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- Google’s new office, 1265 Borregas, uses mass timber to reduce carbon emissions by 96% compared to traditional materials.
- Features include biophilic design for employee wellbeing, solar panels, and all-electric LEED Platinum certification.
- Three acres of pollinator-friendly native plants and public artwork enhance the community and environment.
Google has announced the opening of 1265 Borregas, its first office building constructed using mass timber, in Sunnyvale, California. The building reflects Google’s commitment to sustainability, employee wellbeing, and community engagement.
Sustainable construction for climate impact
Mass timber, an engineered wood known for its regenerative properties, absorbs and stores carbon over time, helping reduce embodied carbon emissions. According to Google, 1265 Borregas produces 96% fewer embodied carbon emissions than an equivalent steel and concrete structure, considering sequestration. The mass timber was sourced from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
“This building, 1265 Borregas, is an example of creating sustainable buildings that empower people to do their best work,” said Michelle Kaufmann, director of research and development for the built environment at Google and a driving force behind the creation of the new workspace in Sunnyvale’s Moffett Park district.
Additional sustainability features include:
- All-electric operations and LEED Platinum certification.
- Rooftop solar panels that generate electricity for the building.
- Support for Google’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions and 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030.
Designing for wellbeing and efficiency
The building prioritizes employee wellbeing with biophilic design elements, such as exposed timber interiors, ample natural light, and expansive views of Northern California landscapes. Features include:
- Neighborhood spaces for collaboration, hybrid work, and focused tasks.
- Automatic wooden blinds that adjust to the sun’s position to reduce glare.
- Underfloor air systems for optimal comfort.
“The way to empower people to do their best work is to give them access to nature, views and natural light,” Kaufmann said during an official opening event for the building on Wednesday. “This building has it all. 1265 Borregas reflects our newest ways of working.”
Community and environmental impact
Google planted three acres of pollinator-friendly native plants around the site, including species like California sagebrush and common milkweed. Public artwork inspired by Atari, the previous occupant of the location, adds cultural value. Mass timber construction also reduces construction waste, traffic, and noise, benefiting the surrounding community.
What they’re saying:
“This building shows what’s possible when you combine sustainability and construction efficiency into an office building, while also prioritizing employee wellbeing,” said Google. “We hope that others in the industry will join us in this approach in support of a more sustainable future.”
The bottom line: 1265 Borregas exemplifies how innovative construction methods like mass timber can drive sustainability, enhance employee wellbeing, and contribute to a greener future for the industry and local communities.