Mass Timber Innovation: Inside Google’s Sustainable Sunnyvale Hub

1265 Borregas represents the intersection of sustainability and innovation, showcasing what’s possible when we build with the environment and community in mind. It’s a milestone in our journey toward a greener, carbon-free future.”

— John Doe, Vice President of Real Estate and Workplace Services at Google

Located in the heart of Sunnyvale, California, Google’s new office represents a significant milestone as the company’s first project constructed with mass timber. This cutting-edge material combines sustainability with durability. Unlike traditional materials like steel and concrete, mass timber is renewable, significantly lighter, and reduces embodied carbon emissions by an impressive 96%. Beyond its reduced footprint during construction, mass timber can sequester carbon, store it over the building’s lifetime, and actively help mitigate climate change.

Google’s approach to sustainability extends beyond material choice. All the timber used for the project was sourced responsibly from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified forests, emphasizing the company’s commitment to ethical resource use and sustainable supply chains. This attention to sourcing reflects Google’s broader goal of integrating environmentally conscious decisions into every aspect of its operations.

Highlights of the Building Design

The Sunnyvale office blends advanced engineering with thoughtful, sustainable design to enhance employee and visitor experience.

• Energy Efficiency: Solar panels installed on the rooftop generate clean, renewable energy for the building, while an all-electric infrastructure eliminates reliance on fossil fuels. This aligns with Google’s goal of achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030.
• Biophilic Elements: Large skylights, floor-to-ceiling windows, and exposed mass timber surfaces create a natural, calming aesthetic. This nature-inspired design has improved employee well-being, focus, and creativity.
• Smart Technology: Automated wooden blinds adjust to the sun’s position, minimizing glare and reducing energy consumption, while an underfloor air system provides consistent, efficient temperature regulation for maximum comfort.

These features collectively create a workplace prioritizing environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Supporting Local Biodiversity and Culture

The new campus is designed to benefit the surrounding ecosystem as well. Spanning three acres, the site features pollinator-friendly native plants such as California sagebrush, common milkweed, and coast live oak. This landscaping helps restore habitats for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators critical to the local environment.

In addition to its ecological contributions, the office celebrates its cultural heritage. The site features a public art installation inspired by Atari, which once operated at this location. This artwork connects the office to Sunnyvale’s history while inviting the local community to engage with the space.

Aligning with Google’s Broader Sustainability Goals

The Sunnyvale office is more than just a workplace,  supporting key sustainability targets, including:

• Carbon-Free Energy: The office accelerates progress toward operating entirely on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030, an effort already 64% complete across Google’s global operations.
• Water Stewardship: By integrating innovative water management practices, the building contributes to Google’s goal of replenishing 120% of the water it consumes by 2030.
• Sustainable Construction Practices: Using prefabricated mass timber components reduces construction waste and minimizes noise and traffic disruptions in the community during assembly.

These measures build on Google’s legacy of environmental leadership, which includes achieving carbon neutrality in 2007 and matching its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2017.