Metro Parks Tacoma's STAR Center earns LEED Gold certification

Metro Parks Tacoma officials have announced the South Tacoma Activity and Recreation (STAR) Center has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Stewardship of the environment and our natural resources is in the forefront of all Metro Parks Tacoma planning and design considerations,” said Aaron Pointer, President of the Board of Park Commissioners. “We’re extremely proud of how STAR Center reflects our commitment, earning the distinction of LEED Gold for this highly valued community center.”

STAR Center achieved the certification because of its geothermic heating and cooling system embedded in the earth to help regulate building temperatures; creative and efficient use of natural light; stormwater management through scenic rain gardens; collaborative use of shared class and gym space through strategic placement on a shared campus with the Boys & Girls Clubs and Tacoma Public School’s Gray Middle School; and its use of sustainable building materials and operational features that consume fewer resources.

LEED is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. By using less energy and water, LEED-certified buildings aim to save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community.

“The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most-important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on non-sustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. “The work of innovative building projects such as STAR Center is a fundamental driving force in the green building movement.”

Since it opened one year ago, STAR Center has served more than 110,000 program and event participants. The community is invited to celebrate with Metro Parks and learn more about the facility’s environmental benefits during the center’s one-year anniversary celebration on Sat., May 18 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

More information is available online at StarCenterTacoma.org.