Sustainability

1 | RESPONSIBLE TOUR GUIDE 

Our tour guide is an official member of an Icelandic Rescue Team and a certified Wilderness First Responder but also a very dedicated nature-lover. It is part of his job to provide safe tours, raise environmental awareness to our guests, and actively contributing to the preservation of the environments in which our tours take place

2| TRAVELIFE PARTNER

Hyperborea is happy to announce that we are one of only seven companies in Iceland to have reached the Travelife Partner award to date!

As a proud member of Travelife, we are actively engaging in a step-by-step process to align with internationally recognized standards. This commitment underscores our dedication to sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

Hyperborea complies with more than 100 criteria, related to an operators’ office management, product range, international business partners and customer information. The Travelife standard is covering the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labour relations; and is formally Recognised as in full compliance with the UN supported Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.

As we progress on this journey, we continuously strive to raise the bar and exceed the expectations set by Travelife and other international standards. We understand the significance of our role in preserving and protecting the destinations we visit, and we remain dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact.

3 | SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT

Hyperborea has appointed a dedicated team member as a Sustainability Coordinator who plays a vital role in overseeing and coordinating our sustainability initiatives. Firstly, she conducts comprehensive assessments of our current operations, identifying areas where improvements can be made to minimise our environmental footprint and enhance social outcomes. 

She tracks progress regularly, generating reports to communicate the company’s sustainability performance to management and stakeholders, including Travelife. This enables us to identify successes, address challenges, and continuously improve our sustainability efforts. Additionally, the Sustainability Coordinator stays informed about emerging sustainability trends, regulations, and best practices. She conducts research and benchmarking exercises to ensure Hyperborea remains at the forefront of sustainable business practices within the industry. 

4 | ETHICAL & COMPOSTABLE COFFEE PODS

Αt Hyperborea, we uphold a commitment to complete supply transparency. This extends to the coffee we proudly serve during our tours, as we have established a collaboration with the Volcano Coffee company. Known for their sustainable practices and dedication to supporting farmers’ livelihoods, Volcano Coffee company is an exceptional partner.

We have carefully selected Volcano Coffee company based on their commitment to environmental sustainability. They are a carbon-neutral company, meaning they actively work to offset their carbon emissions and reduce their environmental impact. By choosing to collaborate with Volcano Coffee company, we align our values with theirs, promoting responsible choices and minimizing our ecological footprint.

By choosing our tours, you can enjoy a cup of coffee that represents our commitment to complete supply transparency, environmental sustainability, and supporting farmers’ livelihoods. Together, we can make a difference through conscious choices and contribute to a more sustainable future.

5 | LOCAL PRODUCTS

During our tours we also offer to our guests Icelandic snacks that are produced by local producers. Also, we make a stop in the middle of our route for a break. We take that opportunity to stop at a local food store for traditional snacks. Aiming to empower our local community but also we want our guests to come in contact with the local food.

6 | ECO FRIENDLY CARDS

We have chosen to use eco-friendly cards for our company that are made from cotton linters, the fuzzy fibers that surround the seed of the cotton plant, in our operations. Using this material helps to reduce waste and supports a circular economy. Additionally, the production process requires no bleaching, which means that harmful chemicals are not released into the environment.

7| ICELANDIC PLEDGE

At Hyperborea we place great importance on The Icelandic Pledge. It serves as our guiding principle during our travels, reminding us to be responsible and respectful explorers not only in Iceland but wherever we go. We wholeheartedly encourage all our guests to join us in taking The Icelandic Pledge and embrace responsible tourism practices.

The Icelandic Pledge embodies our commitment to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the places we visit. By taking the pledge, we vow to tread lightly, leaving no trace of our presence and ensuring that future generations can also experience the wonders of these destinations.

Safety is of utmost importance, and we pledge to prioritize our well-being and that of others. We will familiarize ourselves with local laws and regulations, heed all safety guidelines, and act responsibly to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for ourselves and fellow travelers.

Together, let us honor The Icelandic Pledge and be mindful stewards of the earth, fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature for the benefit of present and future generations. You can take the Pledge here.

8 | MARKETING

We are dedicated to spreading awareness of our principles to a wide audience through strategic marketing and promotion. Our commitment extends beyond our guests, as we strive to reach readers who visit our websites and engage with us on social media. Through our carefully crafted blogs and impactful posts, we aim to educate and inspire individuals, ensuring our content creates a lasting impact.

By leveraging these platforms, we create a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for responsible exploration. We encourage open dialogue, foster engagement, and provide practical tips and insights that empower our audience to make a positive impact during their own travels.

9| RECYCLING

We recycle all waste at the office, and the coffee including paper, plastic, cans, bottles, and compostable waste. 

10 | NO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

The negative consequences of single-use plastic have been widely discussed and are well-known. In our tours we avoid strictly the use of any single-use plastic item. No plastic water bottles but a water filter or water dispenser with glasses, our snacks are also offered in paper bags instead of plastic packaging.

11 | LITTERING

We inform clients of our “Leave No Trace” policy and explain how it applies to them. We carry out what we carry in. Our guides remove all waste from the tour areas we operate in and dispose of any waste found in the area, even when that waste isn’t connected to the operation of our tours. Our guides carefully inspect campsites and rest areas to ensure they are left in the same condition as they were found, if not better. We ensure no contaminants enter water sources or systems.

We do not stop there. We constantly monitor, re-focus, re-adapt to changes – both environmentally and culturally. Although Hyperborea is working hard in being as sustainable as possible it can always be done better. 

Feedback and suggestions are always welcome! 🙂