Environmental policy

Objective


At Stoðkerfi ehf, we work systematically to:

  • That all environmental laws and regulations are followed in operations.
  • Making decisions about activities and operations with environmental considerations in mind.
  • Hiring experts to conduct accurate measurements of the company's carbon footprint.
  • To promote environmental awareness among employees and encourage employees to respect the environment.
  • That environmentally-labeled products and services are chosen above all others when purchasing.
  • To promote the efficient use of resources and equipment and minimize waste in all areas.
  • Sorting recyclable waste when possible.
  • Creating a healthy and rewarding work environment.
  • Continuously working to minimize the company's carbon footprint


Actions


Product procurement

When purchasing products, products with recognized environmental labels should be selected where possible and environmental considerations as well as cost and quality should be taken into account. If services or products are comparable, the option that is considered to be the least harmful to the environment should be chosen.


Example:

  • Choose paper with eco-certification and reduce paper use wherever possible.
  • Computer and office equipment with appropriate environmental and energy-saving labels should be selected whenever possible.
  • Choose cleaning products that are labeled with recognized environmental labels (eg the Nordic Ecolabel).

 


Recycling


Waste should be minimized, recyclable waste should be sorted and returned for recycling in accordance with established rules and other guidelines. All hazardous materials, such as batteries, print cartridges and light bulbs, should be disposed of appropriately.

Staff are encouraged to avoid unnecessary printing or photocopying. Efforts should be made to reuse paper and store documents in electronic format rather than paper when possible. The use of single-use supplies, such as cutlery, should also be reduced.

Doctors should use self-destructive sutures whenever possible, both to save trips to us and to reduce material waste.


Sorpflock


Waste sorting is carried out as follows:

  • Plastic

All plastic packaging and other plastic waste is sorted separately into appropriate containers. Sorting facilities are available at all locations and in the cafeteria. Emptyed daily into recycling containers.

  • Paper

We try to minimize the use of paper, but in places where paper is used, such as offices, there are containers for sorting. Facilities for sorting paper packaging in the cafeteria. Emptyed daily into recycling containers.

When the Directorate of Health fully implements the new referral portal, the Support System's paper usage will be reduced by 80-90%.

  • Hazardous materials

Hazardous materials, such as batteries and print cartridges, are collected and returned to an appropriate collection point.

  • Contaminated waste

Contaminated waste generated during the operation, such as needles and catheters, is collected in specially designed bags and disposed of by a third party.

  • Electronics

Waste electrical and electronic equipment is collected in the appropriate waste bin and returned to a collection point for recycling.

  • Cans and bottles

Aluminum cans and plastic/glass bottles are collected and taken for recycling.

  • Other waste

Efforts are made to keep non-recyclable waste to a minimum.


Waste


Water and energy resources should be used sparingly, for example, water should not be left running unnecessarily and electrical appliances and lights should be turned off at the end of the working day. Furthermore, cleaning agents should be used sparingly when washing dishes and cleaning.


Transportation


We strive to choose environmentally friendly routes when traveling on company business and share rides when possible.

Employees should be encouraged to choose environmentally friendly means of travel to and from work.


  • There is access to charging points for staff and clients who drive electric cars.
  • Shower facilities and bicycle storage are available for staff.


Efforts are being made to hold teleconferences and attend online courses whenever possible.

Taking courses online is estimated to save about 1.2 tons of CO₂-equivalent per year according to calculations by Avia (Akademias' digital course system).

Doctors should also follow up with patients by phone when possible to save trips to us. Patients who are outside the country should be referred to the nearest health care facility on their return to save trips.


Carbon footprint, actions and goals



Overall goal

The amount of CO₂ equivalent saved during the year due to the company's intervention in 2024 was 1.2 tons (for the values measured). The goal is to work on more accurate measurements in the coming years and increase this figure, as well as reduce the company's carbon footprint. Actions to achieve this goal include improved transportation solutions, more efficient waste management and increased use of electronic solutions.

Plans and actions

  1. Staff transportation
  • Goal: Reduce emissions resulting from employee travel to and from work.
  • Functions:
  • Measure emissions resulting from employee travel to and from work and assess what the target should be for reduced emissions.
  • Increase opportunities for remote work where appropriate.
  • Encourages employees to use environmentally friendly means of transportation, such as public transportation, bicycles or electric cars.
  • Green transport agreement to support car-free travel.
  • Estimated reduction: tbd (to be decided)
  1. Waste and resources
  • Goal: Reduce emissions from inputs and waste.
  • Functions:
  • Measure emissions resulting from inputs and waste and assess what the target should be for reduced emissions.
  • Review purchasing, with particular emphasis on disposable healthcare products, and increase the proportion of environmentally friendly products.
  • Further improve waste sorting and recycling.
  • Further reduce the use of paper and printing in the operations by implementing electronic solutions. Usage will decrease dramatically after the implementation of a new referral system from the Directorate of Health.
  • Have patient information available on a website to prevent printing instructions.
  • Estimated reduction: tbd (to be decided)
  1. Staff education and participation
  • Goal: Engage employees in the company's environmental work.
  • Functions:
  • Annual educational meeting on environmental impact and responsibility.
  • Employee participation in environmental campaigns, such as encouragement to follow good environmental practices in daily work.
  1. Public disclosure of environmental objectives
  • Action: Publish environmental policy publicly on the company's website.