Something that many people don’t know about Iceland is that it began switching to renewable energy in the 1960’s and is already a world leader when it comes to reaching its climate goals. It meets 90% of its primary energy needs through renewable energy by producing all of its electricity through a combination of hydro power – drawn from waterways, glaciers, and geothermal energy from the country’s 600 natural hot springs. Yes, the energy comes naturally to the island, but Iceland has spent years casting off fossil fuels and transitioning to renewables too. 

During my time there, I was impressed at how connected the people were to nature. A beloved Icelandic tradition is to soak in the mineral-rich geothermal water derived from the hot springs in one of the many lagoons across the country. The oceanfront ‘Sky Lagoon’ takes a holistic approach to sustainability – from the meticulous design and spa operations, right through to its food and drinks offering. Clean, renewable energy is at the core of Sky Lagoon’s sustainability strategy, as they harness geothermal water that runs through the oceanfront lagoon, which is collected and redirected through an in-floor piping system. This heats the buildings, the spring-water showers and outdoor sidewalks.