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Green Chemistry

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Green chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Green chemistry applies across the life cycle of a chemical product, including its design, manufacture, use, and ultimate disposal.

Many toxic chemicals and environmentally-harmful lab processes have more sustainable alternatives. Visit the Green Chemistry Wizard to learn which sustainable alternatives can be implemented in your lab.

At Stanford, the principles of green chemistry are incorporated into teaching, research, and operations.

Teaching:  Most of Stanford’s chemistry classes incorporate green chemistry concepts directly into the curriculum. View this list for courses that focus on a deep exploration of one or more principles of green chemistry.

Research: From catalysis to designing for energy efficiency and degradation, Stanford’s researchers across multiple disciplines are expanding the knowledge base of green chemistry. Find out who are the leading researchers in the field at Stanford and what they projects they are currently working on. 

Operations: Stanford’s Environmental Health & Safety department ensure that chemicals are properly and sustainable handled and disposed of. Visit the EH&S website for the following resources and much more information. 

Good inventory management practices will lead to cost savings by avoiding duplicate purchases and reducing waste. Stanford’s Chemical Inventory Management and Tracking System, ChemTracker, is considered one of the most effective chemical inventory systems in the country and is now offered to other educational and not-for-profit institutions.