Environment & Health Council operated 2018–2022

The Environment & Health Council operates on behalf of the City Executive Council in matters of the nature conservation committee according to the Nature Conservation Act No. 60/2013, as well as the Nature Conservation Regulation No. 205/1973 with subsequent amendments and tasks related to Waste Management Act No. 55/2003. The Environment & Health Council handles the tasks of health committees according to Chapter II of Act No. 7/1998 on Hygiene and Pollution Prevention. Furthermore, the Environment & Health Council handles matters of the Reykjavík Work School.

The Environment & Health Council processes tasks according to an addendum to the Resolution on the Management and of Reykjavík City and City Council Minutes, No. 1020/2019, in accordance with the authority in Article 42 of the Local Authorities Act No. 138/2011, without the ratification of City Executive Council.

The Environment & Health Council shapes policy in environmental and nature conservation issues, makes decisions, and submits proposals to the City Executive Council regarding matters within its jurisdiction, including tasks of the Public Health Committee. Additionally, the Council oversees the operation of the Department of Environment & Planning and ensures adherence to resolutions and strategic decisions under its jurisdiction. The Council also carries out other tasks as determined by the City Council. The Department of Environment & Planning is responsible for implementing the Council's policies and projects and communication with other City institutions, with the limitation that Reykjavík Public Health oversees the implementation of policies and projects of the Public Health Committee and its communication with other City institutions.

The Environment & Health Council consists of seven representatives elected by the City Council for a one-year term each, along with an equal number of alternates. A party that has representatives on City Council, but not on the City Executive Council, may appoint a city councilor to sit in meetings of the City Executive Council with speaking and proposal rights.