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 by 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 2,585 student beds and houses 143 faculty/staff residents, which helps take many 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 are 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 vanpool coordinator Angie Pedersen. 

In the event of a campus closure 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 at 310.506.6702 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 mobile 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.

If you have any questions about EV charging on campus, please contact the Center for Sustainability at 310.506.6702 or email Camila Pupparo at camila.pupparo@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 Mobile App to access real-time shuttle information.

Clean Fleet Vehicles

The Departments of Facilities Services and Public Safety operate two hybrid vehicles each 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.