UPDATE: Salt Lake County has just launched an ambitious sustainability initiative called ‘Green Vision’, aimed at unifying and enhancing cross-departmental efforts to conserve energy and resources. During a recognition ceremony held on Tuesday, County Mayor Jenny Wilson awarded 10 different departments for their dedication to sustainability.
Wilson emphasized that this initiative is not a new concept for Salt Lake County, but a formal acknowledgment of ongoing efforts. “It’s the first time we’ve said ‘thank you’,” she stated, highlighting the importance of recognizing the commitment to environmental change.
This new initiative comes as the county grapples with pressing environmental issues, including a shrinking Great Salt Lake and severe water shortages. “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 while also doing what’s right for the environment,” Wilson explained.
Among the award recipients was the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, which, along with other agencies, earned the Achievement in Land award for participating in the ‘Flip the Strip’ program. This initiative has successfully replaced 160,930 square feet of traditional lawns with water-efficient landscaping, significantly reducing water consumption and supporting long-term drought resilience plans.
Wilson passionately noted, “I get calls when I say, ‘Hey, county, can we cut back on our water use?’ and then I see sprinklers running at night. We walked the walk with this program.” This sentiment showcases the county’s commitment to practicing what it preaches regarding sustainability.
The ceremony also recognized other significant initiatives, including an award for Achievement in Water presented to Salt Lake County Arts and Culture for its innovative projects aimed at protecting the Great Salt Lake.
With the launch of ‘Green Vision,’ Salt Lake County is setting a precedent for sustainable practices that can serve as a model for other regions. The county aims to engage all employees in understanding the importance of sustainability, making it a core value across departments.
As Salt Lake County moves forward, residents and officials alike will be watching closely to see the tangible impacts of this initiative. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the county takes significant steps towards a greener future.
