UPDATE: Salt Lake County has officially launched its new sustainability initiative, “Green Vision,” aimed at enhancing cross-departmental efforts to conserve energy and protect the environment. This significant development was announced during an inaugural recognition ceremony on October 24, 2023, where Mayor Jenny Wilson awarded 10 county departments for their commitment to sustainability.
The “Green Vision” initiative emphasizes the county’s dedication to both fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Mayor Wilson stated, “We want our county employees to understand Green Vision, and that just means we at Salt Lake County have a value of saving money for our taxpayers and also doing what’s right for the environment.”
This new initiative comes at a critical time for Utah, as the Great Salt Lake continues to shrink, and water conservation becomes increasingly urgent. Wilson highlighted the necessity for immediate action, saying, “We can conserve water … we need to clean up our air.”
During the ceremony, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, along with five other agencies, received the prestigious “Achievement in Land” award for their joint efforts in the “Flip the Strip” program. This initiative replaced 160,930 square feet of traditional turf with water-efficient landscaping, significantly reducing water consumption amidst ongoing drought conditions.
Wilson remarked on the importance of these efforts, asserting, “I am one of the people that gets a phone call when I say, ‘Hey, county, can we cut back on our water use?’ And then somebody’s driving along and sprinklers are running in the middle of the night.” This illustrates the county’s commitment to leading by example in its sustainability practices.
The ceremony also recognized other achievements, including the “Achievement in Water” award, which was presented to Salt Lake County Arts and Culture for its dedication to initiatives benefiting the Great Salt Lake.
As the county embraces this new framework, residents are encouraged to participate in sustainability efforts and stay informed on upcoming programs and initiatives under the “Green Vision” umbrella.
With climate action increasingly becoming a community priority, Salt Lake County’s latest move could set a precedent for other municipalities facing similar environmental challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates on Salt Lake County’s sustainability initiatives and how they plan to engage the community in making a difference.
