Iceland
At the forefront of sustainable energy production
Iceland is a world leader when it comes to sustainable energy. With a geographical location by an active volcanic zone and glaciers that cover 11% of the island, there are plenty of hydro and geothermal resources. With 85 % of its primary energy needs being met with renewable natural resources private industries have since the 1980s investigated into multiple energy technologies.
In addition to supplying electricity and heat to the approx. 300,000 inhabitants, the energy melts the snow on the sidewalks, for example. Moreover, sustainable energy is widely used in the industry of the country, from fishing to food and cosmetics production. We will make sure to organize a tailored program to your organization and securing that you will meet and learn from professionals according to your business goals.
Highlights from the 3 days program:
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Geothermal powerplant; tour and presentation on how the energy is extracted and how all parts are used for different purposes. How an energy plant becomes a lever for local area development.
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Hydropower plant; you get insight into how the energy is generated and facts about how it is used, reach, etc.
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Reykjavik Municipality's Department of Environment & Planning. Presentation on how to collaborate across professional groups and with many stakeholders on green projects, for example in relation to waste management and citizen involvement.
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Optional: Guðjón Samúelsson's iconic architecture from the 1940s and 1950s. Visit to concert hall, museum and church.
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The Blue Lagoon, visit to the famous hot spring with mineral salty water from the underground while surrounded by a landscape of black lava stone. All energy consumption is from natural sources.
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Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center, 2011, by Henning Larsen Architects. The concert hall has been developed using 3-D models. Presentation on how the building is running on geothermal and hydropower.
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New master plan and densification for the area around the Port of Reykjavik, an area with residential and commercial construction, spa, art academy, etc. Presentation by the architectural office involved.
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Optional: Recreational activities after the educational program
Boat trip to look for whales, hiking or northern lights excursion (northern lights can be seen from October to March).
What can we learn from Iceland?
Iceland is a study case on how to move from being categorized as a developing country by the UN in the 1970s to having built a basic infrastructure on the island and gained knowledge about its own existing energy sources.
Together with large investments in green energy and a broad collaboration between government, municipalities and business, Iceland has found the recipe for how the green transition can permeate the thinking in many areas of a society.
What can we learn from Iceland? A country does not necessarily need to be a prosperous society to go all-in on the green transition.
Contact us if you are considering a study program to Iceland.
