Sustainability
Respecting the future is who we are.
Snapshots of sustainability around USC.
At USC, we understand that the future is shaped by our actions today. That’s why sustainability isn’t just a concept to us; it’s a commitment. Our dedication to fostering an eco-friendly and socially responsible campus is woven into every facet of our institution — from energy-efficient buildings and cutting-edge research to community outreach and individual responsibility.
Sustainability, the Trojan Way
Across our campuses, sustainability is ingrained as a fundamental value that fosters a united vision throughout the entire Trojan community. Students, faculty, staff, campus leaders, community partners and more work together to innovate sustainable solutions for shaping our planet’s future — a collective future that affects all of us.
The USC Sustainability Moonshot
USC is dedicated to creating a better world by addressing the pressing challenge of sustainability. Learn about USC’s Sustainability Moonshot, guided by Assignment: Earth – USC’s sustainability framework. Find out why USC is at the forefront of efforts to create a brighter, cleaner and healthier future.
USC’s Sustainability Hub
The 1,500-square-foot hub, situated in USC’s Gwynn Wilson Student Union building, is a dynamic and welcoming space for USC students, researchers, and staff to collaborate and innovate in sustainability initiatives. It is also home to Assignment: Earth, USC’s framework for sustainability operations, research and education.
Tracking USC’s Sustainability Progress
Annual Sustainability Survey
USC Sustainability Progress Report
Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS)
Voices Across USC
Trojan leaders share their perspectives on why sustainability matters not just for the university but also for broader societal and environmental well-being.
“Sustainability is all about our collective passage through this world. At USC, sustainability is our Assignment: Earth. It’s a centerpiece of our research and teaching, and of our policies and mindsets.”
Dr. Folt is also an environmental scientist.
“USC is making meaningful sustainability progress across numerous categories — energy conservation, water efficiency, diverting waste from landfills and integrating sustainability into more classes, for example.
Achieving zero waste at a university like USC is a complex equation. … Success will hinge on behavioral change. All Trojans have a part to play: We have to commit to rethinking waste as a resource — first reduce and reuse, and then recycle and compost.”
“We’ve reached a point where we really need to do something before things get unsolvable. I think everyone by now agrees that climate change is happening. It’s not a matter of stopping it. It’s just a matter of dealing with it at this point in a way that least impacts society.”
“This is the perfect time to help your network explore and dive into climate [issues].
All it takes is one moment, one conversation, one event to turn apathy into audacity and to believe that a better alternative is possible.”
Presidential Working Group (PWG) on Sustainability in Education, Research and Operations
USC President Carol Folt established the PWG on Sustainability in 2019 to guide the university toward sustainability leadership in education, research and campus operations. Comprising schools, offices and student organizations with six subcommittees focusing on critical areas, the group engages over 100 students, faculty and staff to drive sustainable practices and initiatives across the university.
USC Sustainability in the News
The latest in USC’s mission toward a sustainable future.
USC values in action
Trojan researchers, students, staff, community partners and more are going above and beyond to uncover new solutions for a sustainable future, addressing climate change and related issues to protect our environment.
USC Dornsife Public Exchange welcomes climate leader with deep L.A. policy experience
Michelle Barton has led major environmental initiatives and will help guide work on shade, heat resilience and the Los angeles River.
Dick Wolf Drama Center Honored with Los Angeles Conservancy Preservation Award
The home of the USC School of Dramatic Arts — a former church — has received one of the region’s most distinguished honors in historic preservation.
USC and L.A. Metro announce winners of the inaugural Shade Zone Design Competition
As part of ShadeLA, the USC School of Architecture-led competition judged entries from hundreds of students across Los Angeles for the best modular shade design.
Two essential coral species are now basically extinct, but USC experts aren’t giving up hope
After a devastating marine heatwave hit the Florida Keys in 2023, USC Dornsife coral biologists are collaborating with nationally esteemed marine labs to save the troubled reefs.
USC Dornsife celebrates Tyler Prize winner for turning fungal science into global conservation
Toby Kiers is honored for research on mycorrhizal fungi — and for efforts to map and protect the underground networks that sustain life on Earth.
Across the Aisle
USC’s Center for the Political Future offers a hopeful, practical model for ensuring that democracy functions and flourishes through respectful, civil dialogue and trust — regardless of political party affiliation.
