Carbon and water footprint assessment of the production cycle of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) on a farm in Spain

• Published in: Environmental development Vol. 51; p. 101038
• Main Authors: Galán-Díaz, J.J., Pena-Mosquera, L., Puertas-Agudo, J., Rodríguez, Jesús
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Black soldier fly; Carbon footprint; Environment; Hermetia illucens; Sustainability; Water footprint; Black soldier fly; Hermetia illucens; Environment; Sustainability; Carbon footprint; Water footprint
• ISSN: 2211-4645
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2024.101038

A comprehensive investigation into the carbon and water footprint of a black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) farm in Murcia, Spain, was carried out following ISO 14064-1 standards. The study, utilizing data from BioflyTech, the managing company, spanned various departments to comprehensively analyze production and consumption. The results highlight that the carbon footprint associated with fresh larva production is approximately thirty times lower than that of conventional animal farming, aligning with sustainable practices and offering a promising alternative in the quest for eco-friendly protein sources. Moreover, the water footprint of the black soldier fly farm is significantly lower than that of traditional animal farms, underscoring the environmental advantages of this innovative approach to larva production over conventional livestock farming. These valuable insights contribute substantively to the ongoing discourse on sustainable and responsible agricultural practices, paving the way for more environmentally friendly solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable food production practices.