Beta Hatch, an insects-as-feed company, has opened their flagship operation in Cashmere, WA. Designed in collaboration with construction and energy services firm McKinstry, the 50,000-square-foot project is the largest mealworm production facility for animal feed in North America.

At the new site, 100% of the electricity comes from renewable energy sources. “An endeavor like this requires a really creative design process, which McKinstry promised and delivered in the development of this project,” said Virginia Emery, founder and CEO of Beta Hatch. “We take great pride in our effort to build efficiency into the core of everything we do. This facility’s heat recapture system is a prime example of taking that sustainability to the next level.”

Funded in part by the Washington State Department of Commerce Clean Energy Fund, the production process itself is a zero-waste system, starting with mealworms feeding on organic byproducts, and ending with mealworms and their frass being used for feed and fertilizer.