Campus Sustainability
The projects following those celebrated in 2007 not only filled significant needs for the college, but exemplified the values of the campus’s sustainability program, enacted by President Transue.237
The Annette B. Weyerhaeuser Early Learning Center (ELC), opened in 2008,238 was the first TCC building to attain LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. Since then, TCC has completed three additional projects that meet LEED and other sustainability guidelines: the Harned Center for Health Careers (2014);239 the expansion of the Health and Wellness Center (2019);240 and the Center for Innovative Learning and Engagement (2025).241
Annette B. Weyerhaeuser Early Learning Center
The Early Learning Center (ELC) opened in 2008 and was named after the long-time Foundation member. The building was designed by principal architect Matt Lane and constructed by McGranahan Architects242 with the goal of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The sustainable design features included ability to use natural lighting during daytime hours, natural ventilation, diversion of 75% of the construction waste,243 earning the center LEED Gold status the following year.244 The new building also expanded capacity from the existing child care center, which previously had a regular waitlist and could only enroll children of employees after student parents were accommodated, allowing more members of the TCC community to access child care.
Harned Center for Health Careers
In 2014, the Harned Center for Health Careers opened thanks to the largest single donation in TCC’s history by H.C. “Joe” Harned. The large building became the new home of TCC’s health programs, with state-of-the-art medical equipment and teaching spaces. Thanks to a closed loop geothermal heating and cooling system, energy-efficient appliances and mechanical systems, water conservation fixtures inside the building and drought-tolerant landscaping outside, use of local and recycled materials, and a heat recovery system, the Harned Center was also granted LEED Gold.245
Center for Innovative Learning and Engagement
Most recently, TCC completed construction on the Center for Innovative Learning and Engagement (CILE) in early 2025. The CILE meets LEED Silver specifications at minimum, and received Salmon Safe certification in 2024 thanks to stormwater management, tree planting, and pollinator meadows in its landscaping plans.246 Design also prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusion principles by creating accessible classrooms; contracts, partnerships and grants with local and minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprise (MWDBE) suppliers, firms, and organizations; quiet rooms and pods for sensory needs; all gender and family restrooms.247
Developed as part of TCC’s comprehensive strategic planning process, the Facilities Master Plan includes a Carbon Neutrality Master Plan,248 which includes emissions reductions benchmarks, using native and drought-tolerant plants in campus landscaping,249 partnerships with Pierce Transit to increase ridership,250 and irrigating with stormwater and/or greywater when possible.251
A Sustainability Action Committee supports initiatives relating to environmental, social, and economic sustainability on campus.252 This committee has led events such as TCC’s Earth Day celebrations (which TCC has celebrated since the very first teach-in of 1970),253 designed the Sustainability Distinction Pathway for curriculum,254 and created a Sustainability Garden on campus with student organizations the Environmental Club and Student Veterans Organization.255