Student Sustainability Groups Directory

Students are a driving force in improving campus sustainability and promoting change.  Explore the many student groups on campus and discover ways you can make sustainability happen on campus and in the world.

Students for a Sustainable Stanford (SSS)

Students for a Sustainable Stanford (SSS) is an inclusive and intersectional community that strives for sustainable practices on and off campus through discussion, engagement, and direct action. As Stanford’s central environmental student group, SSS builds student coalitions; pushes for institutional reform; and works through project groups focused on climate, education, transportation, waste, environmental justice, and more.

Earthtones

This student group organizes an annual environmental justice and arts focused event, aimed at celebrating the connections of people of color with the environment.

Stanford Energy Club

The Stanford Energy Club works to connect the energy subcommunities at Stanford University. From students searching for energy-related events on campus, to local researchers looking for resources, to organizations looking to promote and publicize an event, the Energy Club’s goal is to be the first point of contact for locating and promoting energy events and resources. 

Stanford Coalition for Planning an Equitable 2035 (SCOPE 2035)

The Stanford Coalition for Planning an Equitable 2035 (SCoPE 2035) is a coalition of student groups with a vision for a more equitable Stanford, beginning with the General Use Permit (GUP) process. The General Use Permit is the agreement between Stanford University and Santa Clara County that, after negotiations and adoption, will specify the limits and requirements on Stanford’s future land use, growth, and development. The GUP is a powerful document in which Stanford, reflecting the priorities of Stanford community members, the County, and neighboring jurisdictions and communities, can make strong commitments to mitigate the impacts of its development and growth for the next two decades.

Stanford Climate and Health

This student and faculty group is committed to addressing both climate change’s impact on health and the healthcare system’s impact on climate change, aiming to make Stanford the world leader in achieving decarbonization and resilience in health care.

Engineers for a Sustainable World, Stanford Chapter

Join fellow engineers working on projects, on campus and internationally. ESW addresses poverty and sustainability in many different hands-on projects around the globe.

Students for Environmental and Racial Justice 

Students for Environmental and Racial Justice (SERJ) was established in 2014 to faciliate conversations and raise awareness of environmental and racial issues at Stanford and in the greater community.

Environmental Law Society

Connect with the nation’s oldest environmental law group, publisher of the Environmental Law Journal, as well as numerous handbooks on environmental legislation. Help influence public policy, participate in environmental advocacy, and learn about environmental careers.

Environmental Justice Working Group

Join Stanford students, faculty, staff, and community members who seek to ensure equal access to environmental benefits and prevent the disproportionate impact of environmental harms on behalf of all communities.

Fossil Free Stanford

Stanford announced its divestment from coal companies in May 2014. Leading up to the announcement, Fossil Free Stanford tabled, petitioned, and hosted events to spread the word about fossil fuel usage in America.

Interdepartmental Coalition for Lab Sustainability (ICLSS)

ICLSS is a group of students, faculty, and staff from various departments working together to promote sustainable practices in labs across campus. Its mission is to reduce waste, conserve resources, and implement sustainable purchasing practices in our research environments. The coalition hosts regular meetings and pilot initiatives ranging from energy conservation to plastic waste reduction and green purchasing strategies.

If you’re passionate about sustainability and want to make a difference in your academic environment and beyond, consider joining! Whether you’re a seasoned environmentalist or just looking to learn more about sustainable lab practices, there’s a place for you in ICLSS.

Stanford Alternative Protein Project

This student group aims to build a healthy, sustainable, and ethical food system by creating a diverse, inclusive, and impact-driven community for alternative protein education, research, innovation, and awareness.

Stanford Alternative Spring Breaks

This student-led organization facilitates service-learning trips during academic breaks, focusing on social and environmental justice issues. Participants engage with communities to understand and address challenges related to ecological integrity and social equity.

Stanford People for Animal Welfare (PAW)

Stanford PAW (People for Animal Welfare) works to reduce animal suffering and raise awareness of animal welfare issues on campus. PAW’s activities include campus outreach, working with dining halls to create more humane food options, and political campaigning for animal-friendly candidates.

Stanford Solar Car Project

Build a car that runs completely on solar energy—from scratch! Stanford’s solar car competes biannually in the World Solar Challenge in Adelaide, Australia, a 3000 km solar car race through the outback. Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines can join the group; no prior experience is necessary.

Stanford Strategies for Ecology Education, Diversity, AND Sustainability (SEEDS)

SEEDS is a student group committed to increasing awareness of our local ecosystems and providing opportunities in the field of ecology. Their mission is to diversify and advance the ecology profession through opportunities that stimulate and nurture the interest of underrepresented students to participate and lead in ecology. SEEDS is a chapter of the national SEEDS program of the Ecological Society of America (ESA).

Stanford Roots

Stanford Roots, formerly known as Stanford Farmers, was founded in 2017 and promotes community involvement on the campus farm to connect people to their food and food systems, particularly through experiential learning.

Sprout Up

Sprout Up provides free, college student-led environmental education programs to 1st and 2nd grade classrooms in California. The Palo Alto chapter, led by Stanford students, helps teach children concepts in environmental science, sustainability, and the unique ecosystems that surround them. 

TreeHacks

Stanford’s official student-run hackathon that brings together 1,000 students from across the country to prototype physical and software solutions to big challenges for 36 hours, including a focus area on sustainability challenges.