When much of the energy industry was focused on refining fossil fuel-based systems in the early 2010s, Stanford took a bold step forward by reimagining the system entirely. The result is the Stanford Energy System Innovations (SESI) program, which came online in 2015 and transformed the university’s energy system into one powered predominantly by 100% renewable energy, provided through the production of two Stanford solar generating stations and grid direct access.
We envisioned building a low-carbon energy system designed from the ground up for the 21st century, with the ultimate goal of being powered predominantly by renewable energy,” said Jack Cleary, associate vice president for academic projects and operations within Land, Buildings, and Real Estate (LBRE). “And today, we are proud to say that vision has been achieved.”
On April 3rd, 2025, an estimated 300 guests gathered at the Central Energy Facility on the west side of campus to celebrate a decade of Stanford Energy System Innovations. Cleary emceed the event, which was organized by Stanford’s Office of Sustainability in coordination with the Energy Operations team. It included campus leaders closely involved with the project, who remarked on the success of the program, as well as state and local government leaders who shared their congratulations.
Stanford has set a new benchmark for sustainability at live events through its first major concert hosted by Stanford Athletics and Stanford Live. Sustainable Stanford hosted a fireside chat with sustainability leadership from Live Nation and Warner Music Group in tandem with this milestone.
The Responsible Purchasing Department hosted an information session to inform the Stanford community about how everyday purchasing choices — like reusing, sourcing locally, and slowing shipping — can drive big sustainability impacts.
Rebecca Grekin, Ph.D. candidate in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, won AASHE’s Student Sustainability Award for her work on food emissions calculations.
