
A living laboratory for a greener world
Creating a greener future
Number of sustainability courses:
1,196
Carbon neutral by
2025
Zero waste by
2028
USC is playing a leading role in solving the global climate crisis
Unlocking the ocean’s secret: Natural carbon capture
Ocean-inspired methods for carbon capture hold promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing sustainability efforts. Experts from USC and Caltech join us for a Q&A from the docks at the Port of Los Angeles.
Read MoreNew tool helps students find sustainability courses
The Sustainability Course Finder helps spread awareness of courses across the university and provides students with an easy way to see how classes relate to various sustainability issues.
Read MoreUSC wins best fan engagement in Pac-12 Zero Waste Challenge for 2022 football season
This is USC's seventh overall or category victory across football and men's basketball.
Read More$50 million gift commitment establishes USC Dornsife environmental initiative
The Ronald and Leslie Sherwin Initiative for environmental protection aims to unite diverse academic disciplines for ecosystem conservation.
Read MoreColorado River water plan could trigger unprecedented supply cuts, ripple effects on key industries
The American Southwest braces for economic impact as pressure mounts in negotiations over the river’s dwindling water supplies.
Read MoreEPA looks to accelerate the EV transition, but California sets the pace
USC experts flag hazards ahead of state and federal emissions caps and a surge in the number of electric vehicles on the road.
Read MoreProjects you can support
President’s Sustainability Strategic Fund
July 27, 2022The global climate crisis is our call to action. With the support of President Carol L. Folt, USC is creating an urban forest, tapping the potential of our oceans, preparing the next generation of environmental innovators, and lowering our own carbon footprint.Support this projectSustainability Engagement Fund
July 27, 2022The push for a green USC has never been stronger. We are making meaningful strides to expand sustainable operations on our campuses with the help of students, faculty, and staff.Support this projectArts and Climate Collective
July 27, 2022Storytelling, arts, and culture fuel this program that aims to create an ambitious sustainability and environmental justice agenda. Powered by students, the collective supports their work with funding, guidance, communication, and community.Support this projectUrban Trees Initiative
July 27, 2022A forest in Los Angeles? That’s the mission of the USC Urban Trees Initiative, which partners USC experts and students with the City of Los Angeles to grow shade trees in neighborhoods where they are most needed.Support this projectOn-Campus Solar
July 27, 2022Our goal: net-zero emissions by 2025. Solar installation projects currently include the Cardinal & Gold apartment building, the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island, and the Galen Center, where the panels provide up to 15% of the arena’s energy use.Support this projectUSC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability (WIES)
July 26, 2022Wrigley Institute is leading the way in illuminating the state of our planet, solving its most pressing problems, and transforming the way society thinks and acts on the environment.Support this project
“Thank you for your interest in supporting sustainability at USC. I’d be happy to tell you more about the options available. Feel free to email me at wes.patterson@usc.edu.”
Wes Patterson
Associate Vice President, Strategic Initiatives
University Advancement