GHG Inventory
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In May 2007, students from the Pomona Campus Climate Challenge group completed a comprehensive report that assesses Pomona College’s climate foot and explores campus-wide strategies that the College can take to fulfill its commitment to environmental responsibility.Specifically, the goals of this project were the following:
- To create a detailed inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from functions and activities associated with Pomona College.
- To assess the feasibility of achieving carbon-neutrality at Pomona College
- To identify the best strategies to reduce emissions and achieve carbon-neutrality, i.e. the best combination of innovative building design, cost-saving technology, campus-wide policy initiatives, increased student awareness, and innovative financing mechanisms
- To present to the Pomona College Board of Trustees the findings of the project
The report presents a detailed greenhouse gas emissions inventory from 1999-2000 to 2005-2006 from functions and activities associated with the College. It also evaluates the case for pursuing climate-neutrality (zero net emissions of greenhouse gases) at Pomona and explores some strategies for reducing emissions from the main contributing sources. It is our 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 toward outlining and pursuing a comprehensive action plan for achieving climate neutrality.
Summary of Emissions
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.
pomona_ghg-inventory_05_06_final.pdf
