Transforming oil wells into batteries for the sun and wind
USC researchers want to convert idle oil and gas wells into much-needed storage for sustainable energy, making California blackouts a thing of the past.
Back to our roots: Native plants are growing again at USC, thanks to student-led effort
After sustainability-minded students replaced turf with native species, a university partnership flowered. Now, more water-sipping indigenous plants are getting started at test plots around campus.
Using campus downtime to get ahead on water conservation
With most buildings essentially clear of classes and students, the university takes a forward leap in sustainability by installing touch-free, water-saving faucets.
Joe Árvai aims to grow USC’s Wrigley Institute into a true sustainability hub
The new director of USC’s environmental research institute wants to leverage all of USC Dornsife’s unique strengths to help ensure a more livable future.
USC builds sustainability commitment by joining national tracking system on environmental progress
The university’s commitment to the respected Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Ratings System will include a full review of its environmental footprint, including water use and energy consumption.
To help reach zero waste, USC invests in recycling
One bin does not fit all, which is why new sorting stations on USC campuses will keep materials separate from the start.
Five Ways USC Students are Making the World a Better Place
In a time of great upheaval and need, USC students lead efforts to strengthen and support their communities.
President Folt outlines ambitious yet achievable plans for sustainability
In two high-profile public appearances, the president also detailed USC’s efforts to combat the local — and global — effects of climate change and COVID-19.
Most Angelenos say climate change is a threat — but few act accordingly
USC Dornsife’s LABarometer survey shows that a majority of L.A. County residents remain unaware of the sustainable lifestyle changes available to them.
USC’s first fully online sustainable hackathon tackles pollution and recycling
USC Viterbi’s fourth annual Sustain-A-Thon — featuring an appearance by President Carol L. Folt — saw a record-setting number of students propose solutions to improve our planet.
Can sunlight convert carbon emissions into useful materials?
USC chemical engineers are developing an environmentally friendly way to upcycle carbon dioxide emissions into polymers, pharmaceuticals and other materials.
We love our blue jeans, but they have a massive water footprint
Producing a pair of denim trousers is a water-intensive process that’s often conducted in dry, hot regions. USC’s Robert Vos investigates how jeans can become more eco-friendly.
Undergrad turns to both science and policy to take on climate change
Before she even became a Trojan, Isabella O’Brien turned discarded oyster, clam and mussel shells into a means to deacidify ocean and lake waters.
USC launches new sustainability research initiative
The initiative’s first three projects will focus on major environmental concerns in Southern California: water management, air pollution and testing for nutrients in soil.
To be more sustainable, this USC student starts with the shirt on her back
Jasmine Sears plans to use her degree in environmental studies to help the fashion industry do more to protect the planet.
President Folt’s first year brings renewed energy to USC sustainability
Since her zero-waste inauguration, the president — herself an environmental scientist — has positioned USC to become a leader in sustainable strategies like solar energy.
New flow battery could help unleash renewable energy
USC scientists may have solved the storage problem that has long slowed the spread of renewables.
Urban heat waves imperil L.A.’s most vulnerable communities
New USC research highlights the outsized risk for low-income communities as global warming raises temperatures and our cities become even more crowded.
Galen Center wins big in Pac-12 sustainability competition
USC’s sustainability staff members executed their first “green game” and successfully turned the Galen Center into a zero-waste facility.
A system for reusing recyclable plastic trash takes home 2020 sustainability prize
Three teams of entrepreneurial USC students competed for $15,000 in awards during the fourth annual Wrigley Sustainability Prize contest.
USC goes virtual for Earth Day with lineup of online sustainability activities
What is the planet telling us with climate change? How is USC striving for a greener future? Get answers during the university’s online Earth Day celebration.
Environmental science major sows seeds of advocacy among Trojans
Soon-to-be-graduating USC senior Claire Mauss has transformed the Environmental Student Assembly into an organization that advocates for sustainable change on campus.
USC’s largest solar project continues to transform the Galen Center’s roof
All workers are abiding by COVID-19 distancing regulations as university officials expect the center’s solar setup to be fully operational by summer.
USC Alum Matt Petersen Believes in a Greener L.A.
The enthusiastic optimist sees opportunities for sustainability around every corner.