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 Stanford 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.

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.

“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