Salt Lake County marked a major milestone in its sustainability efforts with its inaugural Sustainability Achievement Awards, held December 16, 2025, in the Salt Lake County Council Chambers. The event honored outstanding sustainability achievements across County operations, recognizing excellence in Water, Energy, Air, Land, and Waste & Recycling.
The ceremony also provided the first public preview of Green Vision, a new County-wide initiative designed to highlight and unify sustainability work occurring across departments. The full launch is planned for 2026.
“Salt Lake County is home to passionate, dedicated teams who show us every day that sustainability is a shared responsibility. These awards celebrate not only individual achievements but the collective momentum behind a healthier, more resilient future for our residents.”—Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson
The ceremony brought together awardees, department leaders, and County Council members to recognize progress in areas essential to long-term sustainability, including water conservation, air quality, energy leadership, land stewardship, and waste reduction.
In Utah, resilience is part of who we are, and sustainability grows stronger when we work side by side. Today’s honorees reflect what’s possible when innovation, collaboration, and Utah’s spirit of problem-solving come together.” —Emily Paskett, Salt Lake County Sustainability Director
Award Categories & Honorees
Achievement in Water: Salt Lake County Arts & Culture – Art in Public Places
Arts & Culture was honored for its Great Salt Lake themed exhibit that aims to highlight collaborative efforts supporting the Lake. The exhibit celebrates the lake’s landscape, an enduring source of inspiration for artists across generations, and brings renewed attention to its essential role in safeguarding Utah’s environmental health.
Achievement in Air: Salt Lake County Health Department – Environmental Health
The Health Department was recognized for the success of the Vehicle Repair and Replacement Assistance Program (VRRAP), which helps remove high-polluting vehicles from the airshed while supporting lower-income residents.
Achievement in Energy: Salt Lake County Library – Daybreak Branch
The Daybreak Branch was honored as Utah’s first Zero Energy certified building, demonstrating how essential community spaces can also model environmental responsibility.
Achievement in Land:
- Sheriff’s Campus
- Mountain America Expo Center
- Central City Recreation Center
- Meadow Brook Golf Course
- Animal Services
- Facilities Management
These agencies were recognized for their participation in Flip the Strip, a program replacing turf park strips with water-efficient landscaping. The initiative reduces water consumption and supports the County’s long-term drought resilience.
Achievement in Waste & Recycling: Salt Palace Convention Center
The Salt Palace Convention Center was honored for its waste diversion and recycling programs, showcasing innovation in responsible resource management.
