The latest updates on Stanford GSB’s response to COVID-19

View of building windows and awnings
Optimized climate control, windows that open, and natural lighting make the buildings energy efficient.
Entrance to Knight Management Center between McClelland and Gunn buildings
Trees from the old facility were re-planted, while all new plantings are native and drought-tolerant.
Gunn Building from the third floor of McClelland Building
Leased solar panels generate 12.5% of our energy every year.
A large classroom in the Knight Management Center
A full 90% of spaces have outdoor views. And carpets, paint, and other interior materials emit minimal gas.
Rooftops of Knight Management Center buildings
All building materials and furnishings contain at least 20% recycled materials and were sourced locally when possible.
The walkway from bike parking along McClelland Building
An automatic dimming system reduces electric light when sufficient natural light is present.
Outdoor seating in the GSB Bowl
Our underground parking structure, located below McCoy Family Courtyard, eliminates the “heat island” effect of asphalt lots.
Student seated on the “x” structure in the McCoy Family Courtyard
Low-flow devices, and reclaimed or “gray” water for flushing, reduces potable water usage by 80%.
Town Square from the second floor of the Class of 1968 Building
An impressive 98% of all construction waste was recycled and/or diverted from landfills.
Bikes parked on Serra Street
Ample bike parking, shower facilities, and free shuttle service make it easy to keep your car in the garage.

You are here

› › › Environmental Leadership

Environmental Leadership

Every element of the Knight Management Center reflects our commitment to being a leader in environmental sustainability.

A Recognized Accomplishment

The Knight Management Center has earned the respected LEED® Platinum rating — the highest level of certification offered by the U.S. Green Building Council. This internationally recognized certification acknowledges significant accomplishments in energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

Beginning with Design

The innovation started with the architecture. Planners knew Stanford GSB needed a more versatile facility, one that would adapt easily to inevitable change, and offer the flexibility our collaborative academic style required. Complementing the innovative building design, a full 50% of the site is open space, landscaped with drought-tolerant native plants.

How students, faculty, staff and visitors would access the Knight Center was an important consideration as well. An underground parking facility reduces the “heat island” effect of traditional asphalt parking lots, and carpool and low-emission vehicles receive priority parking. Alternative transportation is highly encouraged, and bike parking is ample.

Water Conservation

Minimizing water usage was a primary goal of the facility’s design. As a result, we’ve reduced our use of potable water by 80%. A 75,000-gallon holding tank captures rainwater that’s used for irrigation, and low-flow fixtures reduce usage. Water needs are supplemented by Stanford’s Central Energy Facility as well as the campus lake water system.

Energy Conservation

Mechanical and electrical systems exceed current energy efficiency standards by at least 42%, and we generate at least 12.5% of our electricity through photovoltaic panels. Natural light permeates spaces, reducing need for overhead lighting. A wide variety of innovative heating and cooling features offers even more efficiency.

Materials Selection

We used low- or no-volatile organic compound-emitting materials to ensure exceptional indoor air quality. We also reduced construction waste and selected materials with high-recycled content. The construction team recycled more than 90% of waste during the 31-month project. And, 25% of materials include recycled content.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Large windows, skylights, sliding glass doors, and other features eliminate barriers, and reinforce the indoor/outdoor connection. More than 90% of building occupants have views directly to the outdoors, and 80% of spaces benefit from daylight.

ExploreOur Programs

Sustainable Stanford
Knight Management Center at night
“Progress on environmental sustainability will only come about if businesses act differently, and if the organizations and systems designed to promote sustainable behavior are constructed and managed in the most effective manner.”

Former Stanford GSB Dean
Robert L. Joss