Stanford University
PAE-3: Physical Campus Plan

Stanford University's original master plan was developed by Frederick Law Olmsted and the founders grounded on key principles that are used in planning for today and planning into the future. The original plan incorporates several aspects of sustainability, including appropriate solar orientation, passive cooling via arcades and other natural shading, as well as the use of local/regional materials. The plan acknowledge's Stanford's native desert climate and the appropriate design measures to mitigate the inherent difficulties of that environment.

A detailed report on the campus master plan provides background into these essential historical planning precepts as well as highlights a framework for ongoing and future growth. To view the report on the campus master plan, please visit:
http://lbre.stanford.edu/architect/sites/all/lbre-shared/files/docs_public/UA_CPD_Stanford_Mag_Back_to_the_Future_2008SeptOct_V1.pdf

FROM THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDY WEBSITE:
(http://sds.stanford.edu)

Santa Clara County has land use jurisdiction over Stanford's unincorporated land in the county. In 2000, the County granted Stanford a General Use Permit that contained over 100 conditions. Stanford agreed to meet all those conditions. One condition was that Stanford produce, in cooperation with the Santa Clara County Planning Office, a Sustainable Development Study (SDS).

Following the requirements set out in the condition, Stanford University completed the SDS and submitted it to the Board of Supervisors of Santa Clara County for approval. Stanford believes the SDS fully meets the condition established by the County, and on November 20, 2008, the County of Santa Clara Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve the SDS.

THE INTRODUCTION TO CHAPTER 5 (ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM) OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDY:
(http://stanford.edu/~jcford/outerDocuments/SDSbinder.pdf)

The phrase “sustainable development” as used in the Stanford Community Plan and General Use Permit primarily encompasses land use planning principles promoting compact growth and protection of natural resources. The previous chapters of the Sustainable Development Study address these land use planning principles.

Over time, the term “sustainability” has evolved to encompass a wider array of environmental strategies. In addition to its research and educational interests in these areas, Stanford’s sustainability efforts extend to university facilities and operations in six different city and county jurisdictions. Stanford recently received the highest grade award from Sustainability Endowments Institute for its campus sustainability programs. The university’s sustainability programs are designed to encourage innovation and experimentation to determine measures best suited to the needs of the campus community and its physical environment. Sustainability is a rapidly evolving field with extraordinary challenges, and the University’s programs will continue to change to take advantage of new insights and advancements. In addition, the University will comply with any new regulatory requirements that are adopted in the future.

This chapter presents a broader view of Stanford’s sustainability principles, programs, and how they are - and will continue to be - carried forward into the university’s planning, building, and operations. The university’s environmental sustainability programs focus on major elements of resource conservation and environmental protection, including energy and climate change, transportation, water, and waste. Further, in addition to addressing sustainability in its existing facilities, the university recognizes that times of growth present opportunities to raise the overall sustainability of its campus by embedding high performance in its new buildings and major renovations. The university has therefore made “green” building a distinct focus in its sustainability programs.