Stanford Marks 10 Years of Energy System Innovations
The SESI program transformed the university’s energy system into one that’s safe, sustainable, and resilient and serves as a model for the world.
When the Gates Computer Science Building was built in 1996, it was a model in state-of-the-art, energy-efficient design. The envelope includes solar control, double pane glass, overhangs for shade, a variable air volume (VAV) system, and operable windows with VAV interlock switches that shut off air to the room when the windows are open. In 2007, Stanford upgraded the control system to the best available in the 2000s.
This year, a major remodel project provided an opportunity to make sure the building is operating as efficiently as possible by current standards. With funding from the Energy Retrofit Program, we added all the Gates systems (air handlers, VAV boxes, thermostats, and window interlocks) to our campus N4 DDC network. We also retro-commissioned HVAC economizers and provided the ability to set back heating and cooling when rooms are unoccupied. These measures are estimated to save $78,000 per year in energy costs.
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Project: Electrify the Farm
Sergio Lopez used his fellowship to electrify Stanford’s Educational Farm, reducing emissions and leading the transition of small farms from fossil fuel dependency.
Project: Scheduling for Sustainability
Justin West ’25 piloted an occupancy-based HVAC scheduling system in the Gates building, aiming to reduce energy consumption by 20% through adjustments based on real-time data.