Reenergized to Reunite

Sustainability

Momentum is building behind USC’s drive to go green. As part of the push, the university reduced its greenhouse gas emissions. It also was designated a campus green zone, recognizing its switch away from landscaping and maintenance equipment powered by fossil fuels. The achievements capped off a spring semester in which faculty members contributed substantially to knowledge and policy on climate change — and students continued their advocacy on behalf of the planet. See a few success stories below.

A wind farm with solar panels

Study involving USC and federal government shows L.A. could be completely powered by renewable energy in 25 years

The effort could achieve dramatic reductions in greenhouse gases without significant disruption to the economy or people’s lifestyles, according to USC research.

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DR. ALLEN AND CHARLOTTE GINSBURG TURN THE SOIL.

Opening of Ginsburg Center, first Platinum-certified LEED building

Groundbreaking ceremony kicks off construction of a significant milestone in USC’s history: a new home for computer science, focused on improving and benefiting society.

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Recycling receptacles line Galen Center's lobby

Athletics commits to UN Sports for Climate Action initiative

USC Athletics will join the U.N. Sports for Climate Action initiative, pacing the university’s rapidly expanding sustainability efforts.

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Workers have been making progress with the solar panel installation on the roof of the Galen Center

USC meets goals for greenhouse gas reductions

The achievement is the first time the university has set — and met — a target for carbon-based emissions.

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Urban trees illustration

Urban trees to fight warming and improve quality of life in L.A.

University scientists, working with the city of Los Angeles, have developed a plan to grow an urban forest in communities vulnerable to heat waves and air pollution.

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Art climate collective cork board with picture of its members

First group of 12 students get Arts in Action grants for projects that use arts to advocate for climate action

The first round of 12 Trojan grant winners will pursue storytelling projects on sustainability and environmental justice through the Arts and Climate Collective.

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USC groundskeeper blowing leaves on the ground

USC launches first campus green zone in U.S.

Complaints sparked a change from noisy landscaping equipment to clean technologies on the University Park Campus, part of a major investment that’s earned the university green accolades.

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Ellen Dux

Ellen Dux of USC Sustainability looks forward to the next 10 years of green upgrades at USC

To commemorate Earth Day 2021, Ellen Dux of the USC Office of Sustainability envisions the next 10 years of green upgrades, including the ones Trojans want to see most.

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