1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Green city

The Green Deal's goals for environmental and climate issues.

Reykjavík City aims to become carbon neutral by 2040, while making sure the changes needed to address climate change are made in an environmentally friendly and people-centered 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 City Contract - 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