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 in 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.
The governance framework also integrates an advisory committee 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 incentivizing more sustainable procurement and business travel. "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," shared Rebecca Grekin, a Ph.D. candidate in the Energy Science and Engineering department within the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and member of the 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 executive governance group meets quarterly and is composed of senior university leaders, including the provost and key leaders from Residential & Dining Enterprises, Business Affairs, 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,” shared 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.
