Environmental policy reviewed – the way forward charted

A policy in step with the times

The City of Hafnarfjörður's environmental and resource policy has been updated and is now brought up to date. It was approved by the town council on 4 June. The aim of the policy is to ensure all residents of Hafnarfjörður have a healthy and safe environment in which to live, play and work. It is to be taken into account in all the municipality's activities.

The policy states that Hafnarfjörður shall strive to be at the forefront of sustainability and environmental matters, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the generation of waste.

Targeted improvement work

The update was carried out systematically, and residents were given the opportunity to make comments. These were reviewed and had an impact on the outcome.

The updated policy is based on the Environmental and Resource Policy of the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður, which was adopted on 18 May 2018. Furthermore, the joint climate policy of the Capital Region, adopted on 11 August 2023, is taken into account, along with the measures it sets out that can contribute to Hafnarfjörður's carbon neutrality by 2035. The policy also constitutes Hafnarfjörður's climate strategy. Reference is also made to the City of Hafnarfjörður's Comprehensive Strategy, adopted on 6 April 2022, and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Broken down into six chapters

The authors of the revised policy are: Guðbjörg Oddný Jónasdóttir, Helga Björg Loftsdóttir, Jón Atli Magnússon, Hildur Rós Guðbjargardóttir, Íris Lind Sæmundsdóttir, Ragna Halldórsdóttir and Guðmundur Elíasson.

The policy is divided into six chapters.

1. Resources, nature and cultural heritage

• The aim is for Hafnarfjörður to be at the forefront of Icelandic municipalities in the protection of nature, resources and cultural heritage.

2. Pollution Prevention and Environmental Monitoring

• Every effort will be made to prevent any pollution and to reduce it as far as possible.

3. Consumption and waste

• The use of single-use packaging and products will be significantly reduced, and the city's and its subcontractors' procurement will be environmentally friendly. All waste will be minimised as much as possible through awareness-raising and education.

4. Transport and planning

• The aim is to increase the share of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users, and this will be taken into account when drawing up the master plan, detailed plans and transport infrastructure.

5. Environmental education

• Residents' access to information about environmental matters in their local area and the town's land shall be exemplary.

6. Buildings and construction

• Hafnarfjörður encourages that incidental material and waste from development and new construction be minimised, and that materials be reused on-site.

This is of course not an exhaustive list, and you can read about the policies and actions in the policy. here.

Yes, this is a policy that marks a clear path forward!