Environmental certifications of real estate play a major role in reducing the negative environmental impacts of the company’s properties. At the beginning of 2019, a decision was made to initiate BREEAM In-Use environmental certification for properties in the portfolio, with the goal of certifying 50% of the portfolio.

With BREEAM In-Use certification, it is possible, among other things, to identify the environmental risks posed by each building. In addition, the certification serves as third-party confirmation that the operator complies with best practices and standards in property management. The certification also facilitates the sharing of information with tenants regarding operational aspects such as energy use and waste sorting, which are in growing demand.

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

According to certification requirements, recertification takes place every three years. Smáralind, Höfðatorg Tower, and Borgartún 8–16 have already received their first recertifications. The second recertification process for Smáralind has now begun, and Dvergshöfði 2 is expected to receive its initial certification this autumn.

Heimar initially focused on BREEAM In-Use operational certifications, but with new projects, it was also decided to pursue BREEAM New Construction certification for new developments. Dvergshöfði 4, a 10,500 sqm high-quality office building, is the company’s first property to enter the New Construction certification process. This process follows the design and construction stages and will conclude with the building’s completion.

In total, around 41% of Heimar’s portfolio has already been certified. Dvergshöfði 2 and Dvergshöfði 4 are currently in the certification process, and the company aims to certify even more properties in the future.