Green Steps
The Green Steps project in Reykjavík City operations works to strengthen environmentally friendly practices across city operations and set an example by systematically reducing the municipality's environmental impact, while advancing Reykjavík City's sustainability goals and the target of carbon neutrality by 2030.
Why Green Steps?
Reykjavík City employs about 10,000 people, making it one of the largest workplaces in Iceland. The operations are extensive and have considerable environmental impacts, both due to the activities of the staff and related services provided by the City. City operations lead to the emission of greenhouse gases, from vehicles, waste treatment, and various construction activities. The City also indirectly influences greenhouse gas emissions through decisions related to procurement.
All Reykjavík City institutions are required to participate in Green Steps and complete the required actions. Green initiatives are now integrated into nearly all of Reykjavík City's operations. Through their participation, City institutions contribute to positive environmental impacts, improve their staff's work environment, and reduce operating costs.
How is the project structured?
The Green Steps environmental management system includes a range of measures across three categories that impact the environment, with the list of steps divided into required and supplementary actions. The three categories are waste management, transportation, and procurement.
These measures empower all workplaces—regardless of size or staffing—to address these challenges and make their operations more environmentally friendly. The project is run across all specialized departments of the City, and the project manager is based in the Department of Environment & Planning.
Connection to climate change policies and goals
A core goal of Green Steps is executing the City's policy objectives. The program's action list serves as the primary tool for managers to put those goals into practice. While many policies include broad sustainability goals, the Municipal Plan 2010-2030, the Green Deal, and Reykjavík City's Procurement Policy feature objectives directly tied to and implemented through Green Steps.
Reykjavík City also participates in a European partnership aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030, and City workplaces execute the initiative's key priorities through Green Steps.
Green Steps goals
To coordinate environmental priorities in Reykjavík City policies with carbon neutrality goals for 2030
Reykjavík City has established various policies where environmental issues are addressed or form a significant part. The municipal plan includes green transportation goals, and in fall 2024 Reykjavík City signed a climate agreement with 100 other European cities with the primary objective of reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. The Green Steps implement priorities from these policies.
To make all operations of Reykjavík City more eco-friendly
Reykjavík City operates approximately 360 units or institutions that vary in size and function. Regardless of whether a unit is small or has few employees, all institutions can make a contribution, and every effort towards environmental issues matters. Crucially, Reykjavík City functions as a single workplace, with all its institutions forming a unified whole.
To reduce operating costs for Reykjavík City
Eco-friendly procurement entails greater efficiency and better analysis of what to buy and the needs to be met. This can lead to cost savings in procurement. Green Steps emphasizes reducing waste, printing, food waste, and energy use to cut unnecessary consumption across the board. This also results in significant savings.
To make Reykjavík City a model for others in environmental matters
Reykjavík City participates in various international projects focused on climate change issues. We want to proudly showcase our achievements and what a small city can accomplish. As one of Iceland's largest operators, Reykjavík City is well-positioned to set a national standard for environmentally friendly procurement and responsible operations.
Ensuring compliance with legal requirements
Waste sorting is a legal requirement and is performed to the best of each workplace's ability. However, the methods, labeling, waste volume, number of containers, collection rates, education, and many other waste-related factors can vary as much as the workplaces themselves. Green Steps provides guidance, planning, and coordination in this area.
To enhance employees' well-being and improve their work environment
A clean workplace boosts staff well-being, while improved waste sorting and organized facilities increase employee satisfaction. If a workplace emphasizes reducing cars or driven trips and encourages physical activity, it positively affects employees' health and morale. Improving all procedures also positively impacts the operations, which inevitably happen when working on projects like the Green Steps.
What are the benefits?
Just as a clear overview of general operations is key, environmental issues require the same transparency. When managers evaluate actual procurement needs and actively reduce waste, purchasing becomes more efficient, driving substantial savings.
Through Green Steps, managers can review a range of green accounting data—including waste volumes, sorting status, and hot water, electricity, and fuel consumption—and calculate their operation's carbon footprint. Identifying areas for cuts and savings provides significant operational advantages. Reykjavík City can lead by example and serve as a model for responsible operations.
