South SFV Today

The ambitious campus construction project at Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) aims to benefit future generations of educators through a comprehensive approach to sustainability that considers history, people, and the planet.

Architects, engineers, and construction teams have worked behind the scenes to ensure that the new GSE is greener. "The first step for this project was figuring out the smaller parts we wanted, and how they fit into a larger whole," said Mousam Adcock, a principal at CAW Architects involved with the project since 2017. "Sustainability was obviously a very important part of this process, and we think of it as something that can be achieved environmentally, socially, and historically."

A key aspect of minimizing ecological impact has been preserving the exterior of the historic north building, originally designed in the 1930s. The building was gutted to make room for interior renovations while retaining many original features such as columns, windows, floor tiles, and roofing tiles.

"The best thing about it from a sustainability standpoint is that we're reusing the whole structure rather than tearing it down," said Susan Vargas, senior energy management specialist at Stanford. "Doing that adaptive reuse is best because all of that embodied energy in the concrete and other materials is being retained."

For other parts of the GSE project—including Barnum Center renovation and constructing a new south building—all nonhazardous materials were either recycled or repurposed. "Every material demolished was removed and sorted sustainably," Adcock noted.

To ensure energy efficiency, updated heating and cooling systems are being installed. The north building and Barnum will connect to Stanford's central energy facility on campus. This system uses hydronic radiant cooling systems more efficiently by focusing conditioned air at people level.

"For high-volume spaces, heating and cooling where people are is most effective," Adcock explained. "If it's radiated off the floor up to six feet high, you use less energy conditioning large-volume spaces."

Newly remodeled buildings will use one-third less energy compared to conventional systems. Social sustainability efforts focus on creating pleasant workspaces conducive to learning by providing access to natural light and outdoor views.

"We think a workspace should be pleasant," Adcock said. Outdoor areas are also designed for comfort with shade access aligning with social sustainability principles.

Historic sustainability involves retaining elements like exterior features while modernizing interiors. "When you enter the north building lobby post-renovation," Adcock stated, "you'll see old pieces transitioning gradually into new spaces."

Adcock highlighted connectivity to nature as her favorite aspect: "Whether you're on any floor in any building on campus, you'll instantly feel connected to California's beautiful environment."