After sharing progress and construction photos of their new Google campus near GooglePlex for years, Google has now officially opened its new Bay View Campus. This first self-designed campus headquarters is in Mountain View, California. At first glance, the aerial shots show a distinct roof design that reminds us of dragon scales. But a closer look discloses that the roof integrates around 90,000 silver solar panels.
This makes it the first-of-its-kind roof design that Google calls “dragon scale solar skin.” These solar panels can generate seven megawatts of energy, which is around 40 percent of the energy consumption of the offices. Plus, the nearby wind farms can even power the building with carbon-free energy for 90 percent of the time.
Image: Google
Environmental Highlights of Bay View Campus
Some other major environmental highlights of the new Bay View campus are:
- There are around 17.3 acres of natural landscape including woodlands, meadows, and marshland, which will help in creating rehabilitated wetlands and reestablishing the native landscapes in the Bay Area.
- It even includes two kitchens serving seven cafes, which are integrated with electric equipment instead of gas. Hence, there’s a complete template for completely carbon-free kitchens and cafes.
- The integrated geothermal system will further help cool and heat the campus. Plus, a huge geo-exchange field comes integrated into the entire structural system to reduce 90percent of the water amount that’s generally used for cooling. Hence, it’s equal to 5 million gallons of water-saving, annually.
- Finally, the water retention ponds on the campus are there to collect water for reuse. These systems will also offer nature restoration, access to natural wetlands, and sea-level rise protection.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Image: Google
Another main purpose of the Bay View campus is to prioritize the experience of Googlers within the building. Their experience will improve with various elements, from thermal comfort and acoustics to better lighting and air quality.
Even automated window shades can open and close all day long with clerestory windows. Hence, the natural light can modulate while passing over to the desk. The integrated ventilation system use around 100-percent outside air. Moreover, the building materials and products are specifically curated for removing toxins.
Image: Google
Besides the employees, the local residents can also take advantage of the Bay View campus. For instance, the locals will get access to expanded trails with stunning Bay views and expanded car lanes and bike lanes with R.T. Jones Road widening. Furthermore, there are improved bike connections to the Bay and Stevens Creek trails.
Google even published a digital book about the campus of Bay View with details about its design. The company says that it is in the last phase of construction of Charleston East that has the same design. However, the new campus is right next to the Googleplex.
Google is also aiming for the Water Petal certification for its wastewater treatment systems and above-ground ponds. These will serve as their cyclical water sources to replenish around 120 percent of water that the building utilizes by 2030.
Image: Google
Via: Google