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.
USC Celebrates Earth Month
While April 22 is Earth Day, USC dedicates the entire month of April to celebrating the university’s steps to achieve its sustainability goals. Various events, student organizations, funding initiatives and networking opportunities 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.”
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 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.
People like renewable energy — but not necessarily the power lines that come with it
USC Price’s Wändi Bruine de Bruin presents findings to the National Academy of Sciences, highlighting Americans’ concerns about energy infrastructure.
After gold mining in the Amazon, why aren’t rainforests making a comeback?
A USC-led team led by USC Dornsife researchers has uncovered a hidden culprit behind the Amazon rainforest’s slow recovery: water loss caused by reshaped terrain.
Battling forever chemicals in the environment: Vaia Lida Chatzi and Max Aung
Chatzi and Aung’s work evolved from treating patients to preventing disease entirely.
Sustainability Rock Star: Skylar Funk
Skylar Funk MA ’25 — a professional rock musician and climate activist — has helped make USC a greener place as graduate co-chair of the Student Sustainability Committee.
