Energy use

The following data were compiled using CMC’s utility bills. It therefore does not include the energy used to power on and off campus vehicles.

The cause of this clear and consistent increase in energy use is unknown. Between 2002 and 2005, the college increased its number of students, faculty and staff, used more on campus technology, and built more on campus square footage. The Roberts Environmental Center is investigating these trends, attempting to understand how they individually relate to increased energy use. It is our hope, in future reports, to fully understand the cause of increased energy use and then set goals to reverse this trend.

Energy used, from renewable sources

Claremont McKenna College receives electricity from Southern California Edison. Eighteen percent of their electricity mix comes from renewable sources, including wind, geothermal, small hydro, solar and biomass. The majority of this energy is wind and geothermal.

Electricity consumption

Water used

The College receives water for all uses from the Southern California Water Company under the management of the Three Valleys Municipal Water District. Water is pumped from local underground aquifers or transported from as far away as the Colorado River. On campus, there are 19 meters that document the water for residence halls, academic and administrative buildings, and landscaping. There are over 5,376 sprinklers located around the college. In spring 2006, students received a grant from the National Wildlife Foundation to install underground moisture sensors to improve landscaping irrigation efficiency. Total water use at the college has been declining since the 2001-2002 academic year. Usage data for the 2004-2005 period are relatively low mainly due to an unusually wet year.

Waste recycled

Several times a semester, housekeeping selects a week in which to collect recycling statistics. In these weeks, total bags of waste and bags of recycled waste are counted for each building on campus. Through this method, an estimation of the recycling rate on campus and in each facility can be obtained. Data collected through this method is of limited utility since totals are not determined by weight but by the number of bags collected. Furthermore, since data are only collected several weeks out of the year, aggregate annual recycling is impossible to assess.

In looking at recycling rates over the past several years, few long term trends emerge. Recycling has stayed relatively constant with some upsurges and rapid declines. These statistics have been collected since 1996 and have generally hovered at just over 40%. It is likely that much of this inability to increase recycling rates is attributable to a failure to communicate the school’s commitment to recycling. A prevalent myth among students remains that items in recycling bins are merely being disposed of with the trash. This myth must be dispelled before any progress can be made with respect to the school’s recycling rate.

Hazardous waste recycled

Fluorescent Light Bulbs: CMC currently disposes of its fluorescent light bulbs through Lighting Resources Inc. (www.lightingresourcesinc.com). Each semester, CMC disposes of approximately 300 light bulbs at a cost of $0.40 per piece. However, no absolute data is readily available and usage is not charted over time.

Batteries: A battery recycling program is available through Story House, the school’s maintenance department. Currently there is a deposit box for students to dispose of used batteries.

Environmental notices of violation and fines

No notices of violation have been received in the last five years regarding land, water or air regulations. As such, no fines have been levied over the past five years.