Every journey matters, whether it’s a study abroad adventure or a trip home for break. While personal student travel emissions aren’t classified as a standard category by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Stanford takes a proactive approach to account for these emissions to further deepen the university’s commitment of taking responsibility for its emissions.
Explore this page to learn more about student travel emissions, steps to minimize environmental impact, and how you can be part of the journey towards a more sustainable world.
When planning a trip off campus over breaks, there are ways to make travels more sustainable.
There are fun activities on and near campus during breaks, especially during Thanksgiving and Spring Break. Stanford provides great programming and opportunities, and there’s much to explore locally, such as the Farmer’s Market, the Cantor Arts Center, and Stanford athletic events. Check out the Stanford Events calendar for more ideas.
Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to explore new cultures, expand your education, and broaden your perspective — and it’s also a great time to practice sustainable habits that can stay with you long after your program ends. Once abroad, take advantage of local travel norms like biking, walking, and using public transportation such as trains, trams, and metros — it’s often the easiest, most affordable, and most sustainable way to get around. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle, utensils, and tote bag, and try supporting local markets and sustainable businesses when possible. Small choices add up, and your global experience can have a lighter footprint with just a few intentional steps.
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.
Laura Segura Gonzalez, a second-year design student, is leading jean upcycling workshops to combat fast fashion waste, empowering students to transform old jeans into something new.