GENDER EQUALITY – AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGYSUSTAINABLE – SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Verkís has decided to emphasize on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This is done following a decision to highlight the corporate's social responsibility and sign the UN Global Compact.
There are 17 global goals with 169 sub-goals. It is safe to say that Verkís's operations influence all of the 17 main objectives. Initially it was decided to focus on global goal nr. 5 of gender equality, global goal nr. 7 of sustainable energy and global goal nr. 11 of sustainable cities and societies.
Global goal nr. 5 – Gender Equality
Gender equality is guaranteed and the status of all women and girls strengthened.
It is safe to say that Verkís has achieved outstanding results regarding equality. The first engineering firm in Iceland to obtain certification of equal payment despite gender. Previously Verkís had been the first company to receive the PwC gold mark in 2012 and then again in 2018.
We strongly emphasize that our employees feel comfortable at work, have equal opportunities in the work place , are able to harmonize private and professional life as needed. With our policies and clear ethics we aim to secure human rights for all and thus achieve gender equality.
Therefore, we emphasize that the following sub-goals will be prioritized at Verkís:
5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. and rules supporting violence abolished.
5.5 Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life
Global goal nr. 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
Ensure that everyone has access to safe and sustainable energy at an affordable price.
At Verkís, the country's leading experts on sustainable energy use, work.. In collaboration with business community Verkís participates in the dissemination of knowledge about geothermal energy, water and wind energy, heat supply both domestically and abroad. Verkís's contribution to energy efficiency is reflected in, among other things, teaching, designing and developing of energy utilities that contribute to reducing pollution, in lectures, articles and independent research. We are committed to contributing to the changes that are necessary in order to bring our planet to sustainability and counter greenhouse gas emissions.
Therefore, we emphasize that the following sub-goals will be prioritized at Verkís:
7.1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services
7.2 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
7.3 By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency
7.a By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
7.b By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services for all in developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States, and land-locked developing countries, in accordance with their respective programmes of support
Global goal nr. 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable We are aware that Verkís decisions and activities have an undeniable impact on the environment and society around us. These effects can be linked to the company's use of resources, the location of its operations, pollution and waste caused by it and the impact that the company has on natural ecosystems.
At Verkís we provide consultancy which focuses on natural ventilation solutions, energy savings, choice of building materials, ecological transport, conservation of ecological value of land, facilities for sorting garbage and minimizing pollution due to construction and operation.
Therefore, we emphasize that the following sub-goals will be at the forefront of Verkís:
11.1 By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons
11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage.
11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities
