USC’s New Sustainability Hub: A Beacon of Environmental Innovation
photo credit: Kristen Adams
by Kristen Adams ‘25
USC’s new Sustainability Hub marks a significant stride in its commitment to the environment. This multi-use space is designed as a physical embodiment of USC’s “Assignment: Earth” initiative, aimed at cultivating an eco-friendly campus and planet.
On a random Monday, I strolled past the Student Union on my way to finance class. Through the window of STU, I caught a glimpse of a potted plant. And then a polar bear.
At the corner of STU, facing Tommy Trojan and Hahn Plaza, is USC’s brand new Sustainability Hub, which I had only heard about at that point through word of mouth. Since I had about 30 minutes to spare before a long, dreary class about stock options, I decided to go inside. I climbed up the stairs, turned right, and immediately came face to face with the new Sustainability Hub.
photo credit: Kristen Adams
A beautiful turtle welcomed me into the space as I turned the corner. The space opened on September 6, 2023, read the plaque. The first thing that caught my eye when I walked inside was the amount of sunshine. Brightly lit and filled with warmth, I found myself in a conversation at the front desk. I received a sustainability report booklet, as well as a few other goodies and stationary. Because it was still bright and early, the Sustainability Hub was fairly empty, but I could envision it filled with other students doing homework, working on a group project, or brainstorming the next big environmental justice plan.
photo credit: Kristen Adams
There were plenty of green couches, wallpaper of trees, potted plants, desk space, and chairs with books and decorations spotting the lounge. I spotted the polar bear that had stared at me when I was out walking. As I ventured further inside, I found a kitchen and study pods, which you could go inside if you needed a quiet space to hop on a Zoom or focus on an exam.
My favorite element of the Sustainability Hub can be found right by the entrance: a plant with a plant care guide with specific directions on how to keep it alive. Oh, do I need one of those with the number of plants I have killed in my dorm room!
photo credit: Kristen Adams
If I could describe my visit to the Sustainability Hub in 3 words, it would be warm, inviting, and calming. It is the perfect place to eat lunch, do homework, or meet a new friend. As soon as I got back home from my finance class, I began to dig for more research on this space. Here is what I found:
The Sustainability Hub’s design incorporates sustainable furniture and building materials to reduce its carbon footprint. As President Carol L. Folt states, this space invites students, faculty, and staff to “come together, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions that will have lasting impact on our campuses and this beautiful planet we love.” The grand opening of the Sustainability Hub is not only a milestone for campus sustainability but also a harbinger of new green initiatives at USC. It’s USC’s first campus-based space dedicated to cultivating sustainable solutions.
photo credit: Kristen Adams
The Sustainability Hub is not just a space; it’s a movement towards a greener, more sustainable future, where the entire Trojan family is invited to participate.
The Sustainability Hub is located in the Student Union, Suite 101. It is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To contact the Sustainability Hub, send an email to the Office of Sustainability at sustainability@usc.edu.
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