Circular water–energy integration in off-grid viticulture: An Ecocanvas approach to resource efficiency

Apolo-Romero, Alexy (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; García-Casarejos, Nieves (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Gargallo, Pilar (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Viticulture faces growing challenges from climate change, including water scarcity, rising energy demand, and resource insecurity, particularly in off-grid rural areas. This study proposes a circular water–energy integration
strategy to enhance resource self-sufficiency and resilience in agri-food systems. A mixed-methods framework was applied, combining technical monitoring of a circular water–energy system with business model analysis.
The Ecocanvas framework, a circular adaptation of the Business Model Canvas, structured system integration, while a PESTEL analysis identified institutional and regulatory drivers. The system was evaluated under real
operating conditions in an off-grid winery in Spain as part of the LIFE Climawin project, demonstrating both technical feasibility and circular performance. Results demonstrate technical feasibility and strong circular
performance. Approximately 1000 m3 of water were sequentially reused per production cycle, reducing groundwater extraction. Photovoltaic-powered water-to-water heat pumps improved thermal efficiency, achieving energy savings of 38 % for heating and 56 % for cooling compared with the baseline. Smart microgrid control enhanced overall system efficiency and stability, confining diesel use to backup operation only, corresponding to an inferred approximately 80 % decrease in diesel-generated electricity compared with the baseline, and lowering annual CO₂ emissions by about 260 t CO₂eq (76.5 %). Overall, the study confirms that circular water–energy integration is a viable pathway to resource autonomy in off-grid viticulture. The findings highlight Ecocanvas as an effective decision-support tool for scaling circular transitions in small and medium- sized enterprises in the agri-food sector and for informing European Union sustainability policies.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.181057

Año: 2025

Publicado en: SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 1011 (2025), 181057 [15 pp.]
ISSN: 0048-9697

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/EUR/LIFE/22-CCM-ES-CLIMAWIN/101113948

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Organización de Empresas (Dpto. Direcc.Organiza.Empresas)
Área (Departamento): Área Métodos Cuant.Econ.Empres (Dpto. Economía Aplicada)