Googleplex

Googleplex, a combination of the words Google and complex, is the name of the corporate headquarters of Google in Mountain View, California. There are four primary buildings on the Google campus totaling more than 500,000 square feet.¹ Googleplex is known as one of the top places to work in the U.S., with many services available for its employees, including free cafeterias with diverse menus, swimming pools, free laundry rooms and on-site physicians.²

Fast Facts:

1. Location: 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Mountain View, California 94043
2. Leased by Google starting in 2003
3. Purchased by Google in 2006 for $319 million³
4. Over two million square feet of office space⁴
5. Two swimming pools
6. Eleven cafes
7. Other Google headquarters around the world are based on the Googleplex

Solar Panels

In 2006 Google began a massive project to install solar panels throughout the Googleplex to produce 1.6 megawatts of electricity, or approximately 30% of the Googleplex's electricity needs. The project was completed in June 2007 and is believed to be the largest installation of solar panels in the United States.⁵

Expansion

In June 2008 Google announced a 40 year agreement with NASA to develop the 42 acre NASA property adjacent to the Googleplex and add approximately one million square feet of office space. Talks of this agreement began in 2005 when Google and NASA first became partners together in several projects. In addition to the new office space, Google plans to construct employee facilities for dining, fitness, child care and parking, as well as affordable housing for some employees.⁴

Quotes

"Parking lot installations are a visible demonstration of the company's commitment to the environment. You can talk about your energy savings, your recycling and green practices, but the sight of solar panels in the parking lot is an emblem of that commitment."⁶—Bob Noble, solar panel architect

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