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.
USC Celebrates Green Week
This September 15–19, Green Week empowers the Trojan community to engage in sustainable behaviors and activities. USC offers plenty of opportunities to make connections, attend events and learn more about advancing sustainability on our campuses.
Green Week is just one of the many initiatives that support Assignment: Earth, USC’s sustainability framework for creating a healthy, just and thriving campus and world.
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
Bi-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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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 on Sustainability in Education, Research and Operations
USC’s Presidential Working Group (PWG) on Sustainability was formed in 2019 to advance the university’s leadership in sustainability across education, research and campus operations. Comprising of 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 Capital Campus awarded LEED Platinum certification
The certification of the USC’s Washington, D.C., facility underscores the university’s commitment to sustainability coast to coast.
Can the seafloor help the ocean absorb more CO2?
STORY, VIDEOS AND PHOTOS: USC scientists are exploring how the sandy seafloor off the Southern California coast takes up CO2 and helps protect the long-term health of our oceans.
Mission: Possible
USC is a top destination for students, faculty and staff seeking purpose-driven work, collaborative learning and innovative discovery — all because the university prioritized health, computing, community development, sustainability, athletics and the arts.
How USC Sea Grant and partners came together to save two species of fish during the wildfires
Rosi Dagit realized that the post-fire mud flows would likely smother everything in their path — including the endangered fish in Topanga Creek — so she mobilized a team that included USC Sea Grant as a key player.
USC technology may reduce shipping emissions by half
New research shows how a shipboard system using limestone and seawater could cut maritime CO2 emissions by 50%.
USC Capital Campus hosts inaugural D.C. Climate Week Nature Day
USC deans and faculty share climate research and insights as part of a full day of programming at the USC Capital Campus.
