In line with Apple’s corporate philosophy of creating the smallest environmental footprint possible, their new Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California, is being constructed to be a net-zero facility. This term refers to a building that produces its own renewable energy onsite. In addition, Apple strives to meet the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard at the platinum level.
Apple plans to reach a net-zero status and the LEED standards by making the building as sustainably possible. They plan 700,000 square feet of solar panels to power the building that will produce eight megawatts of power. The heating and cooling system will be geothermal, which uses thermal energy exchange underground and is the most energy efficient way to condition buildings year-round. LEED platinum structures rely heavily on technology to manage energy consumption.
Apple’s new campus will also meet California’s Environmental Leadership Act passed in 2011, which focuses on programs that promote clean air. Apple will comply by providing carpooling, biofuel buses, public transportation, and a bicycle-friendly and walking environment. Of the 175 acres the site encompasses, 80 percent will be left as open space planted with fruit and shade trees, along with drought-tolerant landscaping materials.
This landscape design helps Apple headquarters comply with the LEED Platinum requirements. It will also help Apply rely on natural fresh air ventilation for the majority of the year, possible in Cupertino’s mild climate. The parking at Apple’s new campus will lie below building, so no view of the surrounding landscaped grounds will be marred by vehicles.
Achieving LEED Platinum status is no small feat. It encompasses virtually all aspects of the building’s exterior and interior design, along with meeting the highest standards for a minimal environmental impact for the local area’s water resources and air quality, which includes indoor air quality. The interior must have low levels of volatile organic compounds and use as many recycled and sustainable products as possible.
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