What Climate Tech has Google Used to Build its New Office?
Google’s latest office in California isn't just a workplace; it's a beacon of sustainability and modern design principles.
With the integration of environmental considerations and employee wellness at its core, this new development epitomises Google's commitment to both people and the planet.
This structure is the first at Google to be built with mass timber, an innovative type of engineered wood that consists of multiple layers of laminated timber.
The layers are glued together to create a material that is both strong and sustainable.
Scott Foster, VP, Real Estate & Workplace Services, says: “Today, we’re announcing a new office that showcases the principles we’ve long applied to our real estate: creating sustainable spaces that allow Googlers to do their best work.
“Take a look at 1265 Borregas in Sunnyvale, California, and find out how it was designed to benefit both Googlers and the community in the state our company calls home.”
The blueprint of tomorrow's workspaces
Scott says the building “reflects our latest ways of working”.
The architecture incorporates neighbourhood spaces built for active collaboration, seamless hybrid connections and focused individual work, all set within an environment rich with natural elements.
These nature-inspired — or biophilic — design elements are crucial, Scott suggests.
“Research suggests people are able to focus and do their best work when surrounded by nature.
“A building like this one achieves this by keeping the timber exposed inside and outside of the space, while providing natural daylight and sweeping views of the Northern California landscape.
“Automatic wooden blinds adjust to the sun’s position and minimise glare, and an underfloor air system provides optimal comfort.”
What makes mass timber such an innovative material?
Mass timber is lauded for its sustainable attributes, chiefly its capacity for carbon sequestration — the process by which the timber absorbs and stores carbon dioxide, potentially reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.
Additionally, the use of mass timber significantly cuts down the carbon emissions associated with the extraction, production and transportation of conventional building materials.
The new office at 1265 Borregas is estimated to have 96% fewer embodied carbon emissions than a comparable building made from steel and concrete, considering carbon sequestration over time.
To maximise these environmental benefits, Google ensured that 100% of the mass timber used was sourced from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Moreover, the office qualifies as an all-electric, LEED Platinum certified building and is equipped with solar panels to generate electricity sustainably.
Beyond the building itself
Scott also highlights additional benefits of using mass timber in construction.
“All of these features work together to advance Google’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions and operate on carbon-free energy 24/7 by 2030," he says.
"One of the biggest advantages of mass timber construction is that pre-fit building parts accelerate structural assembly, resulting in less construction traffic and on-site construction noise, while also decreasing construction waste."
Further emphasising sustainability, Google has landscaped three acres with pollinator-friendly native plants and flowers to support local biodiversity.
The office location also features public artwork, nodding to the site’s historical significance as the original headquarters of Atari.
Scott says: “This building shows what’s possible when you combine sustainability and construction efficiency into an office building, while also prioritising employee wellbeing.
“We hope that others in the industry will join us in this approach in support of a more sustainable future.”
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