Google has announced the opening of a new office building that exemplifies the company’s long-standing commitment to creating sustainable workspaces. Located at 1265 Borregas in Sunnyvale, California, this new facility marks a significant milestone as the first Google building constructed using mass timber – an innovative engineered wood that layers and laminates smaller pieces of wood to form larger beams and walls. The office is designed to benefit both Googlers and the local community, reflecting the company’s focus on sustainable development in the region it calls home.
Designed to Support Collaboration, Focus, and Wellbeing
The design of 1265 Borregas reflects Google’s evolving approach to workplace environments. The building features dedicated neighbourhood spaces designed to encourage active collaboration, facilitate hybrid connections, and provide areas for focused, heads-down work. In line with Google’s commitment to biophilic workplace design, the office integrates natural elements to support employee wellbeing.
Research has shown that people perform better when surrounded by nature, and 1265 Borregas is designed to leverage this insight. The building’s exposed timber, both inside and out, creates a connection to the natural world. Large windows provide natural daylight and sweeping views of the Northern California landscape, while automatic wooden blinds adjust to the sun’s position to reduce glare. An underfloor air system ensures optimal comfort throughout the space, contributing to a healthier and more productive environment.
Reducing Carbon Emissions with Mass Timber
One of the key sustainable features of the building is its use of mass timber, which has regenerative properties and the ability to absorb and store carbon over time through a process known as sequestration. This makes mass timber a more environmentally friendly choice compared to traditional building materials. According to Google, 1265 Borregas is expected to have 96% fewer embodied carbon emissions than a comparable structure made from steel and concrete, when factoring in the sequestration of carbon over time.
Achieving these climate benefits requires careful sourcing, which is why 100% of the mass timber used for the building’s structure has been procured from responsibly managed forests, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). In addition to its carbon-reducing properties, 1265 Borregas is an all-electric, LEED Platinum certified building that features solar panels on its roof, generating electricity to power the facility. These elements align with Google’s ambitious goal to reach net-zero emissions and operate entirely on carbon-free energy 24/7 by 2030.
Supporting the Local Community and Industry Innovation
Mass timber construction not only benefits the environment but also improves the efficiency of the building process. The use of pre-fabricated timber components accelerates structural assembly, reducing construction traffic and noise, such as jackhammering. This approach also helps to minimise construction waste.
In addition to its environmental benefits, 1265 Borregas enhances the local community through landscaping and public art. Three acres of pollinator-friendly native plants, including coast live oak, California sagebrush, California wild rose, and common milkweed, have been planted around the site. The building also features public artwork inspired by Atari, which was previously headquartered at this location.
This new office building sets a precedent for combining sustainability with construction efficiency, while prioritising the health and wellbeing of employees. Google hopes that the success of 1265 Borregas will inspire others in the industry to adopt similar practices, contributing to a more sustainable future.
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