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ALTERNATIVE FUEL Icelanders have been at the forefront of exploration of alternative fuel and electric cars. Methane, hydrogen and electric cars are in use by a number of civil services within the city and City Hall intends to increase the number of these types of vehicle further. Methane and hydrogen filling stations are within reach encourag- ing the public to make use of these cheaper and more eco-friendly energy sources to fuel their cars. "In Reykjavík you will find the world's largest geothermal heating system. All houses in Reykjavík are heated with geothermal water and the majority of households out in the country are heated with hot water, which means less pollution and emissions. All buildings are therefore comfortably warm even during the coldest winter days." For half a century emission of greenhouse gases in Reykjavík have been systematically reduced from 270.000 to 12.000 metric tons per year. Residents have also found use for the surplus water using the 20°- 40°C water running from their houses to heat their driveways and paths. This is extremely convenient in winter when slippery ice covers the front of their homes. HEALTH BENEFITS Sore joints, swollen muscles and stiff limbs can find ease and wellness in warm thermal pools. Every commu- nity in Iceland has easy access to warm geothermal swimming pools and many households, summerhouses and hotels have installed their own hot tubs. Eighteen thermal swimming pools and numerous luxurious spas in the Reykjavík Capital area are open throughout the year. The now world famous Blue Lagoon has taken the healing properties of the water to a whole new level where stunning nature nourishes the mind while the algae and mineral rich water benefits your skin. ORGANIC AND BIOLOGICALLY GROWN VEGETABLES A considerable amount of the vegetables consumed by Icelanders are grown in greenhouses heated geothermal and illuminated by hydro- electricity. The temperate climate in Iceland makes it extremely suita- ble for greenhouse horticulture. The abundant and pristine clean groundwater further adds to the quality of the product. Dependent on artificial light during the winter months the Icelandic farmers take pride in their biologically friendly growing methods. Bees are import- ed to fertilize the plants as well as insects to contain parasites that might risk causing damage. MANDATORY RECYCLING OF PAPER ADOPTED IN REYKJAVÍK Reykjavík city Council is running a campaign with the motto "Paper is not Trash". Residents of Reykjavík will have to sort their vast and place paper in separate bin. The paper will be sent to Sweden for recycling. TOURISM COMPANIES ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Hilton Hotel Nordica and Icelandair Reykjavík Natura have been certified with ISO14001 environmental management system. Grand Hotel Reykjavik conforms with the Nordic Eco labelling criteria for hotels as well as offering certified organic products, at the breakfast buffet and in meeting packages for conferences and groups. Icelandair has adopted an environmental policy. The goal of their policy is to minimize Icelandair's total environmental impact and to establish sustainable practices by optimizing the use of the resources. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY MEANS: Less pollution Less emission of greenhouse gases Health benefits Cleaner air Comfortable warmth indoor FUTURE VISION Modern living requires extensive use of power sources. All use of energy will influence the environ- ment in some way Geothermal energy is not only economical but also ecologically friendly in the sense that it is renewable and can be utilized with minimal damage to the surroundings Hydro-electric energy in Iceland is sustainable as well and provides over 70% of the energy consumed nationwide The Icelandic government aims at making this nation the first to use only renewable energy as its power resource 80

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