Harpa’s En­vir­on­mental & Cli­mate Policy

Harpa has set itself the goal of being a model in environmental and climate matters by systematically reducing emissions from its operations and mitigating their impact.

Vision

Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre seeks to serve as a role model in environmental and climate work by progressively reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and their associated impacts. Harpa aims to contribute to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and thereby play an active role in combating climate change.

Overarching Goal

By 2030, Harpa intends to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 40% compared to 2019 levels.

Scope & Measures

To achieve its 2030 target of 40% reduction, Harpa focuses on:

• Minimising waste through increased sorting, aiming for 75% of all waste to be recyclable.
• Reducing energy consumption through energy-saving initiatives.
• Cutting operational emissions and carbon-offsetting all residual emissions with certified carbon credits from 2022 onwards.
• Offering event and conference guests the option to offset the carbon footprint of their event.
• Reducing disposal and waste at all stages of event planning.
• Reducing food waste in collaboration with Harpa’s catering services.
• Ensuring that all waste in Harpa is properly sorted, with recyclable materials, and that recyclable waste is sent for recycling.
• Using cleaning agents in daily maintenance that carry the Nordic Swan ecolabel, a well-respected environmental certification in the Nordic countries.
• Partnering only with suppliers who practise environmentally responsible business methods and primarily use fresh, Icelandic ingredients.
• Obtaining recognised environmental and quality certifications, both domestic and international.
• Implementing remote work policies where possible.
• Encouraging eco-friendly commuting among staff, targeting a 30% increase in30% of commuting by sustainable transport modes.
• Holding at least two environmental education events per year for staff, and regularly discussing “green steps” at team meetings.
• Harpa will offset all business travel undertaken by staff on behalf of the organisation through carbon offsetting.

Applicability

This policy applies to all operations of Harpa, including all units permanently located in Harpa, as well as operators and service providers within Harpa.

Follow-up and Accountability

Harpa has completed all five Green Steps (Grænu skrefin) of the Environmental Agency. Through participation in Green Steps, Harpa established a structured environmental programme under the guidance of ecological experts. The Chair of Harpa’s Environmental Committee and Green Steps is responsible for reviewing Harpa’s ecological practices and submitting annual “green accounting.” Harpa also obtained Swan certification as a conference centre in the summer of 2022.

The environmental and climate policy is reviewed annually by Harpa’s climate steering group, which updates overarching and sub-goals according to changes in greenhouse gas emissions from year to year. Harpa’s sub-goals are under development by the steering group and are linked to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Connection to Existing Commitments

In November 2015, Harpa’s CEO signed a declaration by Festa and the City of Reykjavík on climate matters, which was presented at the UN climate conference in Paris later that year. According to the government’s Climate Policy, all state institutions are required to complete all five Green Steps by the end of 2021.

This policy is approved by Harpa’s CEO, and information about the outcomes of initiatives is regularly published on Harpa’s website and shared internally with staff.