Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 53.85
Liaison Jennifer Goree
Submission Date Nov. 26, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

Clemson University
IN-25: Innovation B

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Vic Shelburne
Fellow, Clemson University Commission on Sustainbility
Forestry and Environmental Conservation
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Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
Black Soldier Flies Composting

A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:

Starting in 2015, the Clemson University Student Organic Farm developed a composting system with the farm manager that uses food waste from the university dining halls to attract black soldier flies. This fly species does not bite or spread disease but does feed on waste. Below is the process:

• Food waste is placed into grub composting systems called ProtoPods.
• The adult flies, which are abundant in the wild and live only five to eight days, lay their eggs at the edge of the waste.
• The eggs hatch into larvae and fall into the waste.
• The larvae then eat the waste. And eat it. And eat it. Pound upon pound.
• After a few weeks, the fully stuffed larvae reach maturity, wherein they go in search of a drier place to eventually hatch into adult flies. Like a slow-moving army of Gummi Worms, the larvae crawl up a ramp in the ProtoPod and then fall through a hole into holding bins.

In addition to disposing waste, these black soldier flies can be used as a food source for livestock and fish and can be soaked with oils that can be turned into biofuel.


Which of the following impact areas does the innovation most closely relate to? (select up to three):
Food & Dining
Waste

A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
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The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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