# Sustainability certifications and projects in Iceland - URL: https://www.visiticeland.com/article/sustainability-certifications-and-projects-i-iceland/ - Published: 2023-10-18 - Last updated: 2026-10-01 > The environmental and quality certifications, ecolabels and declarations help you choose services and products that meet certain sustainability, environmental or communal health standards. ### Join us towards a more sustainable future Integrating sustainability into our travel plans and other actions in life is the key to the global and local welfare of ecosystems, cultures, and communities. Therefore, we have gathered some information on sustainability and tourism to help you plan your travels in Iceland. It includes a carbon footprint calculator, ten sustainable travel tips and more.  *Image: Sustainability certifications and projects* Icelanders are very conscious of the environment, climate change and sustainability in general. Iceland has set ambitious [goals and action plans to fight climate change](https://www.government.is/topics/environment-climate-and-nature-protection/climate-change/) and aims for 55% cuts in carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality no later than 2040. The travel industry is striving to maintain high sustainability and quality standards. [Vakinn](https://www.vakinn.is/) is an official quality and environmental certification for Icelandic tourism, run by the Icelandic Tourist Board. The Vakinn logo helps you find businesses that operate in an ethical, professional and sustainable way. [FIND VAKINN CERTIFIED BUSINESSES](https://www.vakinn.is/en/certified-companies) ### Icelandic nature is fragile - please watch your step *Image: Sustainability certifications and projects* Icelandic nature is fragile, and the delicate vegetation, especially moss, is susceptible to damage. Furthermore, with slow growth in the short summers in Iceland, it can take the vegetation decades or even hundreds of years to recover. Craters and lava formations are also easily damaged, and a broken piece of lava will never mend. Therefore, all volcanic craters and lava fields are ensured special protection in Icelandic nature conservation law. ### Compensate for your carbon footprint locally Traveling always involves some carbon emissions from transportation, lodging, and other activities. Therefore, the most sustainable way to travel is to compensate for your unavoidable emissions ### Climate change creates threats for wildlife and communities Climate change significantly and directly affects Icelandic nature and communities. Many seabirds and marine life species face rapidly changing environments and even threats of extinction. For instance, Iceland's signature bird, the Atlantic puffin, is now listed as critically endangered on the [IUCN red list for birds](https://en.ni.is/node/27843). Climate change also leads to hazards for small coastal villages in the East- and Westfjords. More frequent and intense rainfall events, and thawing permafrost in the steep mountains that envelope the fjords, lead to an increased risk of landslides. *Image: Iceland's signature bird, the Atlantic puffin, is listed as critically endangered* ### Certifications and labels The environmental and quality certifications, ecolabels and declarations below help you choose services and products that meet certain sustainability, environmental or communal health standards. ## Certifications and labels in Iceland - [Vakinn Certification](https://www.vakinn.is/en): Vakinn is the official quality and environmental certification for Icelandic Tourism, run by the Icelandic Tourist Board. - [The Nordic Swan](https://www.nordic-ecolabel.org/): In Iceland, the Nordic Swan is a trusted ecolabel awarded to products and businesses that meet strict requirements for chemicals, materials, and energy efficiency. Several hotels, guesthouses, and tourism services in Iceland operate under this certification. - [Green Key Certificaion](https://www.greenkey.global/): In Iceland, Green Key is an international eco-label awarded to hotels, guesthouses, and other tourism businesses that show excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. All 17 properties in the Íslandshótel chain are Green Key certified. - [ISO certifications](https://www.iso.org/iso-14001-environmental-management.html): In Iceland, ISO 14001 certifies companies for strong environmental management, while ISO 9001 recognizes quality management systems. Both support sustainability and high standards across industries. - [The Blue Flag award](https://www.blueflag.global/): In Iceland, the Blue Flag award applies to sustainable boating tourism operators. A total of 22 boat companies nationwide have earned this recognition by meeting stringent requirements for environmental care, education, and safety. - [Cittaslow](https://www.cittaslow.org/): Cittaslow is given to “slow cities” that follow Slow Food principles, focusing on quality of life and care for the local environment. Djúpivogur is Iceland’s only Cittaslow town. - [EarthCheck certification](https://earthcheck.org/): EarthCheck is a sustainability certification for the travel and tourism industry, awarded to businesses and destinations. In Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Westfjords, and the Mývatn–Laxá region are EarthCheck certified. - [EU Ecolabel](https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel_en): EU Ecolabel is the official environmental label of the European Union, found in Iceland on products and some tourism services that meet strict sustainability standards.