CEDAR CITY, Utah — Southern Utah University (SUU), in partnership with GAF and Southwest Technical College (STECH), announces the successful completion of the GAF Zero Waste Cohort, an elevated work-based learning initiative empowering students to address real-world environmental challenges through research and innovation. Supported by Talent Ready Utah and The Nucleus Institute, the project highlights the impact of collaboration between higher education and industry in advancing sustainability and workforce readiness.
The initiative launched with the GAF Zero Waste Ideathon in December 2024, a community-wide competition focused on reducing polyisocyanurate (polyiso) waste from roofing insulation manufacturing. GAF, the nation’s largest producer of polyiso insulation, continues to face challenges despite rigorous waste management efforts. Community submissions were reviewed by a panel of faculty and leaders from SUU, STECH, and GAF. Winning proposals included SUU business major Matt Cherry’s idea to repurpose shredded foam for wall insulation, retired engineer Matt Lindsay’s concept to use waste in highway impact materials, and Launch High School Thomas Daniels’ proposal to incinerate waste for energy.
“At GAF, our goal is to make the production process as efficient and sustainable as possible,” said Eric Lewis, general manager at GAF Cedar City. “Big changes require fresh ideas and new perspectives.”
Building on these proposals, a multidisciplinary cohort of nine students from SUU and STECH began work on March 3, 2025, through the SUU Industry Challenge Lab. With guidance from faculty, GAF mentors, and corporate engineers, the team of students developed two promising innovations: a lightweight cement alternative using ground polyiso waste and a combustion-based energy recovery model to help offset plant electricity costs. Both solutions were presented to GAF engineers this summer and received strong interest for further development and scalability.
“This collaboration helped us identify solutions outside of our normal considerations, and think about broader opportunities,” said Josh Meacham, plant engineer with GAF. “One of the most valuable things a student can do is to participate in an industry project, internship, or research opportunity. The act of asking questions, digging for information, and proving them out with real-life trials is what engineers and industrial scientists are doing every day in the world of manufacturing. Opportunities like this are essential to bringing successful engineers to the industry. I am excited to see where the next stage of these trials leads in developing the products GAF already offers.”
Students earned academic credit and stipends funded by The Nucleus Institute, with GAF sponsoring tuition. Final technical documentation has been submitted to GAF for continued review. The project represents a shared commitment to ecologically sustainable, economically viable, and scalable solutions that benefit both industry and community development.
“By engaging with industry partners, our students are shaping a stronger, more sustainable future,” said SUU President Mindy Benson. “In applied research settings, students worked side-by-side with workplace experts and leaders, demonstrating how higher education, government, and industry can unite to deliver real-world innovations that strengthen our local communities.”
About GAF
GAF, a Standard Industries company, is the leading roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in North America. For more than 135 years, GAF has been trusted to protect what matters most for families, communities, and business owners with its innovative solutions and focus on customer service. GAF’s leadership extends to its commitment to making a positive impact on its communities, industry, and planet. Learn more at GAF.com
About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship from people dedicated to help them soar. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, SUU provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future. Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU’s safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether on campus or online, SUU provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting. This is where students soar.