California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
PAE-5: Climate Plan

Cal Poly Pomona has developed an approach for achieving climate neutrality that favors local action to improve efficiency and change behavior over offset projects or strategies. In reviewing emission trends, modeling projected emissions, and assessing the impact of various reduction strategies, we concluded that 2030 was an ambitious, but realistic timeline for achieving climate neutrality of campus operations. The vision plan estimates that emissions can be reduced by 65% over our projected “business as usual” level by 2030 through local action. A target emissions level of 20,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent is established for 2030. This target is well below 1 metric ton per capita and represents a substantial, but achievable, campus-based effort for reducing emissions. However it is recognized that neutrality cannot be achieved through local action alone. Some activities, such as commuting and air travel, are indispensible to campus operations and while they may be able to be greatly reduced, they cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore the 20,500 metric tons of residual emissions projected for 2030 will be offset by campus resources and activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere. Cal Poly Pomona has developed an approach for achieving climate neutrality that favors local action to improve efficiency and change behavior over offset projects or strategies. In reviewing emission trends, modeling projected emissions, and assessing the impact of various reduction strategies, we concluded that 2030 was an ambitious, but realistic timeline for achieving climate neutrality of campus operations. The vision plan estimates that emissions can be reduced by 65% over our projected “business as usual” level by 2030 through local action. A target emissions level of 20,500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent is established for 2030. This target is well below 1 metric ton per capita and represents a substantial, but achievable, campus-based effort for reducing emissions. However it is recognized that neutrality cannot be achieved through local action alone. Some activities, such as commuting and air travel, are indispensible to campus operations and while they may be able to be greatly reduced, they cannot be completely eliminated. Therefore the 20,500 metric tons of residual emissions projected for 2030 will be offset by campus resources and activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere.

The short-term goals are the same as the long term. The university will periodically measure the progress toward the long-term goal to assure that the long-term goal will be met.