Stanford University is committed to achieving net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2050 and is measuring construction-related emissions under Scope 3, although the Greenhouse Gas Protocol does not explicitly categorize them. Construction activities are the second largest contributor to Stanford’s Scope 3 emissions, generating nearly double the combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions. To address this, Stanford requires all major capital projects to achieve a minimum 20% reduction in embodied carbon from a baseline, with the Department of Project Management (DPM) responsible for implementing this goal.
The DPM guidelines for reaching the emissions goal have three major objectives:
Stanford University aims to reduce embodied carbon in capital projects by 20%, while balancing this goal with the need for high-quality buildings. To support this, the WBLCA guidelines were developed in collaboration with Land, Buildings & Real Estate to integrate embodied carbon into the PDP consistently and efficiently. These guidelines include five required WBLCAs, each providing essential information for project teams to incorporate at different phases, with teams responsible for participating in meetings and completing tasks to ensure successful implementation.
Overall, the fellowship was a highly positive experience where I learned a great deal and received valuable support from my mentor. I enjoyed engaging with project stakeholders and had the privilege of learning from leading experts in embodied carbon, including David Gottfried and Professor Amory Lovins. The main challenge I faced was navigating the complexities of WBLCA, including industry disagreements and data gaps, which highlighted the need for better education and targeted efforts in this area.
Industry disagreements and data gaps highlight the need for better education and targeted efforts in this area. Future research will explore biogenic carbon accounting and the embodied carbon of central energy facilities, as there is no industry consensus on these issues.
PRIMARY PARTNER: Stanford LBRE (Land, Buildings & Real Estate)
Eleni Alexandraki (she/her) is a doctoral student in Sustainable Design and Construction at Stanford University, where she conducts research on building decarbonization. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Design (2019) as well as her Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (2021) from Stanford University. Eleni aims to leverage her interdisciplinary background in architecture, user-centered product design, and mechanical engineering to combat climate change in new and creative ways. At the moment, her doctoral research focuses on energy efficiency, whole building life cycle assessment, and energy modeling in the context of energy retrofits and zero carbon buildings. As a Living Labs Fellow, Eleni will focus on advancing the university’s efforts to decrease carbon emissions associated with construction projects.
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.
On April 18th, the Stanford community gathered for the student-run Aspen Spring Sustainability Festival and Big Swap.
What would have been demolition debris turns into design assets that preserve Stanford’s iconic architecture and divert 141 tons of clay tiles from landfill.
