Sustainability
Sustainability at the forefrontSustainability at the forefront
Sustainability is an integral part of all our operations and a key factor in the company's decision-making and future development. We focus on operating responsibly, being a role model in sustainability and building trust by contributing to the well-being of society.
Our policy
Sustainability is one of the company's strategic priorities. The purpose of the sustainability policy is to support sustainability at all times in all our operations. The policy is accompanied by a clear action plan with measurable goals that support the company's journey and the results it aims for.
The sustainability policy takes into account the government's environmental and climate goals, as stipulated in the ownership policy and other key priorities in sustainability. The company works with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and is a signatory to the UN Global Compact on Responsible Practices.
The sustainability policy describes the balance between the environment, society and economy and is divided into four key elements that together form a whole that supports us in being a role model in sustainability in Iceland. Employees and others who work for the company participate in the daily actions of the policy. Everyone is supported to understand their role so that policy becomes part of daily decision-making.
Key objectives
Responsible business
- We build a sustainable business that creates long-term value
- We work towards continuous improvements in sustainability through clear, measurable targets and communicate our progress in a transparent manner
- We practise responsible and sustainable procurement
People and community
- We strengthen sustainability across the entire airport community through the power of our team and in close cooperation with customers and key partners
- We work with local communities on sustainability, guided by wellbeing and quality of life
- We respect human rights and demonstrate social responsibility throughout our value chain
Climate and energy
- We will achieve net zero emissions in our own operations at Keflavík Airport by 2030
- We work systematically towards net zero emissions from aviation activities in Iceland by 2050
- We identify and respond to risks related to climate change
Nature and environment
- We strive to protect nature, biodiversity and ecosystems
- We use resources responsibly and work towards circular economy objectives in our operations
- We reduce negative environmental impacts from our activities, minimise pollution and focus on preventive measures
Sustainability InformationSustainability Information
In our Annual Report, we provide a comprehensive overview of the company’s governance and operations, as well as the impact we have on society, the environment, and the economy.
We also share the achievements we have accomplished, the challenges we face, and the vision we strive toward.
We encourage you to explore the report and learn more about what we are doing to enhance sustainability in our operations.
Noise
Aviation can create noise pollution and we are conscious of trying to minimize it as much as possible and inform the local community about the noise levels around Keflavík Airport.
In recent years, we have been working on mitigation measures due to the disturbance that residents in the vicinity of Keflavík Airport can be exposed to. These include the introduction of new flight procedures and changes in the use of runways, which are enforced taking into account safety and environmental factors, e.g. wind and runway conditions.
We monitored noise levels due to flight movements at Keflavík Airport all year round, and noise meters are located at four pressure points in the vicinity of the airport. In addition, a portable meter was purchased so that it can be measured in other places, e.g. if tips are received from certain areas of the town or in municipalities that are further away from the airport than Reykjanesbær. Click here to access the system and see noise level data.
In the system, residents, stakeholders and staff can monitor aircraft movements at the airport and noise measurements related to them. Disturbances due to individual flight movements can be reported through the system. Click here to report a noise complaint.
UN Global Compact
Isavia is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, and by participating, the company undertakes to ensure that its policies and practices are in accordance with the ten principles of the United Nations on human rights, labour issues, environmental issues and anti-corruption
Air Quality
We monitor the concentration of various substances in the atmosphere. Air quality meters are located at Keflavík Airport and in its vicinity. The concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NO and NO2), which are the harmful substances of greatest concern during the airport’s operations, are measured. Measurements show that their concentrations are generally low and always below the reference limits. Air quality forecasts made for Keflavík Airport, accommodating up to 14.5 million passengers in a single year, indicate that despite this number, the concentrations of nitrogen oxides would remain below the reference limits. Real-time information from air quality meters at and around Keflavík Airport can be found on the website: www.loftgaedi.is.
Climate action
We are aware of the responsibility that rests on us regarding climate issues and greenhouse gas emissions and work actively and systematically on measures to reduce our carbon footprint and use our knowledge and experience in the development of new and sustainable solutions. The methodology and calculations of the company's carbon footprint are verified by an independent third party according to the ISO 14064-3 standard
We carbon offset all direct emissions from our operations in addition to carbon offsetting other operational aspects. To do this, we use certified carbon units according to Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Revision of the Baseline Year
Isavia has reviewed its baseline year for greenhouse gas accounting and climate targets. Following this review, 2022 was selected as the new baseline year.
The year 2022 was considered an appropriate baseline year because the carbon footprint for that year has been independently verified by a third party and provides a representative picture of Isavia’s current operations, as well as the priorities that underpin the company’s ongoing climate efforts.
Work is currently underway to update materials and targets based on the new baseline year, including Isavia’s Climate Action Plan. This work is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
To promote transparency and make progress visible, the carbon footprint results for the 2022 baseline year are presented alongside the latest available results. This allows stakeholders to track emission trends from the new baseline year and assess the progress achieved in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Scope 1
Since the 2022 baseline year, Isavia’s Scope 1 carbon footprint has decreased from 1,766 tonnes CO₂e to 1,473 tonnes CO₂e in 2025. This represents a reduction of 293 tonnes CO₂e, or 16.6%.
Changes in Scope 1 emissions may be influenced by factors such as variations in operational fuel consumption, weather conditions, winter maintenance requirements, the composition of vehicle and equipment fleets, the use of backup generators, changes in the scale of airport operations, or improvements in fuel efficiency.
Scope 2
Scope 2 emissions amounted to 403 tonnes CO₂e in 2025, compared with 368 tonnes CO₂e in 2022. This represents an increase of 35 tonnes CO₂e, or 9.5%.
Changes in Scope 2 emissions may be influenced by factors such as variations in electricity and heating consumption, changes in the scale of airport operations, increased passenger numbers, or changes in the emission factors associated with energy sources.
Keflavík Airport has offset all direct emissions from its operations since 2018. Since 2021, we have also offset other operational emissions that fall outside Scope 1, such as electricity and heating consumption, employee business travel, and waste. In 2025, Scope 1 emissions amounted to 1,473 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, Scope 2 emissions to 403 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, and Scope 3 emissions to 2,014,943 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, resulting in a total carbon footprint for Keflavík Airport of 2,016,819 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
This significant year-on-year increase is due to 2025 being the first year in which the full emissions from flights were calculated. In previous years, only emissions from take-off and landing were included in the carbon calculations.
We purchase certified carbon credits that meet the requirements of Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA), under which Keflavík Airport holds Level 3+ accreditation. In 2026, a total of 3,249 carbon credits were purchased for the Isavia Group to offset emissions from operations in 2025, of which Keflavík Airport purchased 2,326 credits. Each credit represents the offset of one tonne of CO₂.
Brascarbon Methane Recovery Project BCA-BRA-17 in Brazil – VCS3056
The project involves improving animal waste management at pig farms in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Manure effluent is treated in covered anaerobic digesters that capture methane and generate biogas, which is then flared or used for onsite energy generation. Compared with the previous practice of open lagoons, the project reduces greenhouse gas emissions and also improves wastewater management, helping to lower environmental impacts such as odors, water contamination, and other local pollution issues.
Reforestation of Degraded Lands in Sierra Leone – VCS2401
This project restores degraded land in Sierra Leone through the establishment of commercial forestry plantations on previously deforested and low-tree-cover areas. Tree species including eucalyptus, acacia, teak, gmelina, and corymbia are planted to remove carbon from the atmosphere while producing sustainable timber, poles, plywood, and biomass. In addition to carbon removals, the project is designed to generate environmental, social, and economic benefits for local communities through land lease payments, benefit-sharing arrangements, and improved land management.
Safe Drinking Water for Households, Institutions and Communities in Nepal – GS12022
This project provides safe drinking water in Nepal through the installation of multi-stage water filtration systems for households, institutions, and communities. The systems remove suspended particles and microbial contamination, reducing the need to boil water with firewood or other carbon-intensive fuels. Alongside emissions reductions, the project supports better public health, improved access to clean water, and hygiene awareness, contributing to safer water services and lower pressure on biomass resources.
Airport Carbon AccreditationAirport Carbon Accreditation
Airports Council International (ACI) is working together on a scheme that aims to reduce carbon emissions at airports. Keflavík Airport is a participant in this work and has completed the fourth of seven steps in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.
