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.
“Sustainability is all about our collective passage through this world. At USC, sustainability is our Assignment: Earth. It’s a centerpiece of our research and teaching, and of our policies and mindsets.”
President Folt is also an environmental scientist.
“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.”
“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.”
“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 (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.
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.
‘Greening’ the operating room: Arash Motamed
As the medical director of sustainability at Keck Medicine of USC, Associate Professor Arash Motamed is working to reduce the harmful effects of clinical operations on the environment.
Keck Medical Center of USC chef wins national award for plant-based tamale recipe
STORY AND VIDEOS: Executive Chef Luis Santos’ deconstructed Honduran tamale was chosen from five finalists. Read the backstory — and learn how to make this delicious dish.
Using environmental science to affect policy management: Karla Heidelberg
The USC Sea Grant director brings more than 25 years of experience as a scientist, educator and leader in ocean research, education, policy and public engagement.
How can computing for AI and other demands be more energy efficient?
EARTH MONTH: Researchers at the USC School of Advanced Computing and other units within the USC Viterbi School of Engineering working to improve computing efficiency.
