New Governance Structure Unites Campus to Take On Next-Level Climate Action

Stanford University has established a comprehensive permanent governance framework that will guide campus climate action to help achieve the university goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The university has expanded the scope of climate action planning beyond direct (Scope 1 and 2) campus emissions to comprehensively address indirect (Scope 3) emissions, adaptation, resilience, and justice. To date, Stanford has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80%, and the next level of progress demands a unified, “one Stanford” approach spanning the entire university, including more voices and expertise from across campus. This initiative marks a significant milestone, reflecting Stanford’s continued commitment to leading beyond regulatory requirements and demonstrating excellence in responding to the climate crisis.

The newly formed governance framework includes working groups led by subject matter experts in diverse fields – from waste to food systems to degasification – ensuring a well-rounded and informed approach to climate initiatives. The participation of faculty, staff, and students in this working group process fosters a diverse and collaborative environment where innovative solutions can emerge, with partners in the room who may not otherwise work together directly and consistently on climate initiatives, such as representatives from the Department of Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation, the School of Medicine, the Office of Government Affairs, and many more. “Integrating voices from all parts of campus, including undergraduate and graduate students, is essential in continuing to push Stanford to be a leader in climate action and climate commitments,” says Rebecca Grekin, a Ph.D. candidate in the Energy Science and Engineering Department within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and member of the Climate Action Advisory Committee. “Stanford has shown that it is committed to including the student perspectives in decisions that will affect us as we continue our careers both within and outside of Stanford.”

The advisory committee is integrated into the governance framework and is composed of faculty members, staff, and students, who meet monthly to review proposals for new initiatives based on their climate impact, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with Stanford’s climate leadership goals before elevating final approvals to senior leaders in the executive governance group. Over the last year, the advisory committee has reviewed various climate proposals, including a strategy to reduce and eliminate natural gas used in campus buildings, sustainable water management principles, an invasive species and restoration proposal for Stanford’s open spaces, and provision of incentives for more sustainable procurement and business travel. “The proposals that we are considering are well-researched, evidence-based, and put the needs of students and various stakeholder groups on campus at the center. The work that the subject-area working groups and the Office of Sustainability are doing shows an immense amount of thought and care being put into this work,” says Shreya Ramachandran, an undergraduate in human biology, coterminal master’s student in Sustainability Science and Practice, and member of the Climate Action Advisory Committee.

The executive governance group meets quarterly and is composed of senior university leaders, including the provost and key leaders from Residential & Dining Enterprises, Business Affairs, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, the Stanford Management Company, and Land, Buildings, & Real Estate, ensuring climate action remains a top priority at the highest levels. “Notably, this governance model is designed to include all Sustainable Stanford partners, incorporating input from across Stanford’s campus, which reinforces a holistic and impactful approach to sustainability,” says Sam Lubow, Associate Director of Climate Action for the Office of Sustainability.

Stanford’s new climate governance structure sets a precedent for institutional climate leadership, ensuring that ambitious and forward-thinking policies guide its sustainability efforts for decades to come. The university’s previous initiatives, such as Stanford Energy System Innovations and renewable electricity investments, have established a strong foundation; however, this new framework goes further by addressing indirect (Scope 3) emissions, including waste, water, commute patterns, and business travel. With its campus-wide representation, this governance body is poised to elevate Stanford’s role as a leader in climate action for the coming decades, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in order to create a climate-resilient future.