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
Lithium Valley: USC experts on California’s ‘white gold’ rush
The Salton Sea in southern California's Imperial Valley—now aptly dubbed "Lithium Valley"—has emerged as a global hotspot for this critical mineral and contains some of the world's largest lithium deposits, according to a recent U.S. Department of Energy report.
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The Coliseum brings USC classroom concepts to life
Experiential learning classes use the historic venue as a living laboratory. Students explore the stadium’s rich past and current operations — and help envision its future.
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More help, less waste: Alum develops popular compost service
You could say that USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy alumnus Ben Wan has devoted his professional attention to taking out the trash.
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Alumna is on a mission to decarbonize aviation
Hydroplane, founded by Trojan Anita Sengupta, is getting attention for its sustainability-focused work.
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Cats and the L.A. Memorial Coliseum: A purr-fect fit
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is home to two to three dozen “working cats” who control the rodent population, reducing the need for harmful rodenticides. Known as the “Coli cats,” these feral felines are beloved by the Coliseum staff members who feed them, especially security guard Rick Halpin, the resident “cat whisperer.” The cats hide in the stadium’s nooks and crannies during events but sometimes surface during USC Trojans Football games.
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Revamped U-Pass program helps students explore Los Angeles sustainably
Program allows graduate and undergraduate students to get around Los Angeles at no extra cost.
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 project
Sustainability 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 project
On-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 project
USC 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