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Green Vision

SALT LAKE COUNTY Green Vision

Green Vision unifies all of Salt Lake County's sustainability efforts. Our mission is to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our government operations and empower all employees to become a part of the solution. Water, Air, Energy, Land, and Waste & Recycling are the five core elements that drive sustainability within Salt Lake County, through these elements environmental impact is reduced and communities become more resilient.

Green Vision will continually update this database to showcase how Salt Lake County continues to make sustainability part of normal operations.

A man wearing glasses.

Chris Firmage

Acting Director of Environmental Sustainability

385-468-4873

Salt Lake County Green Vision Announcement

Water Projects

Water is a finite resource, and safeguarding it is critical for the long‑term health of Salt Lake County residents. We focus on conserving water through efficient practices, responsible management, and upgrading infrastructure that reduces waste. At the same time, we work to improve water quality by preventing contamination, restoring natural waterways, and supporting infrastructure that delivers clean, safe water to communities and ecosystems.

H2Oquirrh aims to spearhead the long-term enhancement of waterways in southwest Salt Lake County by focusing on the natural and urban water corridors emanating from the Oquirrh Range. Targeting streams like Bingham, Midas, Rose, and others, the project seeks collaboration with local governments such as West Jordan and Herriman to improve environmental and community well-being.

Through a comprehensive process involving existing condition analysis, public engagement, and visionary planning, H2Oquirrh will establish a community-endorsed framework, recommend sustainable practices, propose actionable policies, and provide a comprehensive design toolkit to guide future improvements

Salt Lake County adopted the Water Use and Preservation Element on February 3, 2026, to formally integrate water planning into the County’s General Plan. The update responds to new state requirements and growing regional challenges such as drought, population growth, and increasing pressure on limited water supplies. By linking land use decisions with water availability, the plan encourages future development that aligns with long-term water sustainability

The element provides a framework for coordinating land use, infrastructure, and conservation strategies across unincorporated Salt Lake County. It reinforces the County’s commitment to environmental stewardship by promoting water-efficient development, supporting regional conservation efforts, and guiding policies that protect watersheds, ecosystems, and the long-term health of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding communities.

Master planning is the cornerstone of our strategy to shape the future of parks and recreation in Salt Lake County. These long-range plans, developed county-wide, provide a visionary roadmap for sustainable growth and development.

Rooted in community engagement, each master plan serves as a guiding framework for future projects. This process ensures that development meets regional priorities and reflects the aspirations of our residents. Please note that while a project's inclusion in a master plan is a critical first step, its implementation depends on securing future funding and resources.

Air

Improving air quality has been a priority to protecting public health and creating resilient communities. Our efforts center on educating and supporting community efforts on pollution, dust, and emissions reductions. By addressing sources of air contaminants, we help create environments where communities can thrive.

Fleet Management is responsible for the acquisition and disposal of county-owned vehicles. New vehicles are chosen based on a combination of cost, safety, environmental impact, and public image.

Purchased vehicles are given a rotation schedule for when they will be taken out of service. Vehicles that are no longer being used by the County are disposed of through a third-party auction to ensure a fair and equitable process for making unused vehicles available for sale to the public

The release of greenhouse gases into the Earth's atmosphere has set the climate on a course to change drastically in the near future, and these changes are having a significant impact on human health in Salt Lake County.

There is a broad scientific consensus that climate change is occurring at a rate faster than previously anticipated and is causing warmer temperatures, droughts, and more frequent extreme weather events in the region.

It is important that we take action now, both to mitigate the impacts of climate change and to develop adaptation strategies that enhance the region's resiliency to the inevitable changes it will experience. Many responses to climate change could positively impact the region in multiple ways, simultaneously reducing the burden of disease, saving money, protecting the environment, developing the community, and addressing inequality.

In order for the Salt Lake County Health Department to uphold its mission of promoting and protecting community and environmental health, we incorporate climate change considerations into all of our services. Preparing for climate change includes enhancing our weather and disease tracking systems, adapting our programs to ensure they are effective in different conditions, and forming community partnerships. We are a proud convener of the Utah Climate Action Network, a partnership between government, research institutions, nonprofits/foundations, faith-based organizations, the private sector, and individuals working to address climate change in Utah.

Energy

A sustainable Salt Lake County is dependent on how we utilize energy. We prioritize increasing energy efficiency across systems and operations while advancing the adoption of alternative and renewable energy sources, for residents and our operations.

Here you will find Salt Lake County’s Design and Construction Standards. It outlines typical requirements for the design process, the construction process and typical standards used throughout all facilities within the County. This information is critical to architects and engineers or anyone interested in working with the County on capital projects.

Beyond guiding design and construction, these standards reflect Salt Lake County’s commitment to sustainable, resilient, and resource‑efficient public facilities. They help ensure that every capital project supports long‑term environmental stewardship, reduces operational impacts, and contributes to healthier communities.

Here you will find Salt Lake County’s Design and Construction Standards. It outlines typical requirements for the design process, the construction process and typical standards used throughout all facilities within the County. This information is critical to architects and engineers or anyone interested in working with the County on capital projects.

Beyond guiding design and construction, these standards reflect Salt Lake County’s commitment to sustainable, resilient, and resource‑efficient public facilities. They help ensure that every capital project supports long‑term environmental stewardship, reduces operational impacts, and contributes to healthier communities.

Salt Lake County Library’s Daybreak Branch has been certified as the first Net Zero Energy building in Utah after two years of tracking its energy production and consumption. Net Zero buildings generate as much renewable energy as they use, significantly reducing energy demand, lowering operating costs, and minimizing environmental impact.

The Daybreak branch achieves this through innovative design and technology, including geothermal heating and cooling beneath the parking lot and an array of 512 solar panels that produce more than 100% of the building’s energy needs. As Salt Lake County continues to grow, projects like the Daybreak Library demonstrate how thoughtful design and sustainable infrastructure can support thriving communities while advancing long-term environmental goals.

Land

Healthy land supports local ecosystems, recreation, and the overall well‑being of communities by engaging with green spaces. By protecting natural landscapes and restoring degraded landscapes, we hope to build that stewardship attribute into all communities.

Salt Lake County is home to several majestic canyons that surround the valley. Beyond offering breathtaking views, the Southwest and Wasatch Canyons serve as year‑round recreation and vacation destinations and they’re also some of our region’s most important natural resources. These canyons have critical watersheds, support diverse wildlife, and provide quick access to a beautiful landscape.

Sustainable stewardship of these landscapes helps balance recreation with preservation, ensuring that trail systems, forests, waterways, and habitats remain healthy and resilient. By caring for these canyons today, we safeguard the natural beauty and ecological services that future generations will depend on.”

Waste & Recycling

Effective waste management is key to reducing environmental contamination and conserving resources. We emphasize strategies that prioritize reducing waste at the source, reusing materials whenever possible, and recycling to keep valuable resources in circulation. Salt Lake County is proud to be an operator in the community and provide waste, recycling, and green waste services to residents!

The Salt Lake Valley Landfill produces a high‑quality, USCC‑Certified compost that has been rigorously tested to meet national standards for safety and performance. This nutrient‑rich material is created from organic waste collected right here in our community — turning everyday yard debris into a valuable resource that supports healthier soil and more resilient landscapes.

By purchasing compost from the landfill, you're not only improving your garden. You're supporting a sustainable service that keeps organic materials out of the landfill and reduces methane emissions

Compost is typically used as a soil amendment and helps boost plant nutrients and soil structure. It's not a replacement for soil, so we recommend mixing it with dirt/soil at a 1:3 to 1:10 ratio depending on your existing soil conditions.

Photo Gallery

Restoration project on the Jordan River: Before
Restoration project on the Jordan River: After
Great Salt Lake #42, Fred (Eugene) Wright, Photography, 2000
Marbles showcasing Salt Lake County water impacts
Net Zero Energy Daybreak Library
AC1F;ÆMEFfiNWASTE6RECYCUNG Salt Palace Convention Center Waste Diversion Program