Operations
You name it, we’re on it.
USC’s operational goals for sustainability are ambitious, knocking down emissions, reducing water usage, diverting waste, incorporating native plants into campus design and much more.
What We’re Doing
From achieving climate neutrality to waste diversion, water reduction and so much more, USC’s campus operations are evolving into a future-oriented sustainable model that represents our vision for a healthier future for all.
55%
Campuswide waste diversion
90%
Waste diversion rate at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the 2023 football season
55%
USC Hospitality food purchased from sustainable sources
50,000 sq. ft
Solar panels covering the Galen Center roof, powering 15% of the venue’s electricity
60%
Reduction in lighting load due to energy-efficient LED lighting
400,000 lbs.
Equivalent of coal that was not burned due to a centrally managed HVAC automatic scheduling system
USC’s Sustainability Efforts Receive Gold Rating
I see very few problems bigger than the problem of sustainability, than building a healthy planet that will sustain people, keeping people’s health strong and helping to eliminate the disparities that — with climate change and pollution — are increasing health and educational disparities between people that have access to good resources and people that don’t.
Carol Folt, USC President
Building Circular Economies
We’re well on our way to achieving 90% waste diversion by 2028 across university campuses, USC Village, labs and buildings dedicated to student housing and staff workplaces. Beyond that, we’re working toward 30% waste aversion, which avoids waste creation altogether.
Healthier Ecosystems & New Water Realities
Our long-term plan for USC’s grounds and landscaping includes strategically growing native and climate-adapted plants — saving an estimated 40% on water usage — and updating our design guidelines to incorporate health and wellness strategies into facilities designs. We’re committed to achieving a 20% potable water use reduction across campus by 2028, and we’re already three quarters of the way there.
