UI's goals for minimising effects of climate change

To increase the number of people living in a 1-5 km radius who walk or cycle  to the University by:

• improving facilities for cyclists (increasing the number of bike racks, building bike sheds, installing repair facilities, improving snow clearing and better connecting the campus to municipal cycling infrastructure).
• encouraging staff to make a transport agreement (in place since 2013)

Increase the use of environmentally friendly cars by:

• choosing car rentals / taxi stations that offer environmentally friendly options.

Consider carbon offsetting for employees' air travel (international and domestic) through:

• collaboration with the Kolviður Fund to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2).

Reduce the use of disposable packaging and plastic containers by:

• enabling students and staff to choose reusable tableware and containers.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to paper use by:

• encouraging digital distribution of data in central administration and digital promotional material.
• trading with companies that use carbon offset processes. 

Reduce waste and increase recycling by:

• ensuring easy access to recycling centres around campus, both in buildings and outside.
• increasing education and awareness on consumption and its consequences.

Increase the use of environmentally friendly cars by:

• increasing the number of paid parking spaces for cars that run on fossil fuel but offering free parking spaces for other cars.
• investing gradually in electric vehicles owned by the University.
• endeavouring to install electric charge stations around the University campus in collaboration with the City of Reykjavík and OR, Reykjavík Energy.
• using electric construction equipment as much as possible on campus.

Reduce the use of disposable packaging and plastic containers by:

• making it possible for students and staff to choose reusable tableware and containers.
• increasing collaboration with Icelandic Student Services, the Environment Agency of Iceland and Public Health Authorities to reduce the volume of disposable packaging.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to paper use by:

• introducing paperless operations as far as possible.

The University of Iceland will take stock of its emissions annually and perform communication surveys biannually to monitor development and ensure results.

A group of Master's students in environment and natural resources, in collaboration with University staff, wrote a report on UI operations about greenhouse gas emissions and the negative environmental impact: University of Iceland Gas Inventory 2015 & Emissions Reduction Strategy 2016 to 2030.

The report shows that 91% of greenhouse gas emissions for University operations result from transportation, both on land and in the air, but particularly from private cars.