USC’s groundbreaking sustainability achievements: Insights from USC Director of Energy and Sustainability Zelinda Welch

Zelinda Welch has been pivotal in USC’s rise as a frontrunner in sustainability. As the institution’s director of energy and sustainability, she has been a part of numerous initiatives aimed at reducing waste and energy usage.

USC is advancing significantly towards the objectives set forth in Assignment: Earth, the ambitious sustainability framework introduced by USC President Carol Folt in 2022. The institution has achieved a 50% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and 2) relative to 2014 levels and decreased water consumption by over 25%. USC’s waste diversion rate has seen a twofold increase over five years due to the deployment of more than 1,000 multi-stream recycling bins.

In 2022, guidelines for Sustainable Design and Construction were put in place, mandating that all new building projects at the university prioritize sustainability. That year, an agreement was established with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to ensure that 25% of USC’s energy is sourced from solar power.

This Earth Month, USC News interviewed Welch about the ways the university has shifted its strategies for sustainability.

What were the sustainability priorities at USC when you began your role here?

Welch: When I joined USC around six years ago, there were existing sustainability initiatives like zero-waste sporting events and efforts to monitor our carbon emissions. However, sustainability had not yet been recognized as an overall universitywide priority. This created an exciting opportunity to establish a definitive vision, develop a structured strategy, and align initiatives institutionwide to foster significant progress.

How have USC’s sustainability priorities evolved over time?

Welch: As time has passed, our focus has converged towards a cohesive, universitywide commitment to sustainability. A pivotal change occurred with the arrival of USC President Carol Folt, who initiated the USC President’s Working Group on Sustainability (PWG) to unite stakeholders across the university. This initiative resulted in the development of Assignment: Earth, USC’s comprehensive sustainability framework, which became formalized in 2022. The framework delineated a clear vision and established 29 SMART goals across five primary areas: education, research, inclusion, operations, and engagement. By publicly committing to these objectives, USC has entrenched itself as a leader in sustainability, showcasing a lasting commitment to environmental and social accountability.

What major obstacles have you encountered?

Welch: Our Trojan community has made considerable advancements. After lunchtime discussions, colleagues frequently approach me with inquiries on how to properly sort their waste into the three-stream bins (waste, recycling, and compost). People are eager to do the right thing and are receptive to education. Even small behavioral changes like proper waste sorting can have a significant impact.

While we have accomplished considerable milestones in tackling simpler, immediate sustainability issues, we are now at a juncture where USC must address more intricate challenges. As we complete these “easier wins,” we are encountering larger hurdles, including major infrastructure endeavors or more substantial behavioral modifications. The next phase will necessitate creative and resourceful approaches to address these deeper, more resource-intensive undertakings. Determining key priorities and ensuring efficient and effective methodologies will be imperative as we continue to advance in our sustainability journey.

What achievements are you most proud of?

Welch: Witnessing the crane hoist the initial set of solar panels several stories to the top of the Galen Center in March 2020 was among my proudest experiences. In spite of the onset of COVID and the significant challenges it posed, teams throughout USC collaborated to ensure the university’s largest solar installation became a reality. Progress continued from there, whether it was more solar arrays installed on various rooftops quietly generating clean energy or outdated lighting being replaced with energy-efficient LEDs in spaces ranging from grand auditoriums to tucked-away closets. Across [the University Park Campus], teams persist in advancing projects, both large and small, visible and hidden, all contributing toward a more sustainable future.

What sustainability advancements can we anticipate moving forward?

Welch: USC is making remarkable advancements in sustainability, with numerous initiatives already in motion. Our teams are harnessing extensive datasets and insights derived from past experiences to refine and expedite our efforts. Key initiatives include broadening zero-waste programs through enhanced bin installations, converting more landscape regions to native and climate-resilient plants, progressing rooftop solar PV installations, and conducting additional energy audits across campus facilities. With a definitive vision, a robust array of projects, and committed teams, USC is dedicated to making significant strides in sustainability. The momentum is building, and I’m proud to be part of this journey, looking forward to what lies ahead and eager to contribute to a greener future for USC.