Championing Sustainable Communities

We seek to be a good neighbor, leading and advancing sustainability in all we do.

As Stanford’s campus and community evolve, we remain committed to leading by practice to mitigate our impact on the environment, and investing in research and programs that promote resilience across our region and state.

Leading by Practice for the Greater Good of the Region

We remain committed to reducing our environmental impact and building a resilient campus by leveraging our expertise and resources to conserve energy and water, build sustainably, support low-impact transportation, and minimize waste.

Learn more about Stanford's commitment to sustainability.

Share of campus-generated waste diverted from landfills in 2024; at least 60% yearly since 2006

69%

Since 2001, Stanford has found ways to reduce its potable water consumption, even as campus facilities and the demand for more resources have grown.

graph comparing gallons of potable water to building square footage

Promoting Sustainability Through Transit & Transportation

Our Stanford community is committed to reducing local traffic congestion and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions generated by the university, contributing to a 30% reduction in drive-alone commutes over the last twenty years.

Biking is one of the most sustainable ways to navigate Stanford’s campus, with 22% of commuters choosing this mode. We strive to ensure that biking is efficient and safe for everyone.

Since 2009, sustainable commutes—including those made by bicycle, public transportation, carpool, etc.—have been the primary mode of transportation for the Stanford community. The pandemic sparked a rise in telecommuting, which also serves as a clean form of “mobility” that mitigates traffic and reduces emissions.

graph comparing drive-alone, sustainable commuter, and telecommute

Data include university employees and commuting students (undergraduates, graduates, and postdocs).

Two women ride bikes on campus — Credit: Stanford University

Learn more about how members of the Stanford community are using bikes to save money, get healthy, and help the planet.

Advancing Resilience Through Campus Operations

Our operational sustainability programs and initiatives reflect a commitment to treating the campus as a living laboratory, where innovative solutions are tested and refined for broader use.

A person looks at an app on their smartphone — Source

A man points to a pile of kindling — Credit: Stanford University

Supporting Resilience Research for the Benefit of Communities Across the State

Since its launch in 2022, the Doerr School of Sustainability has convened global collaborators to tackle urgent environmental challenges in our region and state, by turning research into real-world solutions.

hillside with folliage — Credit: David Meyer

3 people wearing safety vests take samples from wetlands — Credit: Stanford University

Solar panels reflecting sun on dry ground — Credit: Stanford University

NOTE: Data presented on this website originates primarily from internal Stanford University departments, including the Office of Community Engagement, Land, Buildings & Real Estate, Business Affairs, the Office of Technology Licensing, University Human Resources, and others. Certain metrics, such as employee spending and job creation from construction expenditures, are derived from university data but required supplemental analysis and calculations that rely on publicly available data and information. The university retained an outside firm with expertise in the field to independently perform the supplemental analyses and calculations.