The Carbon Pledge

A district-wide commitment to decarbonization by 2030

In December 2023, the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees unanimously adopted Resolution No. 799, establishing a policy goal to address carbon-free energy sourcing and reduce the college’s environmental impact.

The resolution recognizes the impact of climate change on the health, safety, and well-being of PCC students, families, and the broader community, and establishes clear goals for facilities, fleet electrification, and expanded EV charging capacity.

2030

Target year to decarbonize PCC facilities and fully electrify the campus vehicle fleet.

2035

California zero-emission vehicle mandate PCC is preparing for through expanded charging infrastructure.

Sustainability Investments

Actual projects underway or in planning

sun

Solar Photovoltaic Systems

Planned solar PV installations across the Colorado and Foothill campuses will help offset campus energy use and support on-site renewable energy production.

plug

EV Charging Expansion

The program will repair 12 existing campus EV charging stations and install 113 new chargers to meet future campus demand.

battery

Battery Energy Storage

New Battery Energy Storage Systems will support renewable energy use, improve resilience, and help manage campus energy needs.

building

Facility Electrification

Future phases will scan gas-fired appliances and support a broader electrification and conversion strategy for PCC facilities.

$50M

Estimated initial investment for EVSE and PV implementation over three phases

4,160

kW DC of new Solar PV planned through phases 1–3

113

New EV chargers planned, in addition to repairing 12 existing chargers

$1.86M

Estimated annual utility cost savings after phases 1–3

Implementation Plan

Three phases of solar and EV infrastructure investment

Phase 1 · 2026–2027

Colorado & Foothill Campuses

Colorado Campus Lots 5 and 7, plus Foothill Campus Lots A and B.

Estimated cost: approximately $17 million

Phase 2 · 2027–2028

Fleet & Child Development Center

Colorado Campus Lot 4, campus fleet, and the Child Development Center.

Estimated cost: approximately $12.5 million

Phase 3 · 2028–2029

Additional Colorado Campus Lots

Colorado Campus Lots 1 and 3.

Estimated cost: approximately $18 million

Planning with Partners

A practical path toward cleaner energy and lower utility costs

PCC is working with its sustainability consultant, Accenture, and engaging Pasadena Water & Power to evaluate local utility incentives for solar array and charger installations.

Current rough order of magnitude estimates calculate an annual utility cost savings of roughly $1.86 million per year after phases 1 through 3, with payback of the initial investment estimated at approximately 18.8 years.

What this work supports

  • On-site renewable energy production and storage
  • Expanded EV charging capacity for campus users
  • Preparation for California’s zero-emission vehicle goals
  • Long-term facility electrification and conversion planning
  • Continued shared governance engagement and community input

Sustainability is a continuing commitment.

As PCC evaluates future projects, the college will continue identifying ways to reduce environmental impact, improve campus systems, and support a healthier, more sustainable learning environment.