Reykjavik
Listening to Residents and Stakeholders
The Climate Policy was prepared with the participation of residents and stakeholders. At the beginning of the preparation, proposals for action could be submitted and workshops were held with stakeholders.
Climate Policy
The Steering Committee processed the proposals and reviewed drafts of the policy. The review process provided useful feedback, which was followed as closely as possible. The Committee, among other things, clarified the key actions of the Policy and set emission reduction targets for 2030. Hopefully, the public will gain a clearer overview of what is included in the action plan, which will serve as a guide for the City over the next few years towards reduced emissions and carbon neutrality. The Climate Policy has also clarified that the measures will be assessed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents and costs.
A gender equality evaluation was also added to the Policy. Experience and research show that upheaval caused by climate change has the most detrimental effect on the elderly, poor people and children. As for gender, most seniors are women. Women struggle more with poverty, and they are most responsible for caring for children. It is also important to consider the different consumer habits and travel behavior, and it is therefore worth the effort to note this gender-based difference in goal setting and performance measurement methods. To the extent possible, the effects of the different actions on different social groups, with respect to income, origin, gender and other factors, will be assessed.
Fifteen Actions
15-Minute District
Through the process of district planning, renewal of urban centers and investments in infrastructure, the City’s districts will become more pedestrian-friendly and the access to green areas, outdoors-activities and services will be ensured within a radius of fifteen minutes’ walk or on bicycle.
Green City Development
The City’s future development will all be within its defined urban growth limit line and 80% of housing development will be located within convenient distance from the new BusRapid Transport system, Borgarlínan.
Energy Exchange Everywhere
A comprehensive plan is to be drawn up and implemented for energy exchange infrastructure for private cars with charging stations in the City districts, for commercial cars, trucks, for public transport systems, in the ports and at sea.
World-Class Cycling City
A revised cycling plan is to set goals with the aim that Reykjavik becomes a world-class cycling city.
CityLine and Improved Public Transportation
Improved as well as efficient public transportation and the compaction of the city are to play a key role in attaining the goals for changes in travel behavior. Further climate goals will be defined for the transportation agreement between the state and the association of metropolitan area communities (SSH).
Zero Waste
A comprehensive action plan to be developed for recirculation and recycling in order to support a more sustainable treatment of waste.
Green Food Policy
The City’s food policy to be implemented and cooperation to be organized involving green agriculture in Kjalarnes.
Green Construction Industry
Cooperation to be organized with businesses and industry for a greener construction industry.
Turn Carbon Dioxide into Stone
Know-how and solutions by OR and Carbfix are to be developed for the sequestration of carbon dioxide, and other greenhouse gases, in partnership with universities and enterprises that are heavy emitters.
Reclamation of Wetlands
To be increased according to a specific plan.
Reykjavik Climate Forests
Climate forests will be promoted in collaboration with the Reykjavik Forestry Association (I. Skógræktarfélag Reykjavíkur), and a forestry plan will be presented.
No More Fossil Fuels in 2025
The City will not procure fossil-powered cars and equipment as of 2021 and the current fossil-based car fleet and equipment will be replaced before the year 2025.
Blue-Green Surface Water Solutions
New thinking in the application of utility systems with improved utilization of water and Blue-green surface water solutions to become the rule in new city districts and when renovating the older systems.
Flood Control Installations Used for Recreation and Parks
Flood control structures along the coastline to be reinforced where needed with the aim to create recreational areas and facilities for ocean bathing at selected locations.
Collaboration with Business and Industry
Continued cooperation with Festa — Center for Sustainability and businesses under the banner of the Climate Declaration of the City of Reykjavik and Festa towards further achievements in all sectors of the economy.