Utah’s First Certified Net-Zero Building is Turning Pages and Heads
By Fay Harvey
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — Salt Lake County’s Daybreak Branch Library made state history earlier this month as Utah’s first certified net-zero energy building, lowering burdens on both the environment and the branch’s energy costs.
The 27,000-square-foot, $12.4 million library was built in 2022 according to the philosophy and values of New Urbanism, according to designer ArchNexus of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Sacramento, Calif. The design maximizes public space, and higher ceilings ease the visual transition between exterior and interior spaces. The library also includes an accessible green roof featuring native landscapes and a solar panel shade canopy.
The facility achieved net-zero status by generating its own renewable energy while minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Below the building’s parking lot, a geothermal energy system takes advantage of the earth’s naturally occurring temperature regulatory systems to support heating and cooling. Additionally, the building is equipped with 512 solar panels that generate 102% of its onsite energy requirements.
“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,” said Joey McNamee, county library director, in a statement. “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.”
Photo Caption: Salt Lake County’s Daybreak Branch Library is equipped with 512 solar panels that generate 102% of its onsite energy requirements. Photo Credit: Architectural Nexus Inc.