Google’s Bay View Office Is A Technological Marvel

Photo Credit: Google

Google’s Bay View is an all-electric and net water positive campus that relies on geothermal solutions for heating and other needs. Its reliance on sustainable, renewable energy and resources makes it one of the better tech offices that is built with the environment in mind. The workplace has been designed to keep Googlers happy, productive and creative.

There are team spaces on the upper level of the building with gathering spaces below to allow for a more cohesive working environment. The upper floor is made up of smaller neighborhoods separated by courtyards that connect to the center of the building by ramps. The end goal is to accommodate a workforce, regardless of size without depriving them of anything.

As for the campus itself, it has been built to incorporate more greenery, utilize natural daylight and have a decent view of the outdoors. This improves the health and wellbeing of workers inside. The clerestory windows control how much direct light shines onto desks with automated window shades.

The ventilation system uses 100% of outside air, conventional office systems use only 20-30% of outside air. In addition to this, Google went out of its way to vet its interior fitments to ensure they avoid toxins from being used. This includes “carpet tiles, paints, piping, plywood and furniture were evaluated using the Living Building Challenge Red List as a framework”.

Bay View’s reliance on renewable energy will see it being powered by carbon-free energy for about 90% of the time. This is done through the use of the dragonscale solar skin and wind farms. This is in line with Google’s commitment to operate on carbon-free energy by 2030.

The Search giant is targeting a Water Petal certification, which makes a site net-positive due to non-potable water needs being met with recycled water generated on site. According to Google:

• Above-ground ponds collect rainwater that is used by the building’s wastewater treatment system for cooling towers, flushing toilets and irrigating the landscape.
• The two kitchens in the campus that serve seven cafes use electric equipment instead of gas ones, which makes them carbon free cafes.
• Bay View has 17.3 acres of natural areas to establish native landscapes and maintain wetlands
• Integrated geothermal pile system helps heat and cool the campus. This has resulted in the reduction of water used for cooling by 90%.