Properties’ environmental certifications play a major role in reducing the negative environmental impact of the company’s properties. At the beginning of 2019, a decision was made to start the BREEAM In-Use environmental certification of properties in the portfolio, with the goal of having 50% of the portfolio certified.

With the environmental certification of properties, it is possible to identify the environmental risks associated with each building. In addition, the certification provides third-party confirmation that the operator adheres to the highest standards and requirements in property management. It also facilitates the provision of information to tenants regarding operational aspects such as energy use and waste sorting, which are increasingly in demand.

We have worked diligently on the BREEAM In-Use environmental certification of our buildings in recent years. Smáralind was the company’s first property to receive certification in 2019, and was also the first building in Iceland to obtain it. Since then, the Höfðatorg tower at Katrínartún 2, Borgartún 8–16, Egilshöll, and most recently, Áslandsskóli, have been certified.

According to certification requirements, re-certification is carried out every three years. Smáralind and the Höfðatorg tower have already received their re-certifications, and the re-certification process for Borgartún 8–16 is currently underway.

Currently, 38% of Heimar’s property portfolio has received BREEAM In-Use environmental certification. Dvergshöfði 2 is in the certification process, and more properties are scheduled to follow.