Emissions Mitigation

Working Towards Fleet Electrification

Scope 1

Emissions from fuel from all Stanford-owned vehicles are measured using The Climate Registry’s General Reporting Protocol and are verified annually by a third party. 

Over 50% of Stanford’s fleet vehicles are electric, with an increasing number of hybrid options. The fleet includes all- electric buses, known as the Marguerite shuttle.

Sustainable Commuting Options

Scope 3

Stanford tracks driving and alternative transit emissions using data collected through surveys and parking permits to understand and manage the environmental impact of both student and employee travel.

Over 44% of campus commuters select sustainable commute modes such as biking, vanpooling, carpooling, and public transit.

Sustainable Practices for University-Sponsored Travel

Stanford tracks emissions from business travel, including employee business-related activities and academic-related travel for students. Emissions are calculated using procurement data from air travel, lodging, and ground transportation. 

The community is encouraged to opt for virtual meetings, choose economy and direct flights, combine trips, use public transport, and pack light to reduce carbon emissions.

Leading in Sustainable Energy

Scope 1 & 2

Emissions from Stanford’s energy use are measured using The Climate Registry’s (TCR) General Reporting Protocol, verified annually by a third party. The majority of remaining emissions in this category are generated by natural gas used at the Central Energy Facility for campus building heating and steam production, followed by emissions generated from smaller building heating and other equipment (i.e., kitchen ranges, water heaters, and dryers). 

Stanford Energy System Innovations (SESI) and our renewable electricity procurement have reduced campus emissions by 80% from peak levels.

Reducing Embodied Carbon through Sustainable Construction

Scope 3

Stanford’s whole building life cycle assessment (WBLCA) quantifies the embodied carbon of all new construction and major renovation projects. The WBLCA measures construction emissions including raw material extraction, manufacturing, material transport, and onsite installation. Strategies like material reuse, low-carbon concrete, and efficient design reduce the embodied carbon in construction projects at Stanford.

Refrigerants and Research Gas

Scope 1

Refrigerant and research gas emissions are measured by analyzing purchasing and maintenance records and estimating emissions from disposed equipment using The Climate Registry’s protocol. These calculations are verified annually by a third party. Emissions from gases may come from engineering or laboratory research, while emissions from refrigerants may come from building and equipment cooling.

Stanford incentivizes lab personnel to maintain their equipment and provides rebates for energy efficient laboratory freezers.

Tracking Waste to Tackle Emissions

Scope 3

Stanford measures waste-related emissions by tracking the disposal methods and volumes of the recycling, compost, and landfill produced across campus and using data from the GHG Emission Factors Hub. 

Stanford aims to create a wasteless community by developing systems that reduce waste and drive behavior towards waste reduction, reuse, and proper sorting.

Purchasing

Scope 3

Stanford prioritizes emission calculations based on data collected directly from suppliers. Where supplier data is not available, a carbon footprint tool is used to quantify emissions per dollar spent across over 1,000 categories.

Stanford provides resources for responsible purchasing and partners with top suppliers to identify mitigation opportunities.