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.
Leading the Way in Sustainability
USC’s Assignment: Earth is a university-wide effort to champion sustainability through innovative research, green initiatives, education and collaboration. Together, the Trojan community is taking bold steps to protect our planet for generations to come.
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.
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.
Jacobson Symposium offers sustainable strategies for fashion customers, creators
Experts in sustainability, secondhand styling, composting and textiles share lessons in being conscious consumers of fashion.
Green entrepreneurship proves there’s profit in sustainability
In his Green Entrepreneurship course, USC Marshall’s Jeremy Dann will teach students that sustainability isn’t just necessary; it’s also profitable.
Drinking water, food access and industrial pollution linked to levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in blood
USC researchers found that certain neighborhood factors were associated with higher levels of PFAS in the blood of Southern California residents, which increases the risk for disease.
USC Urban Trees Initiative expands green spaces in South Los Angeles neighborhoods
The first 27 of 250 new trees planned for South Los Angeles neighborhoods were planted to provide much-needed shade.
New method successfully recycles carbon fiber composite into reusable materials
The method is the first of its kind, reclaiming high-value materials from both the carbon fiber fabric and polymer of a material commonly used in manufacturing.
Salton Sea — an area rich with lithium — documented as hot spot for child respiratory issues
A USC study finds boys and girls living closest to the landlocked lake experience more respiratory issues than those farther away.