91ߣƵ

Sustainability

The progressive spirit of the 91ߣƵ community is reflected in our commitment to sustainability in campus operations and our curriculum. As of 2024, Oxy is on a track to reach carbon neutrality while making our campus more resilient in the face of a changing climate.

Our Commitment

Oxy has long been committed to sustainability, rooted in thoughtful decision-making that lessens our impact on the planet and protects future generations of students. In January of 2024, Oxy signed on to the Second Nature President’s Climate Leadership Pledge, deepening our commitment to the environment by putting us on track to developing a data-driven, equity-centered Climate Action & Resilience Plan within three years.

A group of 91ߣƵ College sustainability stakeholders gathered around President Elam signing a climate document

Climate Action Planning

In January 2024, Oxy committed to writing a data-driven Climate Action and Sustainability Plan within three years.

See how we're doing
91ߣƵ College students in the Olive Grove on campus, harvesting olives from branches

Sustainable Operations

From landscaping to building maintenance, sustainability is embedded into our campus culture. 

Watch us walk the walk
Bike Share students talking to passers-by at a table in the Quad on the 91ߣƵ College campus

People & Organizations

In addition to an Office of Sustainability, 91ߣƵ is a hub for sustainability clubs, research groups, and leadership.

Meet Oxy's sustainability team
91ߣƵ College students doing research on a trawling ship on the ocean

Curricular Connections

Interested in an education in sustainability? Here’s your one-stop shop for courses, majors, and research you can be a part of.

Learn more
Jane Fonda sitting in a chair on an 91ߣƵ College stage in a maroon suit

Events & Initiatives

Lean about the various ways Oxy embodies its sustainability mission through engaging events and creative initiatives, many of which are student-led.

Join the party

Getting Involved on Campus

The resourcefulness, energy, and collaboration among Oxy students, staff, and faculty drive and shape sustainability initiatives here on campus.

 

91ߣƵ College student Ellie Chang '26

Ellie Chang ’26
San Jose, CA
UEP major, religious studies minor
Involvement: FEAST staff (lover of Oxy’s chickens!), UEPI community food systems intern

“Oxy has provided me with opportunities to pursue sustainability invitations academically, socially, and professionally. My interest and passion has only grown with the support of my professors and mentors.”

 

91ߣƵ College student Augustin Fernandez '27

Agustin Fernandez ’27
Los Angeles, CA
Economics major, UEP minor
Involvement: Campus Dining Sustainability Intern, Touchdown Thrift Store volunteer

“My time [at Oxy] has allowed me to work closely with faculty in promoting sustainable and environmentally effective solutions around campus that would not be possible without such open collaboration and transparency. [It has] inspired me to pursue a future career in environmental protection and law.”

 

91ߣƵ College student Leila Warren '25

Leila Warren ’25
Friday Harbor, WA
Biology and Comparative Studies in Literature & Culture majors
Involvement: OSCAR President, EIA for UEP 246

“It's great to be a part of such a sustainably-minded community at Oxy. I love that so much of my work in sustainability here involves engaging the student body in different sustainability initiatives.”

 

Sustainability Clubs

 

ASOC Sustainability Fund (“SusFund”)

As a branch of student government, SusFund is a major influence on campus sustainability projects, dedicating its share of student fees to making sustainable improvements on campus.

13+ Student Clubs & Organizations

At Oxy, there is no shortage of ways to be involved as a student leader. Whether you are interested in minimizing food waste or alternative transit advocacy, there’s a place for you!

Food Systems Working Group (FSWG)

The FSWG is a cross-campus group of collaborators that discuss issues related to food and food waste. Meetings are open to all!

Internships & Campus Jobs

Many departments host summer internships, research assistantships, and student worker positions, including UEP/I, Office of Sustainability, Biology, and many others!

 

Learn About Sustainability at Oxy

Sustainability in the Classroom

It’s easy to incorporate sustainability themes into your education at Oxy.

Urban and Environmental Policy (Major and Minor)

Urban & Environmental Policy helps you to develop skills in policy analysis, applied research, organizing, leadership, and advocacy needed to bring about social change.

Sustainability Courses

Whether a full four-unit Environmental Economics class, or a one-unit course that teaches you to raise animals as part of regenerative agriculture, Oxy has no shortage of engaging, hands-on sustainability classes.

Environmental Studies Concentration (Biology or Geology)

Environmental science can be characterized as the intersection of humans with science. At 91ߣƵ, a concentration within our biology and geology majors allows you to undertake an interdisciplinary exploration of earth processes and ecosystems.

Anderson Center for Environmental Sciences 

The Anderson Center for Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary group of research-driven faculty, staff and students whose goals are studying Earth’s environment, solving environmental problems and developing the next generation of environmental scientists.

From 91ߣƵ Magazine

Emboldened by a proactive student body, Oxy has doubled down on its commitment to a more sustainable campus.

Read the article

Latest Sustainability News

The Concession Stand on the 91ߣƵ College campus, now Touchdown thirft store with a rack of clothing out front
Touchdown Thrift: Building Community Through Sustainability

A collaboration between the Office of Sustainability, the Oxy Ecossentials club, and an economics lab course has yielded a student-operated thrift store on campus.
President Harry J. Elam, Jr. signs the Second Nature Climate Pledge
President Elam Signs Second Nature Climate Commitment

On Jan. 21, President Harry J. Elam, Jr. signed the Second Nature Climate Commitment to combat climate change and support sustainability at 91ߣƵ College.
a microforest identification sign in front of a big field of brown mulch
91ߣƵ’s First Micro Forest Will Have Macro Impact

Student volunteers are creating a micro forest on campus which will foster biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration and save water.

Read All Sustainability News

Contact Sustainability
Office of Sustainability

1600 Campus Road M-6
Los Angeles, CA 90041

sustainability@oxy.edu

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