REGrow | Taylor's Hostel Management

Turning Food Waste into Sustainable Growth

A student-led circular waste initiative at Taylor's Residence.

What is REGrow?

REGrow is Taylor's Residence's award-winning circular sustainability initiative, recognised with the Silver Award under the Environment category (Waste Management) at the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025. Established to address a growing operational and environmental challenge, REGrow transforms food waste generated within Taylor's Residence into valuable resources that support environmental restoration and community livelihoods.

A Circular Sustainability Initiative

The initiative reflects a circular sustainability philosophy. “RE” represents renewal, reuse and regeneration, while “Grow” symbolises new life and sustainable growth. Through REGrow, food waste that would otherwise be discarded is transformed into valuable resources that support environmental restoration and community livelihoods.

The initiative was designed with three key objectives

REGrow introduced a structured food waste diversion system across apartment pantries, communal kitchens and utility areas through dedicated waste separation bins. Residents deposit food scraps such as fruit peels, vegetable trimmings and leftovers into these bins. The residence cleaning team conducts scheduled collection before handing the waste to the student-led REGrow team, who manage sorting, weighing and recording to track environmental impact.

1

Food Reuse

Divert food waste from landfill through a practical circular waste management system

2

Sustainability

Empower residents to lead sustainability initiatives within the residential community

3

Practice

Translate global sustainability goals into practical everyday behaviours

How It Works

Infographic showing Regrow's student residents-led food waste composting process in six steps: residents drop food waste into bins; daily collection by housekeeping; transported to composting site; waste fed to black soldier fly larvae; compost fertilizer collected; fertilizer donated to Orang Asli community.

Environmental

Impact

857 KG

Food Waste

2,138 KG

CO₂ Reduced

136 KG

Fertilizer

REGrow in Action

Collage of four images showing diverse people participating in educational and environmental activities, including holding certificates, presenting posters on food waste, a group discussion, and a woman handling soil or compost material with gloves.

People wearing masks and aprons processing organic material with equipment like a machine, buckets, and trays in an indoor workspace.

Four images showing young people in green shirts, safety goggles, masks, and aprons working with organic material and machinery, possibly in a lab or workshop setting.

Why It Matters?

Environmental Impact

REGrow was established at Taylor’s Residence to address a growing operational and environmental challenge: the high volume of food waste generated within a dense student residential community. With over 1,000 residents living on campus, a significant proportion of daily waste consists of organic food waste that would typically be sent to landfill.

Community & Educational Impact

The initiative contributes to SDG 10 by donating fertiliser to Orang Asli indigenous communities. Through hands-on participation, residents gain practical sustainability knowledge, advancing SDG 11 sustainable cities and communities and SDG 4 quality education.

Recognised for Impact

APSAA Awards 2026
WINNER

Excellence in Sustainable Development Goals
‍
Recognised for advancing sustainable development through student-led environmental initiatives and measurable ESG outcomes.

ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025
SILVER AWARD

Environment Category - Waste Management
‍
REGrow was recognised at the ESG Positive Impact Awards 2025 for its innovative circular approach to food waste management, transforming everyday waste into measurable environmental and community impact.

APSAA Awards 2026
WINNER

Excellence in Sustainable Development Goals
‍
Recognised for advancing sustainable development through student-led environmental initiatives and measurable ESG outcomes.