In 2004 Princeton University reported on the possibility of reducing the amount of gas emissions from the University fleet. A total of approximately 440 vehicles were examined, including 92 golf carts. The club carts on campus provided the largest amount of harmful emissions - carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases. The study is detailed below:

Emission Rates
These calculations are based on averages for each cart. We estimated that each cart was used on average for 2.5 hours each week.

HC & NOx
2.5 hrs/wk x 52 wks/yr. x 10.5 hp x0.011 lb/hphr=15.015 lbs/yr x ton/2000lbs = 0.008 T/yr / cart x 90 carts ~ 0.7 tons / year NOx / Fleet

CO emissions:
2.5 hrs/wk x 52 wks/yr x 10.5 hp x 0.439 lbs/hphr = 599.235 lbs/yr x 1 ton/2000 lbs = 0.3 T/yr / Cart x 90 carts ~ 27 tons/yr CO

CO2 emissions:
2.5 hrs/wk x 52 wks/yr x 10.5 hp x 1.08 lbs/hphr = 1474.2 lbs/yr x 1 ton/2000 lbs = 0.7371 Tons/yr/cart x 90 carts = 66 Tons/yr Fleet

To put these numbers in context to other areas of high emissions on campus, the following is comparable data gathered from the Engineering department:
Power Plant: NOx = 79 Tons/yr. vs. Cart Fleet
CO = 92 Tons/yr.
CO2 = 90,000 Ton/yr.
Ford Taurus: NOx = 0.002 Tons/yr vs. Single Cart
CO = 0.032 Tons/yr.
CO2 = 2.21 Tons/yr
Taurus has more horsepower so naturally more CO2 emissions.
From data the Cart Fleet is surprisingly close to the power plant.

The results: Regarding the Ford Taurus, one cart = 4 Taurus’ in NOx emissions and 8 Taurus’ in CO emissions.

In other words; A gas golf cart is 4 to 8 times more polluting than a Ford Taurus.