Three operational Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farms in Germany were assessed in a study conducted by Better Insect Solutions in collaboration with FarmInsect. The results show that the farms’ carbon footprint is below 1 ton CO₂e per ton of fresh larvae, presenting the low environmental impact of BSF farming.
A recent study conducted by Better Insect Solutions in collaboration with FarmInsect sheds light on the carbon and water footprints of BSF farming. The study analyzed three operational BSF farms each producing between 400 and 1,000 tons of live larvae annually. The study focused on the “fattening stage” of BSF larvae, where young individuals are grown into harvest-ready larvae – similar to broiler chicken production.
All three farms reported emissions below 1 ton of CO₂ equivalent per ton of fresh BSF larvae produced, the study found. In fact, when benchmarked against broiler farming, BSF production showed up to 40% lower emissions. This is considered a game-changer for the feed industry, which is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact as well as remaining cost-effective.
THE TWIN PILLARS OF SUSTAINABILITY
In the study, feed for the larvae emerged as the most significant contributor to emissions, but also the area with the greatest potential for improvement. Farms using organic waste streams like potato pulp dramatically reduced their carbon and water footprints. According to the GHG protocol, true waste materials carry zero upstream carbon burden, making them ideal for sustainable feed.
Then there’s frass, the nutrient-rich by-product of BSF farming that can be valorized as a fertilizer and used in biogas facilities. One farm uses 25% of its frass to generate energy, while another farm is experimenting with natural drying methods to hygienize frass for agricultural use. These innovations not only add economic value but also shift emissions away from the primary product, further improving the sustainability profile of BSF farming.
LESS IS MORE
Water consumption is another area where BSF farming shines. The study tracked blue (surface/groundwater), green (rainwater), and grey (polluted) water usage. Two farms consumed around 10,000 liters of blue water per batch, while the farm using potato pulp, relied heavily on green water which is considered more sustainable. Compared to traditional livestock, BSF larvae require approximately 2,700 m³ per ton which is significantly less water than required for other livestock. This is roughly 1.5-5 times higher than the water consumption required for producing a ton of fresh soybeans or industrial fish for fishmeal; however, the water used for BSF farming can predominantly (70-90%) be provided as green water.
HEATING SMARTER
Heating is the second-largest source of emissions in BSF farming. Farms using fossil fuels like liquefied natural gas recorded higher emissions, while those using biomass or wood chips fared better, the study found. For instance, one of the farms could reduce its heating emissions by 43% through the installation of a heat recovery system saving 187 MWh of energy annually.
