Leadership
Sustainable Stanford is a university-wide effort to reduce our environmental impact, preserve resources, and lead sustainability by example across its three pillars - environment, economy, and equity. Sustainable Stanford consists of many departments and groups across campus and utilizes this collective to leverage the campus as a living laboratory for developing scalable, replicable, and sustainable solutions.
Dedication to a culture of innovation and outreach has been central to Stanford’s mission since its founding in 1891, when Jane and Leland Stanford exhorted university leaders to “promote the public welfare by exercising an influence on behalf of humanity and civilization.” This sense of purpose drives the commitment to incorporate sustainability practices and ethos into every aspect of campus life. In pursuing its academic mission, Stanford University is committed to being a leader in research, teaching, and action (institutional practice) of sustainability, upholding the values of Stanford's IDEAL initiative.
Our Sustainability Goals
Net Zero by 2050: The university reached 100% renewable electricity in 2022, reducing campus greenhouse gas emissions by 80% from peak levels. The institution aims to further reduce emissions across all scopes (1, 2, and 3), and enhance climate adaptation and resilience.
Zero Waste by 2030: The university is actively progressing on its path toward recycling and diverting more than 90% of material from the landfill. Stanford initiated a Zero Waste Feasibility Study in 2017, which provided a more detailed understanding of waste streams and informed strategies to further reduce waste generation. In 2019, pilot programs to evaluate these solutions began in Stanford’s Redwood City Campus.
Academics
Sustainable Stanford includes a community of scholars who advance global climate research and who increasingly apply solutions to the campus as a living lab for sustainability in action.
Seeking Subject Matter Expertise?
Sustainable Stanford is comprised of subject matter experts leading in the fields of energy operations, facilities energy management, water resources and civil engineering, zero waste systems, climate-focused food procurement and presentation, transportation demand management, land use, and more. For general, non-urgent inquiries, get connected to the appropriate team through our contact form.
Hunting Down a Specific Story or Project?
If you are hoping to write a story for your news outlet or wish to replicate a project, send an email to the Office of Sustainability's Associate Director for Communications & Engagement!