Environmental Report 2015
Þeistareykir, geothermal areas
Energy generation in harmony with the environment
Landsvirkjun is committed to utilising the natural resources that it has been entrusted with in a sustainable manner. Energy generation in harmony with the environment and society is one of our guiding principles. A clear environmental policy, extensive research and monitoring the environment ensures that the Company works systematically to reduce the negative impact of its operations.
Use of fossil fuels
Landsvirkjun was able to reduce the use of diesel despite the increase in the procurement of fossil fuels in 2015. This was mainly due to the use of biodiesel instead of conventional diesel. The total consumption of diesel used to operate vehicles was reduced by 11% when compared with the previous year. However, there was a substantial increase in diesel consumption used for reserve generators.
Greenhouse gas emissions
The total greenhouse gas emissions from Landsvirkjun’s operations in 2015 were 52,000 tonnes CO2- eq.
Carbon footprint
Landsvirkjun’s carbon footprint is defined as the total set of annual GHG emissions from Landsvirkjun’s operations minus estimated carbon binding and carbon neutralising measures. Landsvirkjun’s carbon footprint in 2015 was 28,886 tonnes CO2-eq.
Research results for the Mývatn area
In 2015, approx. 5,099 thousand tonnes of steam was utilised to generate 497 GWh ofelectricity in the Mývatn area. The concentration of pollutants in groundwater (measured on an annual basis) has always been below the set environmental limits in Langavogur and Vogaflói.
More information on emissions from geothermal power stations can be accessed here.
Successes and challenges
Landsvirkjun celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2015. The occasion was used as an opportunity to look back at our history and to look to the future and the many opportunities and challenges awaiting us.
Climate change is one of the most urgent issues of today. The issue demands the cooperation of stakeholders, businesses and the public as well as a worldwide effort. Landsvirkjun’s new Environmental Policy and the Company’s objectives with regard to climate change are based on the international commitments that the Company has undertaken.
Open access to data
Landsvirkjun has kept Green Accounts since 2006. These green accounts show numerical data on environmental matters within the Company and the development of environmental issues.
They include a summary of the Company's utilisation of resources, total emissions from all operations into the atmosphere, water and soil and the results of environmental research. The Company’s new policy and the priorities outlined therein provide the tools needed to further reduce the environmental impact of Landsvirkjun’s operations.
Energy in nature
Iceland is rich in renewable energy resources. Water and thermal energy have been utilised for energy generation for many years. Wind power is a new and exciting energy option in Iceland and its potential is currently being assessed by Landsvirkjun.
Landsvirkjun generates energy exclusively from renewable sources and places a great emphasis on sustainable utilisation. Renewable energy sources are sources such as hydropower, geothermal energy and wind power. These sources all rely on stable natural processes that replenish the source and cannot be depleted by utilisation.
A carbon neutral company by 2030
The Company's operations are based on the utilisation of renewable energy but the importance of limiting the greenhouse gas emissions inevitably caused by operations is still of the utmost importance.
Landsvirkjun’s carbon footprint is defined as the total set of annual GHG emissions from Landsvirkjun’s operations minus estimated carbon binding measures via land reclamation and re-forestation. Landsvirkjun intends to become a carbon neutral company by 2030.