Sustainable Living
Sustainable Living: Empowering a Greener Campus
MCP’s Sustainability team works with students and staff to make environmentally conscious living a part of everyday life at Stanford. Through education, engagement, and operational support, we promote a culture of responsibility, stewardship, and climate action across R&DE residences.
Our work focuses on three key areas:
- Everyday Sustainability: Encouraging mindful resource use—like conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and using sustainable transportation.
- Long-Term Behavior Change: Inspiring lasting habits through student-led programs, campaigns, and workshops.
- Sustainable Operations: Supporting Stanford’s zero waste by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 goals through green practices in residential life.
Together we’re shaping a future where sustainable living is second nature.
View R&DE sustainability awards from leading organizations and partners worldwide, a reflection of our ongoing leadership and close collaboration with Sustainable Stanford.
The Give & Go donation program has diverted 612 tons of material from the landfill while giving usable items to communities in need. Live sustainably at Stanford by donating to Give & Go all year round. Donate everything and support charitable organizations that benefit the community while doing your share to further Stanford’s sustainability goals.
Custodians across student housing are already using the award-winning Cardinal Clean system to clean and sanitize close to 120 residence halls. Recently, Cardinal Clean machines have been installed in almost all undergraduate residences laundry rooms, making Stanford the first campus in the US to offer students access to use this powerful and green cleaning solution for free.
Did you know that 67% of campus waste could be recycled or composted? "Zero Waste" means sending less than 10% of our waste to the landfill and we're working together to get there. Every action counts! Click “More” to see how you can make a difference and support Stanford’s Zero Waste goals.
Sustainability Awards
Sustainable Resources
Water & Energy Conservation
Cardinal Comfort: Heating is typically turned on in late October and off in April or May, based on outdoor temperatures. To conserve energy, systems remain off during warmer months. For early heating needs, contact your R&DE Student Housing Service Center. Heating and cooling systems vary by building, so check How to Adjust your Heat for specific instructions.
Stop the Drip, Save the Drop! Spotted a leak or faulty heating? Submit a quick Fix-it Request to help conserve water and energy across campus facilities.
Ride Green, Ride Free! Ditch the car and hop on the free Marguerite Shuttle to reduce carbon emissions and traffic. Bike racks and wheelchair access make it easy and inclusive!
Waste Reduction
Be Part of the Mission! Stanford is working toward some ambitious Zero Waste goals. Learn how small actions contribute to a big, campus-wide impact.
Not Sure Where It Goes? Find clear, easy-to-follow waste sorting guidelines so your trash, recycling, and compost end up in the right place.
Outdated Tech? Drop off your old electronics at designated e-waste stations to keep toxic materials out of landfills.
Charge Up Sustainability! Batteries shouldn’t end up in the trash! Use these convenient drop-off points across campus to recycle safely and sustainably.
Feed People, Not Landfills! Join the movement to reduce food waste and fight hunger by helping recover and redistribute edible surplus food across campus and the local community.
R&DE Stanford Dining promotes healthy, sustainable eating through its Sustainable Food program focusing on local sourcing, waste reduction, and plant-forward meals to support lifelong mindful habits.
Education, Internships, & Student Engagement
Green Your Career Path! Apply your passion for the planet through paid R&DE Sustainability Internships
Want to inspire eco-friendly habits in your hall without adding extra work to your plate? The Sustainability Toolkit is your go-to resource!
Celebrate Earth Month at Stanford : It’s More Than a Month—It’s a Movement! Explore events, workshops, and celebrations that highlight environmental action and innovation. Get inspired and join the festivities every April!
One Link, Endless Resources! Access all things sustainability at the Office of Sustainability LinkTree, everything from events and opportunities to updates and resources, all in one convenient place.
Turn Campus into a Classroom! Collaborate on cutting-edge sustainability projects that turn research into action with a Stanford Living Lab Fellowship
Join the Movement! Be part of a Students for Sustainable Stanford. Join st