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.
Assignment: Earth
Assignment: Earth represents USC’s blueprint for cultivating a sustainable and equitable campus and global community. Crafted by the USC Presidential Working Group on Sustainability, in collaboration with various university groups, this framework outlines a comprehensive vision, along with aspirations and objectives, spanning five key areas: education, research, equity and inclusion, operations and engagement.
USC’s Sustainability Hub
The 1,500-square-foot hub, housed in USC’s Gwynn Wilson Student Union building, serves as a collaborative and inclusive gathering space for USC students, researchers and staff, focusing on advancing sustainability initiatives. Additionally, it houses Assignment: Earth, USC’s framework dedicated to maintaining the university’s leadership in 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.
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 Celebrates Earth Month
Beyond Earth Day on April 22, Earth Month at USC is a cornerstone initiative within Assignment: Earth. Dedicating the month of April to sustainability catalyzes meaningful change, inspiring individuals to take action, adopt sustainable practices, and contribute to a more resilient and equitable future for all. Our approach is to take concerted, collaborative action across disciplines and communities.
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.
Doctoral student tackles the environmental impact of spacecraft re-entry
osé P. Ferreira, a doctoral candidate in astronautical engineering, has received the prestigious Space for Sustainability Award from the European Space Agency.
How a microscopic coastal creature may become deadlier in our changing climate
USC Dornsife doctoral candidate Kyla Kelly is studying how various factors impact deadly Pseudo-nitzschia blooms.
USC Viterbi faculty member tackles climate and air quality challenges
Policy Influencer Jiachen Zhang brings expertise in computational modeling and science-based public policy to her new role at the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Environmental studies majors nurture vibrant gardens and bright minds
Undergraduate students intern with the Garden School Foundation to provide nature-based education to elementary schoolers.
Ocean-inspired tech could speed up carbon capture from ships
New technology from USC and Caltech could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the global shipping industry. See the story, photos and video.