Buildings and Grounds

Vision

Construct, operate, and maintain efficient buildings and outdoor venues to create healthy spaces and minimize environmental impact.

What We're Doing

The SAVE Buildings and Outdoor Venues goals focus on advancing buildings' compliance with Pomona College's Sustainable Operations and Maintenance Standards, purchasing sustainable cleaning products, and eliminating synthetic fertilizers and herbicides. Visit our Annual Report highlight page for an update on goals and achievements. ​

Organic Landscaping

In 2019, the Grounds department switched to organic pesticides and herbicides, reducing the amount of toxins exposed to workers and the environment.

Integrated Pest Management

The entire campus is managed with IPM standards, emphasizing natural methods of pest and weed control instead of applying chemicals (including pesticides).

Synthetic Fertilizer Reduction

Grounds continuously assesses new organic fertilizers for replacement of synthetic varieties. Grounds has also implemented a number of practices to help reduce stress on the turf and ornamentals, thus reducing pesticide and fertilizer use. In 2014-2015, Grounds used zero synthetic fertilizers on campus.

Low-VOC Fixtures/ Furnishings

Low-VOC paints, sealants, carpets, furniture, and other items are selected for major renovation and capital projects including the North Campus Residence Halls, the Harwood Court Renovation, Draper Center, Grounds Building, Studio Art Hall, and Millikan.