Bay View: Google opens all-electric, sustainable campus in Silicon Valley

Google has announced the unveiling of its new all-electric and sustainable office campus in Silicon Valley, with a geothermal installation claimed to be the largest in North America.

Bay View has been draped with a “first-of-its-kind” dragonscale solar skin that consists of a total of 90,000 silver solar panels across all four buildings, with the glass expected to trap light that would normally escape from traditional flat solar panels.

The campus will also be powered using renewable energy from nearby wind farms, with the aim to use 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.

Our new Bay View campus features a first-of-its-kind dragonscale solar roof. The prismatic nature of the glass traps light that would normally escape from traditional flat solar panels — and has a unique sparkle, which helped it earn its name. Learn more→ https://t.co/AS5KKefNWy pic.twitter.com/kSXXBSuuEs

— Google (@Google) May 18, 2022

The campus is said to be on track to be the largest project certified by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI) under any of their programmes, at any certification level.

It is also targeting a Water Petal certification, meaning the site is net-positive with all non-potable water demands being met using the recycled water generated on site.

Above-ground ponds that gather rainwater year round and a building wastewater treatment system serve as water sources for cooling towers, flushing toilets and irrigating the landscape – a big step toward delivering on Google’s commitment to replenish 120% of the water it consumes by 2030.

Bay View, the latest addition to our Silicon Valley headquarters, is a net water-positive campus with a major focus on ecological restoration. It’s a key step towards our goal of replenishing 120% of the water we consume by 2030. Learn more → https://t.co/AS5KKefNWy pic.twitter.com/itCnAqY2Y3

— Google (@Google) May 19, 2022

In addition, the campus is all-electric, with the two kitchens that serve seven cafes equipped with electric equipment rather than gas.

The integrated geothermal system will help heat and cool the campus, with the geo-exchange field integrated into its structural system, reducing the amount of water typically used for cooling by 90% – equivalent to five million gallons of water annually.

When compared with a conventional baseline, Google estimate the geothermal system will help reduce annual carbon emissions by around 50%.

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