Encouragement in climate issues

Reykjavík City and Festa have awarded Icelandic companies with climate recognition and encouraged them to sign a climate declaration. The goal is to strengthen collaboration with the Icelandic economy, draw positive attention to commendable actions, and to urge companies to set goals in climate change issues.

Climate Declaration

Over a hundred CEOs of Icelandic companies and institutions signed a declaration in November 2015 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimize waste, and measure and publish results. Since then, an increasing number of companies have joined the initiative.

Climate recognition

On November 23, 2017, the City Executive Council approved the provision of Reykjavík's annual climate recognition. The Recognition is awarded to companies, associations, institutions, and individuals who have made a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The selection was based on the work of a three-person Selection Committee. The Committee consisted of a member from Festa, a representative from Reykjavík, and one from the University of Iceland. The Committee’s staff member came from the Department of Environment & Planning.

The companies that received the Recognition were:

  • Landsvirkjun — National Power Company of Iceland
  • Landspítali — National University Hospital of Iceland
  • EFLA Consulting Engineers
  • Klappir Green Solutions
  • HB Grandi

The goal of the Recognition is to raise awareness of the good work being done to combat climate change and inspire others to follow suit. A significant shift in mindset and awareness has taken place in the Icelandic economy in recent years, making the Recognition a reflection of its time.

Social responsibility

Festa and Reykjavík are now focusing more on encouraging and educating companies on how to demonstrate social responsibility in action. The climate declaration plays a part in this, aiming for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lessen waste generation, and then measure and regularly report the results of these efforts.