| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 61.50 |
| Liaison | Jennifer Goree |
| Submission Date | June 17, 2024 |
Clemson University
IN-48: Innovation B
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Jennifer
Goree Director of Healthy Campus Chair, Sustainability Commission |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
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.
The program paused briefly during COVID but resumed in the summer of 2022 and has been ongoing since then. Since 2022, additional bins have been added to support the soldier flies, and the program now regularly hosts tours to share their work with the Clemson community.
Optional Fields
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.