Pomona’s Path to Carbon Neutrality by 2030
Pomona College has a longstanding dedication to environmental action, from grassroots organization of students to administrative commitment at the institutional level. As such, the College has a goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2030 (CN2030) as laid out in our sustainability strategic plan, SAVE: Sustainable Action Visible Effects.
The achievement of CN2030 centers on reducing the campus’s energy footprint by using less electricity and natural gas. Two-thirds of Pomona’s carbon footprint comes from heating, cooling, and powering our buildings. Decreasing energy usage will have the single largest impact on Pomona’s path toward CN2030.
What Pomona’s Doing
- Campus buildings are generally set to 68°F for heating and to 76°F for cooling during occupied hours. During unoccupied hours, such as nights and weekends, setpoints in non-essential buildings will be relaxed further.
- Facilities and Campus Services has installed LED lights, sensors, multi-pane windows, and solar-reflecting roofing across campus.
- Ten buildings on campus have solar panels, with more projects in the pipeline.
- All new construction projects are required to achieve a minimum rating of LEED Gold. Pomona currently has ten LEED certified buildings.
How You Can Help
- Dress for the outside weather and wear layers for indoor comfort.
- Open windows during moderate weather and use natural light.
- Use (or request) blinds to block heat from the sun and install a fan to increase airflow. Note, space heaters are not allowed on campus due to the fire hazard.
- Purchase energy-efficient equipment. Turn off, unplug, or activate an energy-saving mode when not in use.
- Schedule classes, meetings, and other campus activities during the building’s operating hours. For evening and weekend events, schedule in a building with expanded hours, like the Smith Campus Center.
- Report maintenance issues to Facilities and Campus Services by submitting a work order request.
Join us on the Path to Carbon Neutrality by 2030. Together, we can achieve carbon neutrality and promote a vibrant, healthy campus for current and future Sagehens. For more information, please contact: sustainability@pomona.edu.