Air Quality and Transportation
Air quality is of critical importance around the globe. This is particularly true in Southern California, where the biggest contributor to the air quality is the number of vehicles on the road. In May 2009, the American Lung Association reported that Los Angeles had the most polluted air in the nation for ozone and year round particle pollution. As a Christian institution, Pepperdine has a duty to do all it can to ensure the health and well-being of humanity and the environment. This begins with a commitment to clean air through reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
On-Campus Housing and Residence Life
The University's largest contribution to improving air quality is the provision of on-campus housing, as this conserves fuel while decreasing the number of rush hour vehicles. Pepperdine currently provides 2,270 student beds and houses 143 faculty/staff residents. This accounts for 52% of our student population and 8% of our faculty/staff population, respectively. Pepperdine recently submitted an application for approval to add additional student beds on campus. This will provide on-campus housing for 75% of our undergraduate students, which will take even more vehicles off the road.
Sustainable Commute
Pepperdine's sustainable commute program incentivizes alternative, lower-impact methods of transportation to and from campus. Staff and Faculty can participate through carpool, vanpool, bus/shuttle, bicycle, or walking. Each month, participants fill out a tracking form where they indicate which days they participated in alternative commute. Those who participate in alternative commute 10 or more times a month will be entered into a monthly drawing for movie tickets. The sustainable commute program also includes bus subsidies. The subsidy is $40 a month, but members must travel by bus at least 10 times a month to receive the full amount. To find out more, contact Emily Mead or vanpool coordinator, Angie Pederson
Employees interested in finding a carpool can post to the online carpool board here
In the event of a campus closures due to an emergency, critical support personnel who also participate in the vanpool program can arrange for an emergency ride home. An email or text will go out to all vanpool riders so they may know who to contact to coordinate alternate rides home. The cost of the ride will be covered by the University. Vanpool riders who must leave work early due to illness or a personal emergency can contact the Center for Sustainability to arrange a ride home.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
In 2018, three dual-port EV charging stations were installed on the Malibu campus. Four of the charging ports are available in the Main Seaver Lot and two ports are located in the Rho Lot.
In order to ensure equal access to the charging stations, the University provides free EV charging for four hours per session with a fee of $20 automatically assessed through the app after four hours. Designated EV parking is reserved for active charging only with non-EVs subject to a $60 citation from the Department of Public Safety.
CHARGEPOINT STATION CHARGING INSTRUCTIONS
1) Download the Chargepoint app on your cell phone and create an account.
2) Park in a designated EV charging stall or queue up remotely via the Chargepoint app. Drivers can use the Waitlist feature by tapping their ChargePoint card on the station to get in line or by queueing up remotely in the app. When a space becomes available, you will receive a phone notification.
3) All customers must initiate a charging session through the adjacent ChargePoint station. To start charging, simply open the Chargepoint app and hold your phone by the card reader on the station to unlock the connector. Be sure to turn off your vehicle before plugging in. Remember to only use the outlet designated for that stall and avoid placing your cable where it might create a pedestrian hazard. The University cannot be held liable for theft or damage to your equipment.
4) When you get back to your EV, tap your phone or card to end your session.
If you have any questions about EV charging on campus, please contact the Center for Sustainability at 310-506-4702 or email Sustainability Coordinator Emily Mead at Emily.mead@pepperdine.edu.
Pepperdine Fleet
Shuttles
Pepperdine has created a shuttle service to cut down on campus traffic, provide transportation for staff, faculty, and students, and reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Shuttle services provide transportation on campus and into the local shopping areas.
Download the Pepperdine App from the App Store or Google Play, and access real-time shuttle information.
Clean Fleet Vehicles
The Facilities, Management, and Planning department uses a fleet of 20 electric vehicles, while Public Safety operates two hybrid vehicles to monitor the campus and provide assistance to students.
Zip Car
In the Fall of 2014, Pepperdine introduced Zipcar to its Malibu campus. Zipcar is a car sharing system created to allow people to rent cars by the hour or by the day, providing an excellent opportunity for students who do not own a car. Currently, there are two available Zipcars available in Rho Parking lot. For more information and to register, visit the Pepperdine Zipcar page.