UD Arena may become a ‘zero waste’ facility after renovations

The University of Dayton Arena is undergoing major renovations right now but another change could take place after the remodeling job is complete.

UD Arena may become a “zero waste” facility, meaning that 90 percent of waste from the arena would be diverted from a traditional landfill, said Steve Kendig, UD’s executive director of energy utilization and environmental sustainability.

» WATCH: UD provides an inside look at arena renovations

To achieve the status of being a “zero waste” arena, a majority of the products UD offers during events at the facility would be either recyclable or compostable, Kendig said.

If the university moves forward with the sustainability plan for UD Arena, the facility will join a number of other big venues that have also achieved the “zero waste” status. Ohio State University’s Ohio Stadium in Columbus is one of the largest stadiums in the country that achieves “zero waste” status.

» RELATED: Wright State president not given raise, bonus due to budget issues

The plan for UD Arena is just the latest in a long list of sustainability work the university has undertaken in recent years. Most recently, UD installed a number of solar panels on campus including more than 4,000 at the University of Dayton Research Institute, according to the school.

UD Arena is in the midst of a three-year, $72-million renovation that is expected to be finished ahead of the facility’s 50th anniversary in 2019.

FIVE FAST READS

• New furniture store to open location at two Dayton-area malls

• Wright State president not given raise, bonus due to budget issues

• Good Samaritan Hospital officially closes down for good

• State suing Dayton company for ‘shoddy work

• Algae plaguing Ohio lakes could force Kasich to take executive action

THANKS FOR READING

The Dayton Daily News is committed to bringing you independent, in-depth local stories. Help support our journalism by signing up for a print or digital subscription.

About the Author