In 2006, the campus started the Sustainability Working Group, which prepares policy and program recommendations to advance and implement sustainability practices on campus. In 2007, the operational practice of sustainability gained prominence as the university formalized the Department of Sustainability and Energy Management to lead long-range initiatives in campus infrastructure and programs in the areas of energy and climate, water, transportation, green buildings, and sustainable information technology, as well as special initiatives. Stanford embraces and practices sustainability in all of its activities, both academic and operational.