Stanford University

Founded in 1885, Stanford University is a private research university and teaching institution. Stanford is situated on 8,180 acres in Stanford, California and requires a significant amount of energy to support its academic mission and the research functions housed within more than 1,000 campus buildings. Efficiently managing energy supply and demand, as well as the corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, is critical to the university’s future. Addressing Stanford’s energy needs, Stanford Energy System Innovations, or SESI, represents one of the most comprehensive and cutting-edge energy supply transformations on a campus of this size in the world, and serves as the foundation for how the campus operates today. This system, along with Stanford’s solar power procurement, has reduced campus emissions by 80% from peak levels, and in its first year of operation, it saved 18% of campus potable water.

Expected to be published in 2026, Stanford’s Climate Action Plan will act as a comprehensive roadmap that outlines specific activities the university will undertake to reduce the impacts of climate change and reach the campus goal of net zero by 2050. The plan will foster a shared vision for the university’s greenhouse gas mitigation, and climate adaptation and resilience. Part of the Climate Action Plan includes two studies assessing the feasibility and cost of removing the natural gas used at the Central Energy Facility as well as the costs associated with electrifying Stanford’s buildings that use natural gas for equipment used for heating, kitchen ranges, water heaters, and dryers. The university has committed to a 50% GHG reduction in 10 years and set a 25% reduction in energy intensity target.

Portfolio-Wide Leadership Commitments

50% emissions reduction in 10 years

Presentation

Digging into Scope 3 Emissions: Supply Chain, Embodied Carbon, and Transportation

Presentation

Digging into Scope 3 Emissions: Supply Chain, Embodied Carbon, and Transportation

Solutions at a Glance

Stanford University's Energy and Climate Plan

Pedestrian Friendly Outdoor Lighting

Presentation

The Next Frontier of Plug Loads: Wireless Meter & Control Technologies

Presentation

Engage Building Occupants: How to Reduce Plug Load Energy Use

Presentation

Engage Building Occupants: How to Reduce Plug Load Energy Use

Video

Plug into Energy Savings: Strategies and Resources for Reducing Plugload Energy Use in Your Buildings

Webinar

Plug into Energy Savings: Strategies and Resources for Reducing Plug Load Energy Use in Your Buildings

Performance Data

Solutions

Leadership Commitments

Better Climate Challenge

Goal

Commitment

Progress