Green Steps

Illustration of a house shaped like a flowerpot with a woman watering plants on the roof

The Green Steps project in Reykjavík City's operations aims to enhance eco-friendly operations and set a precedent in reducing the City's environmental impact in a systematic manner.

The workplace

Reykjavík City employs about 10,000 people, making it one of the largest workplaces in the country. 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.

Actions of the Green Steps

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 project is run across all specialized departments of the City, and the project manager is based in the Department of Environment & Planning.

More about the four Green Steps
Illustration of a person handing a child a tree to plant.

The purpose of the Green Steps

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. We must recognize that Reykjavík City is one workplace and all the institutions together form a single entity.

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. The Green Steps also highly emphasize reducing waste, printing, food waste, and energy consumption, thus decreasing unnecessary waste. This also results in significant savings.

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 enhance employees' well-being and improve their work environment

Maintaining a clean and tidy environment makes us feel better, and with improved waste sorting and facilities, employee satisfaction increases. 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.

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. Reykjavík City is also one of the country's largest operators and can therefore set an example for the national business community regarding sustainable procurement and responsible operations.