Harpa is connected to the Icelandic power grid, which boasts one of the highest levels of reliability in the world.

The ventilation in Harpa’s halls is adjusted according to usage at any given time, ensuring that no energy is wasted.

Smaller rooms are equipped with sensors to maximise energy efficiency at all times.

Heat from the halls is reused by directing it into the front of the building to warm open areas, as well as the car park.

In 2021, all lighting in Harpa’s halls and public areas was converted to LED. In 2024, the lower level of the car park (K1) was also upgraded to LED lighting, with the upper level (K2) scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the winter of 2022, 13 electric vehicle charging stations were installed in the lower level of Harpa’s car park. They are accessible to everyone with an ON charging key.

One-time use, full-time responsibility
Every single-use food container in Harpa is 100% recyclable. With around 500 conferences hosted each year and thousands of guests attending, a large volume of packaging — such as paper cups — is used.

To protect recycling quality, new bins with liquid compartments were introduced in 2024. Guests can now empty cups before recycling, preventing liquids from spoiling the paper waste stream.

Less printing, more digital solutions
Our staff have embraced sustainable practices, cutting A4 printing by 64% since 2019 — from 89,000 sheets down to just 25,000.

By choosing digital sharing and storage instead of printing, Harpa reduces pollution and saves resources, while ensuring information is always accessible.

In summer 2024, 21 new hand dryers were installed in guest washrooms. This simple step has significantly reduced mixed waste.

Hand dryers are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and convenient, reducing paper use, lowering Harpa’s carbon footprint, protecting forests, and cutting overall waste.

Batteries that last
As a busy events venue, Harpa uses a high number of batteries, especially for microphones. Switching from disposable to rechargeable batteries has had a big impact.

Since 2019, disposable battery use has been cut by 67%, including a further 20% reduction in 2023–2024. Used batteries are responsibly recycled through Terra, reducing both waste and carbon emissions.

Giving products a second life
In 2023, Harpa introduced new sustainability requirements for suppliers: when delivering new equipment, they must take back old items for reuse or responsible recycling.

Instead of only buying new, Harpa has invested in second-hand lights, cameras, and projectors, while also pushing for extended product warranties to encourage durable design.

Lighting the way
A major project began in 2023 to upgrade car park lighting to LED. Existing fittings were reused wherever possible, while new LED parts were manufactured by Icelandic partner Lampar.is. By reusing materials and supporting local production, Harpa achieves both energy savings and reduced waste.

The lower car park (K2) was fully upgraded in 2024, with the upper level (K1) to follow in 2025.

Nothing goes to waste — not even forgotten items
Harpa keeps lost property safely for up to three months. After that, items are donated:

• Clothing goes to Konukot (a women’s shelter).

• Other garments are given to Mæðragarðurinn, where people in need can collect warm clothing.

• Valuables such as phones are handed over to the police.

Each year, Harpa conducts a full waste analysis and sets new targets for reduction, ensuring continuous progress on our sustainability journey.

Guests at Harpa enjoy some of the world’s purest drinking water, sourced directly from natural springs around Reykjavík. Icelandic water is so exceptionally clean that it requires no treatment before distribution — a rare and remarkable natural resource.

Harpa’s ventilation systems have been optimised to reduce energy use while ensuring comfort for guests. The building has 19 air handling units, which once consumed a large amount of electricity.

Today, thanks to advanced controls and integration with the building’s operations, ventilation and heating are used only when spaces are occupied. This prevents energy waste and ensures efficient use of resources at all times.

Harpa has undertaken a major shift to LED lighting, reducing both energy consumption and costs. By embracing the latest technology and continuously exploring new innovations, Harpa is leading the way in energy efficiency.

These improvements not only cut carbon emissions but also deliver significant savings for the day-to-day running of the building, ensuring a smarter and greener future.

Harpa’s commitment to energy savings has delivered impressive results:

• Electricity use reduced by 31.4% (2018–2024)

• Hot water use reduced by 52.1% (2019–2024)

These achievements reflect Harpa’s determination to combine cultural leadership with environmental responsibility. By reducing waste and lowering its carbon footprint, Harpa sets a powerful example for institutions and companies across Iceland.

Harpa is more than a concert and conference hall — it is a beacon of culture, sustainability, and innovation.

By uniting the arts with green solutions, Harpa demonstrates that cultural landmarks can also be environmental leaders. With pride in its progress and commitment to the future, Harpa continues to inspire, proving that sustainability and creativity can shine together.