Clark College at Columbia Tech Center was named one of the Top Projects of 2008 by the Vancouver Business Journal.

Clark College at Columbia Tech Center features 18 classrooms, eight science and computer labs, offices for faculty and support staff and parking for 393 vehicles. It includes wireless Internet service throughout and a state-of-the-art security system.  All classrooms are equipped with the latest in instructional technology.

The new Corporate Learning Center houses several specialty features of the building, including a conference suite that can be configured into smaller classrooms or used as a 3420-square-foot event space; a kitchen classroom that supports cooking classes, corporate training involving hands-on food preparation and catering needs for on-site events; and an art classroom positioned to gather natural light.

Several design features of the building highlight energy-saving efficiencies. Sunscreens and special glass were installed on the south side of the building to reduce excessive heat absorption. All classrooms have light sensors installed that adjust the room’s interior lighting based on the amount of daylight coming into the room. The heating and cooling system are set to control each office and classroom individually, reducing the need to heat or cool unused spaces in the building at a particular time. Throughout the building, sensors and the electrical panel system provide electricity usage data for monitoring and educational purposes. In addition, two small wind turbines and two photovoltaic panel arrays provide instructional opportunities for students.

In partnership with LSW Architects, college officials are pursing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold certification for the energy-efficient building. That certification would result in reduced energy costs for the college and would contribute to environmental sustainability in our region.