Transforming Waste into Wonder: A Sustainable Courtyard Initiative
Behind the Egner Fine Arts Building, the University of Findlay’s Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability department has breathed new life into a once-neglected area of campus. Led by the Introduction to Sustainability (ESOH 140) class, this student-driven project reclaims what was once a campus blight- a collection site for outdated campus materials. Through hands-on collaboration with the university’s grounds crew and support from the College of Science endowment, students learned to identify sustainability challenges and creatively turn discarded resources into usable features. The result is a vibrant courtyard that reflects both environmental care and educational purpose.
In keeping with sustainability goals, nearly five tons of previously unusable organic and industrial materials were repurposed for the project—including a brick kiln, industrial containers, artificial turf, solar panels, picnic tables, parking curbs, and landscape stone. These efforts not only diverted significant waste from landfills but also emphasized the importance of reimagining materials through innovative design. The space serves as a gathering area for studying, research, and recreation—offering a lasting example of environmental stewardship and student-driven impact in action.