Green Living Resources
Learn more about the regional and local opportunities to reduce your carbon footprint and stay healthy.
Green Building
Green buildings play a crucial role in advancing sustainability across Tacoma, spanning public, private, and non-profit facilities. The U.S. Green Building Council maintains a record of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings, a benchmark for green construction. Additionally, Built Green, the green home certification program of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, is also used for homes in Tacoma. King County’s GreenTools for builders and homeowners is a great regional resource for learning sustainable practices for every stage of planning, building, development, and renovation.
As of 2024, over 50 commercial buildings in Tacoma have achieved LEED certification and almost 500 Built Green units.
City Leading by Example: In 2010, the City Council passed Municipal Green Building Resolution 38249, requiring all new or renovated City-owned facilities to aim for LEED Gold certification.
LEED-Certified City Facilities:
- Police Headquarters
- Fleet Warehouse
- Solid Waste Division Administration Building
- Solid Waste Transfer Station
- Center for Urban Waters
- Pacific Plaza
Air Quality
Air quality affects all community members, however some neighborhoods experience burdens based on proximity to industry, the built environment, or different housing types.
- Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s map of air sensors to get real time info on air quality in your neighborhood.
- Tacoma Pierce County Health Department wildfire smoke resources.
- Stay tuned for updates on the City of Tacoma’s filter fan and air purifier giveaway programs that will be coming back in 2025.
Conservation and Electrification
Tacoma Public Utilities offers tools and resources to help you conserve electricity and water. The Switch is On WA is one stop shop to learn about rebates and incentives to electrify your home by upgrading appliances powered by fossil fuels to more modern, more efficient, and safer electricity-powered appliances.
Waste Prevention and Reuse
Check out resources such as the Tacoma Tool Library and Habitat for Humanity’s Second Use store to both save money and natural resources. Also, if you’re on Facebook, connect with your local “Buy Nothing” group.
Green Stormwater
Whether you live urban or rural, the Pierce Conservation District is a resource for you. District staff are available to meet with landowners to discuss options for improving and enhancing their property through water quality projects.
Urban Gardening
Harvest Pierce County supports over 90 community food projects. Whether your community is interested in starting their own garden or orchard or volunteering with one of our programs, the opportunities for engagement are endless.