WashU’s Grounds Service contractor, Focal Pointe Outdoor Solutions, was awarded the Ralph Wafer Environmentally Sustainable Business Award at the Missouri Coalition for the Environment (MCE) luncheon in September.
This award honors business leaders and entrepreneurs whose innovation and dedication drive the economy towards environmental respect and inclusion. It is named for Ralph Wafer, a distinguished architect and longtime MCE board member who has a passion for environmentally sustainable businesses.
Focal Pointe has a long-standing commitment to sustainable landscaping practices; they were nominated for the MCE award specifically due to their work championing native plants in the St. Louis region. In partnership with WashU, Focal Pointe has incorporated native plants across campuses, including converting 7 acres to prairie at the Kingshighway and I-64 interchange and working to include all Missouri native trees as part of the Danforth Campus Arboretum. Focal Pointe was also recognized for their investment in educating their team on the maintenance and use of native plants, with four team members currently designated as Grow Native Certified Professionals.
“We are just reflecting the goals and missions of our partners, and feel this is just as much a recognition of WashU as it is us,” says Cody Azotea, Focal Pointe Manager.