Mail and Package Programs Embracing Sustainability

Stanford’s Mail and Package Services (MPS) is driven by sustainability. It strives to contribute to a zero waste campus by designing facilities centered around convenient waste diversion. With designated areas and easy access to cardboard breakdown areas, the centers help all campus members contribute to the university’s commitment of zero waste.

The Last Mile Program

Over half a million packages were delivered to Stanford’s campus in 2024.

In response to the exponential growth in package volume – over half a million in 2024 – MPS created and launched The Last Mile Program, which contributes to the university’s net zero emissions goal by reducing emissions. MPS works with USPS, UPS, DHL, FedEx, Amazon, and other companies to deliver mail and packages to a central sort station at Stanford’s Newark Warehouse. Once the items are collected and consolidated, Stanford-owned electric vehicles transport them from the warehouse to campus in fewer trips. The central delivery location reduces traffic congestion and resulting emissions previously caused by the 40+ delivery trucks traveling around campus per day.

Additional Sustainability Initiatives

MPS also hired a Living Lab Fellow to develop quantitative assessments to track emissions and the impact of waste from packaging. Explore the MPS website to learn more about its sustainability initiatives.