Goods produced here in Iceland have a much lower carbon footprint than if produced elsewhere
Landsvirkjun is the National Power Company of Iceland which generates more than 70% of all energy produced in the country. The Company produces energy from renewable natural resources and its energy production has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Greenhouse gas emissions per kWh were only 3.7 g last year, whereas the general benchmark for green energy production is 100 g. In fact, energy production can fill its 100 g glass and still be considered green, while Landsvirkjun’s energy production will only cover the bottom of that glass. This unique position means that goods, produced here in Iceland, specifically in power-intensive industries, have a much lower carbon footprint than if produced elsewhere.
Green Energy is Reusable – Again and Again
Green energy plays a vital role in the recirculation of resources and the fight against global warming. The people of Iceland can use its resources again and again, which is not possible when fossil fuels are used. Fossil fuels can not be re-used once they have been burnt, hence they do not align with the recirculation of resources. It is imperative to close the loop on as many natural resources circles as possible, which is exactly what green energy does.
Green energy benefits everyone, both households and companies for the production of goods and services. In addition, green energy plays an ever increasing role in the transport sector. The contribution from green energy is substantial in Iceland, as it enters the value chain with a very low carbon footprint and its usage causes neither pollution nor waste.
Renewable Energy Avoids an Enormous Amount of Emissions
By using renewable electrical power an enormous amount of greenhouse gas emissions, which otherwise would have been emitted, are avoided. A cautious estimate shows that avoided emissions in Landsvirkjun‘s energy generation is 2.7 million tonnes annually. This equals three times the gas emissions from road transport in the country per annum.
Renewable energy is by far the best weapon in the fight against climate change, e.g., by reducing the carbon footprint when consumer goods are produced by power-intensive industries. As an example, when aluminium is produced in Iceland its emissions are less than one tenth of those emitted when coals are used for producing aluminium.
Consumers and governments around the world are increasingly demanding sustainability as the guiding light when goods are produced. Thus, renewable natural resources give Landsvirkjun and the people of Iceland a competitive advantage on most other countries.
Let‘s Do Our Share
Landsvirkjun is firmly resolved in continuing to contribute to the fight against climate change by producing electricity with a very low carbon footprint. This reduces the environmental impact of goods and services produced with the Company‘s electricity. Furthermore, Landsvirkjun continually works on further reducing the greenhouse gas emissions emitted from its energy generation, in a responsible manner. Each and everyone is responsible for taking action, for using natural resources sensibly and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
