Sustainability Report

Embodied carbon overview

• Timber used for both interior and exterior cladding is sourced from forests in South Iceland, including the Kirkjubæjarklaustur area, supporting traceability within the supply chain.
• The roof is covered with turf sourced directly from the site, reducing the need for imported materials. Surface water from the roof is directed into landscape ponds as part of the site strategy.
• The project was designed and constructed in accordance with the BREEAM certification framework, with construction waste minimised, measured, and monitored.

Operational emissions overview

• The Visitor Centre is located in a cold region without access to geothermal heating. An air-to-water heat pump system was selected to provide space heating, reducing reliance on direct electric heating.
• As an early application of this system at this scale in the region, the project functioned as a pilot. While measured performance data is not yet available, initial design assumptions indicated a potential reduction in heating costs of approximately 55–65 percent compared to a system based solely on electric heating.
• The project also incorporates walking and cycling routes connecting the building to the surrounding park, supporting access by means other than private vehicles.

Service and maintenance emissions overview

• Materials were selected with a focus on durability and reduced maintenance requirements. External finishes are designed to weather naturally over time, avoiding the need for applied coatings such as paint.
• The use of precast concrete, corten steel at the eaves, and timber cladding contributes to a material palette intended to maintain performance with limited ongoing intervention.