Climate Action
Stanford reached 100% renewable electricity in 2022 and has reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80%, without offsets, from peak levels – on our way to net zero by 2050.
In response to the increasing impacts of climate change, Stanford is developing a comprehensive Climate Action Plan aimed at further mitigating emissions across all scopes (1, 2, and 3) by 2050 and enhancing climate adaptation and resilience.
Tracking Our Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions fall into 3 categories:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions generated on campus by fossil fuel combustion and from sources owned or controlled by Stanford.
- Scope 2: Emissions generated off campus by grid electricity purchased by Stanford.
- Scope 3: Emissions resulting from Stanford’s operations generated by sources not owned or directly controlled by Stanford. Eight out of 15 categories of Scope 3 emissions defined in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol are applicable to Stanford.
Emissions Mitigation
Stanford measures, tracks, and manages emissions across all scopes, taking responsibility for mitigating our global impact.
Adaptation & Resilience
Stanford assesses our vulnerability to the risks of climate change, using this knowledge to plan and respond to expected impacts.
Climate Action Planning
Stanford’s climate action strategies are collaboratively developed by subject matter experts across campus.