Impact
Stanford has raised the bar on efficiency with a first-of-its-kind heat recovery system and integration of international best practices in district heating and cooling to address the complex needs of one of the world’s leading research and teaching universities. Due to SESI, the university greatly exceeds compliance requirements to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and has the capability for energy demand management—selecting the time of day to use the energy, working with the California grid, and more accurately forecasting campus load to better manage energy needs. This global, replicable solution, including a 100% renewable electricity portfolio, currently reduces campus emissions by 80%, a significant portion of the university goal, Net Zero Emissions by 2050.
By the Numbers
When the Central Energy Facility became operational in 2015, its first year immediately proved that SESI was an all-around successful investment for financial, operational, and environmental reasons.
68%
reduction of emissions from peak levels from only SESI
(Campus GHG reduction is now at 80%)
18%
water savings in campus domestic water consumption
(2014 vs 2015)
$520m
paid back over the next 35 years
(number updated in 2018)
Making Headlines
From its change management process and architecture to its energy efficiency, SESI has attracted the attention of architectural firms, the energy industry, and sustainability-minded corporations for being a living example of beauty, sustainability, and resilience.
Reliability of the System
With sustainability as an integral part of its mission, Stanford provides its own utility services to its constituents, allowing for climate-forward strategies, swift innovation, and genuine receptivity to the needs of a teaching and research environment.
Serving California’s Energy Market
Stanford’s investment in solar energy projects plays a huge role in the university’s and California’s sustainability and climate goals. Powering the Central Energy Facility with grid-based electricity provides higher reliability, lower costs, and greater flexibility for greener power procurement than the previous natural-gas fired power plant. Stanford procures its electricity through Direct Access (wholesale purchases as opposed to purchasing from a retail utility), which enables the university to decide how much of its electricity will come from renewable sources, to which the university remains committed.
What's Next
From the Central Energy Facility to achieving 100% renewable electricity, Stanford has taken great strides towards a more sustainable future through campus operations. The university continues to explore new ideas and innovations to advance goals for energy efficiency.