Google Pioneers Mass Timber in new California Tech Campus

Google’s Sunnyvale facility promises 96% carbon reduction compared to traditional construction methods, marking shift in Silicon Valley architecture

Google has entered its third decade of environmental initiatives as the technology company pursues its target to eliminate carbon emissions from its global operations by 2030. The company, which provides search, cloud computing and digital advertising services to billions of users worldwide, aims to power its facilities with carbon-free energy around the clock.

“Google’s been working on this since the company was founded. We’re in our third decade of climate action and our programme and our plans are always evolving,” Adam Elman, Head of Sustainability EMEA at Google said in an interview at Sustainability LIVE London 2024. “We’ve got very ambitious targets. We’re aiming for net zero by 2030 that’s supported by our goal to move to what we call 24/7 carbon-free energy. So sourcing clean energy locally every hour of every single day.”

The company’s environmental strategy extends beyond energy procurement to its approach to construction and workplace design. According to Adam, recent research conducted with Boston Consulting Group suggests that scaling existing AI solutions could reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10% – equivalent to the European Union’s total emissions.

The latest demonstration of Google’s environmental strategy has emerged in Sunnyvale, California, where the company has unveiled its first mass timber office building. The facility represents a departure from Silicon Valley’s conventional glass and steel structures, and demonstrates the company’s evolving approach to sustainable construction.

“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,” says Scott Foster, Vice President of Real Estate & Workplace Services at Google.

Mass timber construction

The 1265 Borregas facility utilises mass timber – an engineered wood product created by laminating multiple layers of lumber into structural components that can replace traditional steel and concrete. This construction method enables the building to store carbon within its structure rather than releasing it during manufacturing.

The building’s environmental impact calculations indicate a 96% reduction in embodied carbon emissions compared to equivalent steel and concrete structures, accounting for carbon sequestration over time. Google sourced all structural timber from Forest Stewardship Council certified forests.

Adam Elman, Head of Sustainability EMEA at Google

Workplace innovation

The facility incorporates several technical innovations in environmental control. An underfloor air distribution system manages temperature regulation, while automated wooden blinds adjust to solar position using sensor technology to maintain optimal lighting conditions.

Scott notes: “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.”

The building features dedicated zones for various work modes, including collaboration spaces equipped with video conferencing technology for hybrid teams and areas designed for concentrated individual work.

Environmental technology integration

The facility’s environmental credentials extend beyond its structure. The building operates on an all-electric system and has achieved LEED Platinum certification – the highest level of recognition for sustainable construction. Rooftop solar panels contribute to the facility’s power requirements.

The construction process itself demonstrated efficiencies. “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,” Scott explains.

The grounds incorporate three acres of pollinator-friendly native California plants, including coast live oak and California sagebrush, supporting local biodiversity. The site pays homage to Silicon Valley’s history with public artwork referencing Atari, the pioneering gaming company previously headquartered at this location.

“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,” says Scott.

To read the full story in the magazine click HERE