With more than 500 solar panels on the roof’s shade canopy and geothermal energy under the parking lot, the Salt Lake County Library’s Daybreak branch produces 102% of its onsite energy needs. 

Since the building opened in 2022, its energy production and consumption have been tracked and has now attained Net Zero Energy, the first public building in Utah to reach that goal. Net Zero Energy refers to a building that consumes no more energy than it needs to function and produces that energy from renewable sources. 

County leaders, the building’s designers, library personnel and patrons attended an event on Oct. 18 to celebrate the certification.

“I’m delighted that the Daybreak branch fulfills our mission to provide a great place for everyone to visit while integrating this stellar level of energy efficiency,” Salt Lake County Library Director Joey McNamee said. “Our employees and the architects went above and beyond to meet the Net Zero Energy requirements and I could not be prouder. From materials to services to programs to solar arrays, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, create and connect with others at the County Library, a vibrant community space that has such a profound impact on the lives of Salt Lake County residents.”

Located in South Jordan at 11358 Grandville Ave., the library features a rooftop garden, outdoor amphitheater, meeting rooms and study areas, along with thousands of books and resources. The County Library system receives more than 2 million visitors each year, checking out 12.5 million items. 

“When you look at this broad valley, the change in the growth and the demands and needs around here, it’s not just what can our library system do, but what can we inspire our public to do on their own,” Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said. “The sustainability efforts are so appreciated, and I know this has made a big impact, not just on the families that are here today, but on our environment. It’s due to your efforts and the great planning and the values that we hold here at Salt Lake County.”

Designed by Architectural Nexus, the Daybreak library was created as a transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly location, maximizing space while incorporating native landscaping and energy efficiency. 

Architectural Nexus Principal Architect Holli Adams said the firm was proud of the certification and the dedication of county leaders to make it happen. She said they will take the lessons learned with this building to apply to other projects. 

“This library has a unique system that the county has used on several buildings, but we really took big advantage of it on this building,” Adams said. “It has a ground source heating and cooling system, it has abundant natural daylight, really well-insulated walls and high-performance glazing. This building is 78% more energy efficient than a typical library.”

Daybreak branch manager Leslie Schow said she enjoys taking visitors on a tour of the building and seeing the awe on their faces when they realize how the library is sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Schow took it as a challenge to reach Net Zero Energy by dimming lights, turning off computer monitors and printers every evening and adjusting sensors so lights would shut off when rooms were not in use.

“The unique features of the Daybreak branch have given us a great way to share STEM and STEAM learning with the community,” Schow said. “You’ll notice that the branch is full of natural daylight thanks to the 23 solar tubes that help us light the building during the day without electricity.”

Wilson said as the county continues to grow, it is vital to do so thoughtfully, responsibly and sustainably. 

“The efficiencies built into this County Library branch, and the individual energy-saving actions regularly taken by employees, are saving taxpayer dollars,” she said. “Additionally, by using innovations in design and building technology, we’re improving the quality of life for ourselves and the generations to come.” λ