Apple’s Green Flying Saucer Campus Cleared for Liftoff

Apple has received final approval to build its sustainable, flying-saucer-shaped headquarters (pictured) in Cupertino, Calif., Industry Week reports.

The tech giant, working with Foster and Partners architects, plans to transform an asphalt and old-building covered 176-acre site into “sustainable, state-of-the-art office, research and development facilities,” with a host of green building features.

According to plans submitted to the city, Apple plans to reduce water consumption by about 30 percent below a typical commercial development within the Silicon Valley area through a recycled water main, water-absorbing landscaping, low-flow fixtures, roof rainwater capture and other water-conservation efforts.

The company says it will also expand its current waste management program, which achieves a diversion rate of 78 percent, by increasing material reuse, recycling from solid waste sources and composting.

Apple says it will exceed sustainability requirements set by the Cupertino Green Building Ordinance, the California Green Building Standards Code and the Californian Energy Efficiency Standards. The four-story circular building will use 100 percent renewable energy “with an emphasis on on-site generation from photovoltaics and fuel cells,” according to the plans.

Apple was among 24 organizations that last month won the EPA’s 13th annual Green Power Leadership awards for achievements in advancing the nation’s renewable electricity market.