Pomona Campus Climate Challenge

Students from the Pomona Campus Climate Challenge have completed their study on greenhouse gas emissions at Pomona. The results of the study show that more than 88% of Pomona’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the year 2005-2006 derived from energy use in buildings. Of the 88%, 47% is accounted for by electricity use for lighting and running electronic appliances and 41% by the use of natural gas use for space and water heating. Transportation related emissions from air travel, grounds, housekeeping and athletic department fleets accounted for 7% and refrigerant use emissions contributed 4%. Other sources of emissions include treatment of solid waste and application of fertilizer. There are also significant amounts of emissions from the consumption of food, however these emissions are not reported in this report.  The students hope that the College will use this report as a stepping stone for making a more detailed assessment of its climate footprint and for taking concrete steps towards outlining and pursuing a comprehensive long-term action plan for achieving climate neutrality.  Click here for the study: pomona_ghg-inventory_05_06_final.pdf