Explore Stanford’s Campus as a Living Lab for Sustainability

Student
Positions

Gain career-building opportunities to lead innovative sustainability projects alongside subject matter experts.

Academic-Operational
Partnerships

Harness Stanford’s resources and ecosystems to test theories and develop sustainable solutions.

Tours

Witness innovative systemic practices through an experiential tour of Stanford’s sustainable systems.

Course
Collaborations

Transform theoretical knowledge into tangible solutions for real-world sustainability challenges.

Stanford’s campus is a dynamic living laboratory for sustainability in action.

Through the Living Lab, we activate the campus as a testbed for innovation, where students, staff, faculty, and partners work together to address real operational challenges and pioneer breakthrough solutions in climate, energy, waste, land use, and more. This collaborative ecosystem accelerates actionable, research-informed strategies that strengthen resilience, advance equity, and contribute to more just and sustainable futures. In the process, it cultivates the next generation of systems-change leaders prepared to make meaningful impact both locally and globally.

Student Position Applications Open

Through paid sustainability roles across the university, students engage in valuable experiential learning opportunities that enhance their leadership and professional skills. For students seeking fellowship and internship opportunities: positions are now open for three student roles. Application deadline is February 23rd.

Explore Open Student Positions

“Three years of internships and a yearlong fellowship have provided me with invaluable experience during my time at Stanford. I feel well prepared to drive meaningful change, communicate my findings with confidence, and carry a sustainability-focused mindset with me as I enter the workforce.”

-Riley Zwetsloot, Materials Science & Engineering (BS ’26)

“When we were ideating and dreaming about the new School – we talked often about using the campus as a living lab – having impact right here on campus and using it to learn and test ideas. This partnership with the Office of Sustainability helps us begin to realize this idea.”

-Anjana Richards, Assistant Dean for Research Initiatives, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

“Our Living Lab partnership has shown that applied academic research can deliver real, near-term value for operations. By working closely with motivated faculty and students, we have been able to tackle challenges we didn’t have the time or resources to address, while simultaneously contributing to publishable research.”

-Gerry Hamilton, Director, Facilities Energy Management, Land, Buildings & Real Estate

Course Collaborations

Some of Stanford’s academic courses provide students with the opportunity to address real-world sustainability challenges and develop practical, impactful solutions. By harnessing the collective expertise and creativity of faculty, staff, and students, these unique courses transform the campus into a living laboratory, fostering interdisciplinary learning and driving meaningful progress in sustainability.

Explore Course Collaborations

Stanford Central Energy Facility from outside

Tours

Journeying through the vibrant Stanford campus and its cutting-edge facilities offers a unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. Through guided, self-guided, and virtual tours accessible to a global audience, Stanford community members and visitors can gain valuable insights and inspiration from the university’s innovative sustainable systems and initiatives.

Explore Tours