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Photos: Green tech giants

Google and Microsoft work to reduce energy use and promote sustainability as product battle heats up.
By Bill Detwiler, Contributor
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Staircase

A staircase of sustainably forested wood graces Building 43 of Google's Mountain View, Calif., headquarters. The walls of the building are layered with nontoxic cotton soundproofing material.

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Open space

Whimsical remnants from the days when Google's campus belonged to SGI. Google opened up the space, turning multiple stories into a loft-like environment.

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Light and airy

Google's Building 43 is light and airy, featuring natural wood and recyclable carpet.

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Air ducts

Building 43 on Google's campus is a testament to Earth- and human-friendly characteristics. Exposed air ducts illustrate the company's function-over-form philosophy.

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Tent office

Google's Building 43 features a prototype tent office.

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Scooters

Electric scooters and bicycles make Google headquarters look more like a university campus than an office complex.

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Hounds and happiness

Allowing Google employees to bring their dogs to work makes for a healthy, happy environment, say Googlers.

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Shuttle

Free, wireless-Internet-equipped shuttle buses take Google workers from San Francisco and other cities to Mountain View.

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Solar panels

An Olympic-size array of solar panels on the roof of Microsoft's Mountain View, Calif., campus.

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Recycled carpet

Office and hallway floors at Microsoft's campus in Mountain View are covered with carpet made from recycled materials.

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Water fountain

An outdoor water fountain sculpture at Microsoft's Mountain View campus.

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Open area

Open area at Microsoft's campus in Mountain View.

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Free shuttle

A free shuttle transports Microsoft workers in Mountain View.

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