespans (e.g., copper pipes, tanks) may offset their initial environmental cost over time with reduced replacement frequency

• Temperature sensor: RTDs 10 years [Swidget, 2023].
• Float switch: 20 years years [Shon, 2023].
• Brass solenoid valve: 1-3 years [Admin, 2017].
• Copper pipes: 20-50 years [Epipe, 2021].

  • Supply power: 7-10 years [39].

  
  The environmental impact of each component varies throughout its life cycle: metal parts such as copper pipes, valves and tanks require significant energy and resource consumption during extraction and manufacture, but benefit from long lifetimes and recyclability, thus reducing overall waste; plastic components often require less energy initially, but present disposal problems and contribute to pollution; meanwhile, electronic components such as microcontrollers, solenoid valves and power supplies incur high environmental costs during manufacture and, with shorter lifetimes, contribute to growing waste concerns.

In conclusion, this chapter shows how AzuLoop approaches sustainability by integrating environmental, economic and social aspects together with a life cycle analysis. By aligning with the principles of the Butterfly Diagram, AzuLoop demonstrates a commitment to extending product lifespan through maintenance, reuse, refurbishment and recycling. This approach not only minimizes waste, but also optimizes energy consumption, thus contributing to a reduced environmental footprint.

Furthermore, the product design and business model emphasizes economic sustainability by reducing replacement and repair costs, making it an affordable and sustainable solution for users. From a social perspective, AzuLoop improves community well-being by reducing water bills, reducing the stress related to water wastage and promoting a higher quality of life through improved showering experiences. Life cycle analysis further highlights that, despite the energy and resource demands of certain components, the long-term benefits (from sustainable materials, recyclability and efficient maintenance practices) offer a viable pathway to reducing overall environmental impact. Ultimately, AzuLoop serves as a model for sustainable innovation, effectively balancing environmental responsibility, economic practicality and social benefit.

This chapter is about the ethical and deontological concerns of our project. In every engineering project, ethical and deontological principles play a role in ensuring responsible decision making, integrity, and accountability. These principles guide engineers in professional conduct, safeguard public trust and wellbeing. Our team has considered these values throughout the AzuLoop project.

The analysis covers five essential areas:

-Professional responsibility in engineering

-Integrity in sales and marketing

-Environmental impact

-Legal liability

-Ethical design decisions

These principles act as guiding values for responsible engineering. By addressing these aspects, we ensure that our technical solution is functional, innovative, respectful of societal values, sustainable development, and human rights.

The team is committed to respecting engineering ethics like honesty, accuracy, and the prioritization of user safety. During the development of AzuLoop, they ensure that all technical solutions followed applicable standards and safety regulations. They also prioritize clear documentation and transparent communication within the team, ensuring that all decisions were made collectively and responsibly.

Engineers have a professional and moral responsibility to uphold public safety, health, and welfare. European engineering codes of ethics are built on the following principles:

-Integrity and honesty

-Technical competence

-Accountability for decisions and consequences

-Commitment to sustainability

-Respect for equality and human dignity

In the project, the team applied these principles by:

-Designing a system that prevents unnecessary water waste

-Implementing reliable sensor-controlled automation

-Minimizing risk of human error through intelligent logic

-Ensuring traceable and explainable system behavior

This ensures a responsible, safe, and transparent engineering solution.

In the Azuloop's marketing and sales strategy, the team aims to provide truthful and transparent information about the product’s capabilities. Azuloop avoids misleading claims and ensures that advertising reflects the actual performance of AzuLoop, they are committed to respecting consumer rights and privacy, especially in any communication or data collection related to potential customers.

In any future commercialization or public presentation of the system, ethical marketing is essential. This includes:

-Honest communication without exaggerated claims

-Transparency about limitations and technical requirements

-Use of verified, real data in promotional materials

-Respect for consumer rights and informed decision-making

Marketing efforts should:

-Highlight true environmental benefits with evidence

-Clearly state installation and operational requirements

-Avoid any misleading visuals or claims

Following these guidelines helps build customer trust and complies with EU consumer protection laws.

AzuLoop was designed with sustainability in mind. By redirecting unused cold water to toilet flushing, the team aims to reduce unnecessary water waste in daily routines. They chose components and materials with a focus on durability and minimal environmental impact. Environmental responsibility is a central part of the choices in material selection.

The project embraces environmental ethics by minimizing water waste and using resources efficiently. The system supports:

-Reduction of unnecessary water consumption

-Reuse of cold water for toilet flushing

-Alignment with EU climate and sustainability goals

The environmental benefits of our solution include:

-Lower household water usage

-Reduced energy use related to water heating

-Smarter use of existing infrastructure (e.g., toilets)

By contributing to climate-conscious practices, Azuloop meets modern environmental responsibilities in building services engineering.

As future engineers, the team understands the importance of assuming liability for design decisions. Should the product enter the market, they would ensure that all safety standards are verified through proper testing and certification processes. Any potential malfunction would be addressed with appropriate corrective actions to protect the user and the environment.

Clearly defined liability is essential in engineering projects, especially those involving automated systems. Possible risks include:

-Sensor failure

-Relay malfunction

-Incorrect or unsafe water routing

-User misuse due to unclear instructions

The team addressed liability through:

-Risk identification during design

-Clear documentation and user guidance

-Compliance with relevant EU directives, such as the Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) for electrical safety, the EMC Directive (2014/30/EU) for signal interference protection, the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) for automation safety, the Drinking Water Directive [40]