Vision

Statistics Iceland intends to set an example in environmental and climate issues and minimize the institution's negative impact on the environment. This includes reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, waste generation and the use of energy.

Main objective

Statistics Iceland aims to reduce GHG emissions per full-time equivalent by 50% before 2030 compared with 2019 and carbon offset the remainder.

Scope

The policy covers all transport on behalf of Statistics Iceland, including travel abroad and travel of employees to and from work. The policy also covers all energy consumption and waste generation in Statistics Iceland‘s premises and at events organised by the institution.

Particular attention will be paid to measurable environmental factors that weigh heavily in Statistics Iceland's operations:

• GHG emissions due to air travel abroad by Statistics Iceland‘s employee on behalf of the institution
• GHG emissions due to domestic travel by Statistics Iceland‘s employee on behalf of the institution
• GHG emissions due to travel of employees to and from work
• The number of transport contracts concluded with employees
• The institution‘s electricity consumption
• The institution‘s use of hot water
• The quantity and sorting of waste generated by the institution

Carbon offsets

Decisions on measures taken and the extent of purchased carbon offsets are based on an assessment of Statistics Iceland‘s CO₂ footprint calculated in CO₂ equivalents. Statistics Iceland will first and foremost focus on reducing operational emissions, but also on carbon offsetting of all remaining emissions through the purchase of approved carbon units.

Relations to current obligations

This policy takes note of the Icelandic government's commitments in environmental and climate matters and the Green Steps Program developed for government agencies in Iceland.

Follow-up

Statistics Iceland's environmental and climate policy is reviewed each year by the institution‘s environmental steering committee. Statistics Iceland maintains green accounting and its results are used to evaluate the success of the institution‘s objectives each year. Objectives and policies are updated with regard to the development of greenhouse gas emissions between years. The policy is approved by the Statistics Iceland executive board and information on the results of the measures is disseminated on the institution‘s website.

13 December 2021