By Lynn Lipinski
Step into a vibrant and inspiring space that goes beyond the traditional: welcome to the USC Sustainability Hub, a dynamic nexus that brings sustainable solutions to life in a space designed to enhance well-being and productivity.
Located within the bustling USC Student Union building, the Sustainability Hub embodies the university’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and resilience. It serves as a focal point for students and faculty who are passionate about cultivating a healthier and more flourishing campus and world.
“It’s much more than just physical space,” said Lillian Ledesma, engagement specialist, USC Office of Sustainability. “The Hub is a place that symbolizes the intricate interplay between environmental well-being, personal health, and community resilience.”
A Part of the USC Wellbeing Collective
This multi-use space and the programs affiliated with it exemplify the work of the USC Well-being Collective, in which the Office of Sustainability is a key partner. This collaborative framework unites various departments to achieve shared goals of equity and inclusion, resilience and thriving, alcohol and substance use, and consent and healthy relationships.
The Sustainability Hub champions resilience and thriving, offering an innovative approach to enhance student wellbeing. It serves as a focal point for students and faculty who unite under the mission of Assignment: Earth, USC’s strategy for cultivating a healthier, more equitable, and thriving campus and world. Prioritizing “people, place, planet,” the Hub actively contributes to fostering a vibrant campus culture while empowering individuals to build resilience and become proactive advocates for all aspects of well-being.
Action Can Reduce Anxiety
Many feel overwhelmed by climate change, with a global survey revealing 45% of youth say it impairs daily life. Furthermore, 75% view the future as frightening due to environmental threats, highlighting the urgent need to treat climate change as both an ecological and mental health crisis.
“Mental health is an often-overlooked dimension when we talk about wellbeing and sustainability,” Ledesma said. “Taking action, gathering for events, and connecting with like-minded peers within the USC sustainability community provide hope, motivation, and empowerment.”
The Hub recently hosted the first of three student-organized Climate Cafes in October, providing students with an avenue to express their climate grief and eco-anxiety. Interacting with peers working on USC’s sustainability initiatives gives students renewed hope and strengthens resolve to combat climate change, backed by studies showing that hope ignites climate action.
Get Started Today
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, the Hub is an informal “drop-in” lounge space that also hosts events, classes, and seminars, fostering sustainability across USC’s work, research, and student organizations. Students can start by completing the online Student Sustainability Training to align with USC’s goals. Sustainability initiatives at the university encompass a diverse range of activities:
- Utilization of the Student U-Pass Program (https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/student-u-pass/) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Support for local agriculture by purchasing from local growers at the Trojan Farmers Market.
- Engagement with the USC Supdate Slack workspace, which provides a platform for sharing sustainability-focused news and opportunities.
Faculty at the Hub are actively promoting resilience and well-being. For example, the course “Sustainability and Self-Care (PHED 117),” led by lecturer Sara Ivanhoe, imparts valuable skills like breathing techniques and mindful nature walks, aligning with the “resilience and thriving” objectives of the Wellbeing Collective.
Cross-Campus Partnerships
In addition to its core mission, the Sustainability Hub has sparked collaborative initiatives with other departments, including efforts related to design and construction of new or renovated university facilities. USC Facilities Planning Management team developed Sustainability Design and Construction Guidelines that incorporate wellness dimensions for new projects, renovations, and asset renewal. The construction and design of the Hub itself serve as an exemplary model for other departments to consider, showcasing the power of biophilic design and sustainable construction practices.
An innovative collaboration with the Department of Public Safety’s Lost and Found has given rise to FreeSCycle at the Hub, an initiative where students can get free, gently used items such as sunglasses, water bottles, and Airpods and give them a second life. The Hub also maintains an ongoing partnership with USC Environmental Health and Safety to collaborate on a monthly e-waste collection program.
Uniting for a Shared Mission
Ledesma underscored the significance of working together by referencing a well-known proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.’ This sentiment aptly captures the essence of collective impact, which emphasizes that unity and teamwork are some of the components that are essential to achieving long-lasting success.
For more information, visit the USC sustainability website and follow the Office of Sustainability on social media.