1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Green city

The Green Deal's goal for environmental and climate affairs.

Reykjavík City aims to become carbon-neutral by 2040 and adapt to climate change in an environmentally friendly and humane way.

  • Travel is greener with changes in travel habits and the switch to renewable energy in transportation
  • The need for travel has decreased due to improved digital and automated services and more basic services available locally
  • Waste generation has been reduced
  • The circular economy is here to stay
  • There is an increased focus on eco-friendly buildings and reduced energy consumption
  • Operations, purchasing, and services of Reykjavík City are greener and more automated

Actions under the goal

The table below contains actions; more information can be accessed by clicking the "action title" in the table.
Action name Status Completion Updated Departments
Climate Agreement - European Cooperation on Carbon-Neutral and Smart Cities 2030 In progress 2030 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Department of Finance & Risk Management
Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Human Rights and Democracy Office
Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from land use In progress 2025 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Equitable transition in climate change initiatives In progress 2025 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Human Rights and Democracy Office
Green transportation In progress 2030 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Eco-industrial park at Álfsnes In progress 2030 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Circular focus - Sorting and collection of organic waste Completed 2024 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Green buildings In progress 2030 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Environmentally certified City buildings In progress 2025 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Energy transition for the city's vehicle fleet Completed 2024 July 2024 Department of Environment & Planning
Digitalization of Building Commissioner applications In progress 2025 July 2025 Department of Environment & Planning
Department of Service & Innovation
SPARCS In progress 2024 July 2025 Office of the Mayor & Chief Executive Officer
Reduced food waste in Reykjavík City cafeterias In progress 2025 July 2025 Dept. of Human Resources & Work Environments
Department of Welfare
Department of Education & Youth