SUU GAF Ideathon: Transforming Roofing Waste into Sustainable Solutions

Published: November 01, 2024 | Author: SUU | Read Time: 2 minutes

Zero waste logoOne of the largest roofing manufacturers in the United States, GAF, has partnered with Southern Utah University (SUU) to create a zero-waste Ideathon Challenge. Winners may receive up to $3,000 in cash prizes for innovative solutions to roofing waste. This challenge provides an opportunity for community members and students to soar in a way that directly impacts the local environment.

At its Cedar City location, GAF manufactures Polyiso rigid foam insulation, and TPO and PVC Plastic waterproof roofing membranes. The GAF Ideathon Challenge invites participants to share their solutions for transforming the excess of materials into something more sustainable.

"Big changes require fresh ideas and new perspectives,” said Eric Lewis, GAF’s site manager. “At GAF, we're committed to sustainability and transforming the roofing industry's approach to polyiso recycling."

Submission ideas are not limited to any one sustainability approach; creative solutions for recycling, composting, repurposing, re-engineering, or any other approach are encouraged. Participants can submit individually or as a group.

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 

  • Innovation and Creativity
  • Scalability
  • Sustainability
  • Execution plan
  • Impact
  • Feasibility

Proposals and supporting materials are due by Nov. 22. In addition to the written submission form participants are required to submit a 90-second video. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of representatives of GAF, SUU, and Southwest Tech. Finalists will be notified by Nov. 27 if they are selected to present at the Ideathon on December 2 on SUU’s campus where the finalist will be selected.

Whether it is an effective way to decompose materials, the creation of artistic pieces, or an eco-friendly disposal method, the goal of the challenge is to inspire innovators to rethink roofing waste and propose sustainable, scalable, and practical solutions to minimize environmental impact.

“As partners in higher education, SUU and Southwest Tech are committed to addressing the needs of regional industries and responding to the innovation interests of local residents,” said Melynda Thorpe, SUU's assistant vice president of workforce and educational opportunity. “The Ideathon Challenge is a unique initiative that brings together community members and industry leaders to design and develop solutions that benefit the local environment collaboratively.

To learn more about the challenge requirements and submit your idea, visit the SUU/GAF Ideadthon webpage.

Tags: Student Career and Professional Development Community

Contact Information:

Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu