12 of Pomona's buildings have rooftop solar PV, generating 2% of annual campus electricity usage.
The Center for Athletics, Recreation and Wellness achieved LEED Platinum and hosts a 64 kW rooftop solar project.
Frank Dining Hall is powered by a 63 kW rooftop solar system.
Our 2030 Vision for Energy
Create an environment supported by clean energy, data analytics, and efficiently operating buildings without sacrificing comfort, reliability, or resilience.
Pomona College is committed to environmental action—from student-led initiatives to campus-wide planning. Our goal is to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 (CN2030), as outlined in our sustainability plan, SAVE: Sustainable Action Visible Effects.
Most of Pomona’s carbon footprint comes from heating, cooling, and powering buildings, so reducing energy use and sourcing clean energy is the most effective way to reach CN2030.
By taking simple steps to save energy, we can create a more sustainable, healthy campus for current and future Sagehens.
Read our latest SAVE Annual Report to see progress toward energy goals as well as other sustainability initiatives.
What We're Doing
Pomona College is working to directly reduce its carbon footprint through energy efficiency projects and sourcing cleaner energy. Click the tabs below to learn more about how Pomona is saving energy to meet our carbon neutrality goal.
What We're Doing Details
Renewable Energy
As part of our commitment to clean energy, Pomona College continues to expand rooftop solar across campus and aims to include solar on every new building. Today, 12 buildings are powered by on-site solar projects with more projects coming soon:
- Lincoln-Edmunds (92 kW, 2025, LEED Gold)
- Cowart (38 kW, 2025)
- Center for Athletics, Recreation and Wellness (64 kW, 2024, LEED Platinum)
- Frank Dining Hall (63 kW, 2024)
- Seaver Complex (35 kW, 2015, part of the Estella-Andrew LEED project)
- Estella Laboratory & Andrew Science Hall (34 kW, 2015, LEED Platinum)
- Studio Art (20 kW, 2015, LEED Gold)
- Grounds-Housekeeping Complex (18 kW, 2013, LEED Gold)
- Sontag & Dialynas Halls (82 kW, 2011, LEED Platinum)
- South Campus Parking Structure (81 kW, 2011)
LEED Buildings
All new construction projects are required to achieve a minimum rating of LEED Gold, which promotes energy and water savings, reduced waste, and healthier spaces for occupants. Pomona currently has seven LEED-certified buildings:
- Center for Athletics, Recreation & Wellness (LEED Platinum, 2022)
- Benton Museum of Art (LEED Gold, 2019)
- Studio Art Hall (LEED Gold, 2015)
- Estella Laboratory and Andrew Science Building (LEED Platinum, 2015)
- Dialynas & Sontag Halls (LEED Platinum, 2011)
- Richard C. Seaver Biology Building (LEED Silver*, 2005)
*This building pre-dates Pomona's Green Building Standards, which now require LEED Gold or higher.
Heating and Cooling
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.
Lighting
To reduce the College's energy needs for lighting, Facilities and Campus Services has installed LED lights and motion sensors across campus. New construction projects maximize daylight through skylights and strategically placed windows.
Thermal Energy Storage
The Seaver Science Complex is chilled by a central chiller plant with an underground thermal energy storage system, which significantly reduces the energy needs for cooling the buildings.
How You Can Help
Reducing our carbon footprint takes a collective effort. Click the tabs below to learn how you can save energy and help reach our carbon neutrality goal.
Dress for the Weather
Dress for the outside weather and wear layers for indoor comfort.
Passive Energy-Saving
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.
Equipment
Purchase energy-efficient equipment. Turn off, unplug, or activate an energy-saving mode when not in use.
Scheduling
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 Issues
Report maintenance issues to Facilities and Campus Services by submitting a work order request.