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
‘Be leaders in your community’: Students engage with university officials at sustainability town hall
EARTH MONTH: Representatives of the USC Office of Sustainability spoke with students about what’s been done, what’s in the works and what needs to happen to create a greener university.
Read MoreElevating the social justice impact of climate change
EARTH MONTH: The increase in climate-related disasters and pollution disproportionately affecting marginalized communities makes climate change a core social justice issue.
Read MoreSupreme Court to consider ‘good neighbor’ rules that limit cross-state air pollution
EARTH MONTH: The nation’s highest court is considering putting a hold on a clean air rule that requires upwind states to reduce pollution affecting their downwind neighbors. USC environmental law expert Robin Craig weighs in.
Read More$4 million gift launches new climate and carbon management initiative
EARTH MONTH: USC Dornsife’s Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability will use the Ballmer Group gift to study decarbonization strategies
Read MoreTrojan’s big idea to cut auto emissions: Mini EVs
EARTH MONTH: USC Price master’s student Dylan Qichen Di researched the market viability of smaller and more affordable electric vehicles.
Read MoreJane Fonda brings her story of climate activism to USC
EARTH MONTH: The two-time Oscar winner inspired students during a wide-ranging conversation with USC Annenberg Dean Willow Bay.
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