Capital Planning and Space Management, and Building Construction

Responsible development begins with optimal use of our existing buildings. In fact, we believe that the most sustainable building is the one that is never built. This principle is underscored by space utilization studies and space planning guidelines that bring rigor to the capital planning process. You may find a copy of the Space Planning Guidelines used by Stanford at http://cpm.stanford.edu/DCP_Policies.html

In addition, Stanford is in the process of implementing a university-wide "space charge" designed to stimulate more efficient use of space by stressing that space is not "free."

The best Stanford building today reflects the inherently sustainable qualities of its earliest buildings. The first buildings were built of local stone and had large overhangs, allowing them to stay cool long into the day and warm at night. The arcades and large overhangs provided shade and, in conjunction with the typically narrow building footprints, helped to create good cross-ventilation. Recessed and transom windows provided ample natural lighting and ventilation while helping to reduce solar heat gain. The energy efficiency of this early building and site design created the types of environmental and economic benefits that may be found at Stanford today.

Stanford's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-accredited Department of Project Management staff oversee building construction using the Project Delivery Process manual, along with the university's Guidelines for Sustainable Buildings and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis. Stanford's Guidelines for Sustainable Buildings have refined Labs 21 and the LEED rating system for application to a university setting. The Guidelines focus contractors, consultants and end users on the delivery of high performance buildings that minimize energy and water use and maximize user comfort. In addition, the university's Guidelines for Life Cycle Cost Analysis aligns long-term value with front-end capital costs. You may find copies of the Guidelines at http://cpm.stanford.edu/pdp.html

A number of university buildings embody both these guidelines and an overall philosophy of sustainability:

• Environment and Energy Building
• Leslie Shao-ming Sun Field Station
• Green Dorm