Get Creative With SUU And GAF In Ideathon Challenge For Roofing Waste Solutions

Southern Utah University (SUU) has joined forces with one of the largest roofing manufacturers in the country, GAF, to present a zero-waste Ideathon Challenge. With a focus on environmental sustainability, the event encourages participants to create innovative solutions for managing roofing waste, with the top ideas winning cash prizes of up to $3,000. This challenge offers community members and students a platform to make a positive environmental impact in their area.

Located in Cedar City, GAF specializes in the production of Polyiso rigid foam insulation, as well as TPO and PVC plastic waterproof roofing membranes. Through the Ideathon, GAF seeks creative ideas for transforming the surplus of these materials into something beneficial. "Big changes require fresh ideas and new perspectives,” stated Eric Lewis, GAF’s site manager. “At GAF, we're committed to sustainability and transforming the roofing industry's approach to polyiso recycling."

The competition is open to individual and group submissions, with no limitations on sustainability approaches. Participants are encouraged to think broadly about solutions—whether recycling, composting, repurposing, or even re-engineering waste materials. Submissions will be judged on several key factors, including innovation, scalability, sustainability, feasibility, and impact. Entrants must submit a written proposal, as well as a 90-second video, by November 22. A panel of representatives from GAF, SUU, and Southwest Tech will review submissions and notify finalists by November 27.

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Finalists will present their ideas at the Ideathon on December 2 at SUU, where one will be selected as the winning solution. Melynda Thorpe, SUU's assistant vice president of workforce and educational opportunity, highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing its collaborative nature and commitment to the community: “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.”