The project entails an in-depth energy audit to assess current energy consumption patterns and forecast future energy needs, and includes considerations for deployment of electric primary cultivating tractors, electric vehicle charging stations, welder/shop tools, and supplementary electric landscaping equipment. The endeavor will also involve an examination of financial incentives, notably the California Air Resources Board FARMER Program, to facilitate the transition to electric tractors. Additionally, the project will evaluate the feasibility and associated costs of integrating solar panels onto the barn’s rooftop, thereby leveraging renewable energy sources, as well as a comparative analysis of the economic and ecological advantages of integrating barn-mounted solar panels with the electric grid versus employing on-farm battery storage.
In recent years, the crucial role of small farms in the global food supply has become increasingly apparent. They are responsible for over 30% of the world’s food. Stanford’s O’Donohue Family Educational Farm, unlike other campus structures, is tied to the PG&E grid. But a transformation is under way. Thanks to renewable energies, an exciting opportunity has emerged. The time is now for small farms to shift away from fossil fuel dependency. By embracing renewable energy solutions, these farms can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future, while potentially lowering operational costs. The O’Donohue Family Educational Farm can spearhead this transition and serve as a model beyond Silicon Valley.
The O’Donohue Family Educational Farm aims to significantly enhance sustainability performance and reduce carbon emissions within its agricultural operations. By leveraging recent technological advancements, the farm is positioned to transition towards renewable energy sources, minimizing its environmental impact and fostering a greener footprint.
Through the electrification project, the farm aims to transition off the grid and serve as a model for small farms. Its complexity lies in the detailed execution and administrative processes. Despite challenges in assessing feasibility and navigating administrative hurdles, the project’s appeal extends beyond Stanford, showcasing the university’s role as a living lab. Phase 1, the planning stage, is nearly complete, with Phase 2, the execution phase, set to begin during the 2024 academic year.
Through a blend of actionable knowledge and skills, the Stanford Educational Farm has bridged the gap between academic theory and practical application for me, extending my learning beyond traditional spaces. This hands-on experience has given me a deeper understanding of Stanford’s administrative processes. This project allows me to engage directly with a real-world initiative that offers valuable insights into the energy system and its associated inequities. It serves as a dynamic educational component of Stanford, where I can learn beyond the confines of the classroom and benefit from ongoing efforts like the Living Lab Fellowship.
This initiative has not only enriched my understanding of sustainability but also empowered me to contribute meaningfully to societal change.
To ensure the success of this transformative project, securing adequate funding is the first crucial step. With the necessary financial resources in place, the next phase involves navigating the permitting and administrative processes, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. Once these foundational elements are addressed, the project moves into the implementation and construction phase. Here, the focus is on executing the plan efficiently and effectively. Ongoing work will involve maintaining and enhancing the project, ensuring its sustainability and adaptability. As for me, I am expecting to keep working on the project until the first solar panel is installed on the rooftop.
Sergio Lopez, (he/him) is a 3rd year Ph.D. student in the E-IPER Program in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. He is an environmental advocate and believes that energy policy around the clean energy transition should center on the unique qualities of the communities, recognize past harms, and amplify the voices of those most marginalized by the current energy system. His research aims to put equity at the center of energy policy and to accelerate the clean energy transition. Sergio holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico, an LLB from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and an LLM in environmental law & policy from Stanford Law School. Before coming to Stanford to pursue his Ph.D., he worked as an energy advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council’s San Francisco office.
Stanford has set a new benchmark for sustainability at live events through its first major concert hosted by Stanford Athletics and Stanford Live. Sustainable Stanford hosted a fireside chat with sustainability leadership from Live Nation and Warner Music Group in tandem with this milestone.
From reducing embodied carbon in construction to piloting organic landscape management, the annual Student Sustainability Symposium highlighted how student-led innovation is driving sustainability at Stanford.
The Responsible Purchasing Department hosted an information session to inform the Stanford community about how everyday purchasing choices — like reusing, sourcing locally, and slowing shipping — can drive big sustainability impacts.
