Case study: Google is bringing back native habitats to silicon valley

In 2022, Google took a pioneering step towards ecological restoration by transforming its Bay Area campuses. The tech giant removed more than 100 parking spaces to make way for extensive willow floodplains, cottonwood groves, oak woodlands, and other native habitats. This bold move was part of a larger initiative to restore nature to cities and inspire other companies and individuals to take action.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, amidst the towering structures of technological innovation, Google is quietly pioneering a movement to restore nature to the urban landscape. The company has been steadily transforming its Bay Area campuses into havens for native flora and fauna, replacing manicured lawns and concrete parking lots with vibrant ecosystems that provide vital habitat for local species. The initiative fit perfectly into a broader program to increase the environmental sustainability of landscapes in the region, in particular, a set of measures to restore oak trees ("re-oaking"), whose habitats have been destroyed by 90% in the urbanized environment of Silicon Valley.

"The goal is to revive the area’s ecological heritage and bolster the human experience while creating thriving, functional landscapes for a biodiverse constellation of species". 

The restoration efforts are not merely an aesthetic endeavor; they are rooted in a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between human well-being and the health of the natural world. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance creativity. By bringing nature back into the workplace, Google creates a more pleasant environment for its employees and fosters a more productive and innovative workforce.

“We know that access to nature has profound benefits for human health and wellbeing" - Kate Turpin, director of design performance for Google’s real estate development team.

One of the most striking examples of Google's commitment to ecological restoration is the creation of extensive willow floodplains and cottonwood groves on its campuses. These habitats provide vital breeding grounds for a variety of native species, including the endangered California red-legged frog. The restoration of these riparian ecosystems is a testament to Google's willingness to go beyond the conventional boundaries of corporate sustainability and make a tangible contribution to the conservation of biodiversity.

Beyond its projects in the Bay Area, Google’s ecology team is advancing urban greening initiatives across several of its campuses, including those centrally located in London, Munich, and New York.

“Nature and people should be able to flourish together in the campuses and communities that Google calls home” - Erin Beller, Google’s ecology program lead.

Google's efforts are not limited to its own campuses. In 2020 the company has also committed $1 million to help California's monarch butterfly conservation efforts. The monarch butterfly population has been in steep decline in recent years, due in large part to habitat loss. Google's funding supported the restoration of critical monarch breeding and migratory habitat, helping to ensure the survival of this iconic species.

Beyond the well-documented positive effects of biophilic design on employee well-being, productivity, and creativity, Google's ecological restoration strategy provides tangible economic benefits. These restored ecosystems contribute to:

• Reduced water consumption.
  Native plants are adapted to the local climate and require significantly less irrigation than traditional landscaping, leading to substantial cost savings.
• Lower maintenance costs.
  Native landscapes are generally more resilient and require less upkeep than non-native plantings, reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and frequent mowing.
• Stormwater management.
  Floodplains and bioswales help to capture and filter stormwater runoff, reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality. This lessens the burden on municipal infrastructure and can lower Google's stormwater management costs.
• Enhanced property values.
  Studies have shown that properties with natural landscaping features command higher values, providing a long-term return on investment.
• Improved brand image.
  Google's commitment to sustainability and ecological restoration enhances its reputation and strengthens its brand, attracting customers and top talent who align with these values.

At Deep Eco, we are pleasantly surprised by how consciously companies can approach the issue of nature within their activities. We are confident that these steps were dictated not only by the natural desire of employees to have closer contact with wildlife, but also by the company's understanding of the relationship between healthy natural ecosystems and the success of its business.

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Photos: 
https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/restoring-native-habitats-silicon-valley/
https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/monarch-butterflies-california/
https://sustainability.google/operating-sustainably/stories/urban-ecology/

Based on article: 
https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/sustainability/restoring-native-habitats-silicon-valley/