Environmental Policy for Operations

The University of Iceland (UI) is a leading Icelandic university in Iceland and an active participant in the international scientific and academic community, as well as Icelandic industry and society. The University‘s core functions are: research, teaching and learning, and collaboration with society and industry, and sustainability plays a part in all of them.

The environmental policy for operations is adapted to UI‘s strategy that is valid at the time. It puts an emphasis on environmental factors in the operations of the university and defines goals and sets out an action plan in this area. The composing of this policy follows the work procedure on strategy development and implementation.

UI has set itself the goal of being a leading university and to become a global leader in the field of sustainability through teaching, research and knowledge creation and to lead the way in sustainable operations and carbon neutrality. Campus development, a healthy work environment and sustainable transportation options promote equality of access and a united, sustainable society.

It is the policy of UI to minimize the environmental impact of its operations, protect the environment, prevent pollution and to reduce emissions from its operations by introducing countermeasures. This environmental policy is written in accordance with law no. 70/2012 law on the climate (icelandic: lög um loftslagsmál) and adheres to other laws and regulations on environmental issues with regards to operations. The UI also aims to perform even better when possible with a focus on continuous improvement. To ensure that this policy has its desired effect, the ISO14001 management system will be implemented in the operations of UI. This policy is accessible both on UI‘s website and on its intraweb.

The University Council and the Rector approves the environmental policy for operations.
The Director of Central Administration approves the environmental goals for operations and action plan, in accordance with UI‘s strategy that is valid at the time.
The Director of the Division of Operations and Resources is responsible for proposing environmental goals for operations, an action plan and to both support and follow up on said goals. 
Management within UI has a responsibility to adhere to this policy and to support UI in reaching its goals.
This policy applies to all operations within UI as well as to staff and students.

UI‘s performance with regards to the environmental impact of operations is specifically monitored and environmental goals are set and an action plan presented. These goals and the action plan apply to all staff and students with an emphasis on the following factors:

• Reduce emissions of GHG‘s with countermeasures in operations
• Use carbon offsetting to compensate for emissions due to operations through a certified entity
• Efficiently utilize supplies and resources and choose environmentally friendly options
• Reduce consumption and increase efficiency in the use of electricity and water
• Minimize waste generation and maximize recycling percentage
• Implement the Green steps program into our operations and a certified environmental management system
• Increase environmental awareness of staff and students as well as support and encourage environmentally friendly solutions
• Promote sustainable mobility and advance the development of related infrastructure
• Green building certification for new buildings

Performance with regards to environmental goals is monitored continually over the year, is compiled at least once a year through Green accounting and presented in the UI Environmental Report.

Revision of the university‘s performance with regards to environmental goals and its policy is conducted as per the procedure for execution of environmental goals for operations and action plan and is presented at a management review meeting.

• University of Iceland Strategy 2021-2026 (UI26), https://stefna.hi.is/en.html
• Work procedure on strategy development and implementation (VLR-0034)
• Law no. 70/2012 law on the climate (i. lög um loftslagsmál)
• List of laws – Health, safety and environment (SKR-0465)
• Work procedure on execution of environmental goals for operations and action plan (VLR-0928)
• Work procedure on management review of management systems (VLR-0060)

To increase the number of pedestrians and cyclists living in a 1-5 km radius from the University by: 

• improving facilities for cyclists (increasing the number of bicycle racks, building bicycle sheds, installing repair facilities, improving snow clearing and better connecting the campus to the municipal cycling system). 
• 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 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.

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions due to paper use by:

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

To 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 offer free parking spaces for other cars. 
• investing gradually in electric vehicles owned by the University. 
• endeavouring to install electric charge stations around 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 the Public Health Authorities to reduce the magnitude 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 inventory of its emissions annually and perform communication surveys biannually to monitor development and ensure results.