Environmental Policy of Reykjavík Arts Festival

Reykjavík Arts Festival emphasizes the quality and impact of its artistic events and seeks all possible ways to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations without compromising accessibility or inclusion. Sustainability goals also provide opportunities for forward-thinking artistic creation.

This policy is reviewed annually and the action plan updated accordingly.

Primary goals of the Enviromental Policy of Reykjavík Arts Festival

1.     Sustainable development and environmental protection are guiding principles in all festival activities.

2.     Efforts are made to minimize the festival’s carbon footprint.

3.     Waste generated in the office and in connection with the festival is minimized and reused or recycled whenever possible.

Goals and actions

1.     Programming

Reykjavík Arts Festival approaches project selection and programming responsibly and in accordance with its values of respect for the environment.

Actions:

·      Efforts are made to assess the carbon footprint of each event in advance and use it as a factor in project selection.

·      The festival participates in discussions on environmental issues and climate change and seeks to include projects that address these topics through artistic approaches.

2.     Festival implementation

During the implementation of Reykjavík Arts Festival, efforts are made to limit material use, maximize the use of local resources, and keep the carbon footprint to a minimum.

Actions:

·      Import of materials to the country is minimized.
Materials for set design, technical equipment, and other necessities for international productions are sourced locally whenever possible to reduce emissions from freight transport.

·      The number of artists and technical staff traveling from abroad for events is kept to a minimum.

·      Local artists and technical staff are utilized whenever possible, provided it does not compromise the artistic quality of the project.

·      The carbon footprint of each event is calculated where possible, and mitigation measures are sought. The festival strives to organize additional events with visiting international artists to maximize and deepen the impact of their presence.

·      Festival guests are encouraged to use public transportation.
Information about public transport to event venues is clearly communicated on the festival website and in promotional materials.

·      Reykjavík Arts festival ensures that recycling facilities are available at all event venues.

·      When selecting catering for events and artists, environmentally friendly options are prioritized.

·      Vegetarian options and/or food made from locally sourced ingredients will be offered.

·      Glassware and food packaging used at the festival, both for guests and artists, are either reusable or recyclable.

3.     Promotional material

In the design and production of promotional materials, Reykjavík Arts Festival always strives to prioritize environmental considerations and to avoid producing more material than necessary.

Actions:

·      The festival emphasizes online promotion.

·      Printed materials are kept to a minimum without compromising accessibility.

·      All printed materials come from environmentally certified printing companies.

·      In the design and production of branded merchandise and signage in public spaces, environmentally friendly options are prioritized.

4.     Operations

Reykjavík Arts Festival demonstrates responsibility in terms of energy use, transportation, material consumption, waste, and recycling in all general operations.

Actions:

·      Employees are introduced to this environmental policy upon starting work.

·      Staff are encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation instead of private cars through a transport agreement and transport subsidies.

·      Waste is sorted for recycling in the office.

·      Computers and other office equipment are used for as long as possible.

·      Printing in the office is kept to a minimum.

·      Invoices and contracts are signed electronically.

·      Staff travel is minimized and its carbon footprint calculated.

·      Food containers used in the festival office are reusable.

·      Cleaning products used in the festival office are environmentally certified.

·      Suppliers are selected with environmental considerations in mind.

·      Awareness is maintained regarding the carbon footprint of digital materials, ensuring they do not accumulate unnecessarily.

The policy was approved at a board meeting of Reykjavík Arts Festival on September 24, 2025.