Caring for nature
Reykjavík Energy and its subsidiaries manage approximately 19,000 hectares of land that the companies have acquired to gain access to the resources found there; geothermal energy or drinking water. The areas are accessible to the public as much as possible, and emphasis is placed on good conduct and a high-quality finish after construction work in the areas.
Reykjavík Energy's distribution systems – for district heating, electricity, water, sewerage, and fiber optics – total close to 20,000 kilometers in length and branch out through more than 20 municipalities. The continued development and maintenance of utilities and power plants require disruption, which Reykjavík Energy strives to minimize as much as possible and to clean up thoroughly afterward.
The operations of Reykjavík Energy are independently certified as meeting the requirements ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard.
Reykjavík Energy's Environmental Objectives
- To place great emphasis on water conservation, demonstrate responsible utilisation of water resources, and produce wholesome drinking water for the long term
- Demonstrate responsible handling and processing of low-temperature resources
- Demonstrate responsible handling and utilization of high-temperature resources, reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions, and responsibly discharge geothermal water
- Demonstrate responsible handling and operation of the sewage system
- Handle waste responsibly
- Continue to use successful methods for finishing due to disturbance
- Leading the way in sustainable transport
Clean shores
An efficient sewerage system is the foundation of a healthy urban area. Veitur manages the construction and operation of sewerage systems in Reykjavík, Akranes, and Borgarbyggð. Wastewater from Kópavogur, Mosfellsbær, and Seltjarnarnes, as well as parts of Garðabær, is treated in treatment plants at Ánanaust and Klettagarðar, serving approximately 60% of the nation's population. Thus, all catchment areas of the sewerage systems benefit from sewage treatment.
Clean shores - always, is the goal of Veitur. The design of the sewage system needs to be changed so that untreated sewage is not discharged into the sea due to malfunctions or maintenance. The first sewage pumping station of the new generation of such stations that will make this possible will be built in the coming years.
The image shows the structure of Veitur's wastewater system in the capital area and where and how its public health function is monitored. The implementation of so-called blue-green surface water solutions is also underway. These involve simpler and cheaper methods for treating rainwater where it falls, thereby reducing the load on the wastewater system.