Sustainability
Sustainability is not only policy
Through responsible fishing and processing, sustainable utilisation of fish stocks and value creation through innovation, we ensure that the fisheries sector will be a mainstay of Icelandic society for a long time to come.
Projects
How We Promote Sustainability
"A living community by the sea", wins first prize in an idea competition regarding settlement planning at Breiðin in Akranes
A proposal from the Arkþing/Nordic architecture firm and Eflu engineering firm won first prize in an auspicious idea competition for the future of Breiðin in Akranes. The proposal is called "Living community by the sea", and envisages a mixed settlement of diverse apartments and commercial areas where new buildings are connected to reused older buildings.
Fisherman Day celebration
Brim, in cooperation with Faxaflóahafnir (e. Reykjavík harbor) and Sjómannadagsráð (e. Sea Man Day Council) celebrated the Fisherman Day, on fist Sunday in June at Grandinn.
Brim becomes a sponsor of the Icelandic Literary Society
Brim becomes a sponsor of the Icelandic Literary Society for the next four years and will donate ISK 16 million to the Society during that period.
Brim issues green and blue bonds
Brim, in collaboration with Íslandsbanki, issues bonds that fall within the company’s sustainable financing framework and are identified with the colours green and blue. By issuing the bonds, Brim finances projects that promote sustainability and have a positive impact on the environment, with blue bonds regarding projects related to the sea and water. The bonds are the first of their kind to be issued by Brim and also the first in Iceland to fall under the blue and green financing framework.
Fisheries Iceland’s social policy is signed.
Fisheries Iceland’s social policy is signed.
The first sustainability report published
HB Grandi publishes its first sustainability report for 2017, in parallel with the annual report. The company is also the first fisheries company in Iceland to publish a sustainability report.
HB Grandi gets awards
HB Grandi receives climate recognition from the City of Reykjavík and Festa. Marshall house receives the Icelandic Design Award and Þúfan receives the City of Reykjavík's beauty award.
The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI)
HB Grandi and five other companies in the field of seafood become sponsors of the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI). The object of the operation of GSSI is to increase transparency in the certification of sustainability in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in order to facilitate comparisons and strengthen trust, thus promoting informed choices in the trading of certified seafood products.
The Marshall building to house a Living Art Museum
Renovations of the Marshall building begun and an agreement made with the City of Reykjavík to secure the lease for the project. The building will house the Living Art Museum and the artist-run gallery Kling og Bang. There will also be a studio and exhibition space for the artist Ólafur Elíasson. On the ground floor is a restaurant.
HB Grandi hf. becomes a member of Festa, a knowledge centre for companies on social responsibility
HB Grandi hf. becomes a member of Festa, a knowledge centre for companies on social responsibility. The company believes that there will be an increased emphasis in the coming years on social responsibility. It has been the company’s ambition that all activities reflect responsibility towards the environment and the community in which it operates.
The artwork Þúfa by the artist Ólöf Nordal, is inaugurated
The artwork Þúfa by the artist Ólöf Nordal, which stands at the western entrance to Reykjavík Harbour, opposite Harpa, is inaugurated. The work is the result of a competition organised by HB Grandi in collaboration with the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists (SÍM) and Faxaflóahafnir in connection with the construction of Ísbjörninn freezer storage.
International food standard (IFS) international food certification system adopted in Vopnafjörður
International food standard (IFS) international food certification system adopted in Vopnafjörður. With this, HB Grandi has adopted a harmonised quality management system in its land processing plants.
A milestone was reached in Icelandic fisheries history when Icelanders’ fishing for cod within the Icelandic fisheries jurisdiction received the international IRF certification that the fishing is in accordance with the strictest requirements for responsible fisheries management, sustainable utilisation and good management of marine resources.
Grandi receives recognition from the Reykjavík Education Council
Grandi receives recognition from the Reykjavík Education Council for Grandi’s contribution to education for Grandi Day.
"Fish, yes please"
The annual Grandi Day is celebrated under the slogan “Fish, yes please”; about 2,000 people visited the company on that occasion. More than 15,000 children have visited the company since the day was first celebrated in 1989. In addition to primary school children, 70 senior citizens from the senior citizens social activities in Gerðuberg visited Grandi.
On the occasion of Grandi's 10th birthday, Grandi makes a donation to SÁÁ's prevention work
Grandi’s management decided to commemorate the anniversary by donating ISK two million to SÁÁ’s prevention work.
The first Grandi Day is celebrated.
All 11-year-old students from the city’s primary schools are invited to visit the Norðurgarður fish processing plant to get to know the fishing industry and the processing of seafood. A little fish was being processed, in addition to which an exhibition related to fishing and processing was set up in the corridors and in the cafeteria, and fish balls were served. Preperations for the day were ambitious, and most of the staff were involved in the reception of these young and fun guests.
Sustainability Reports
Focus goals
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Brim’s operations are extensive and touch on all of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, Brim pays special attention to three SDGs in its operations, which are industry, innovation and infrastructure (no. 9), responsible consumption and production (no. 12) and life below water (no. 14).
Instrustry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Innovation creates added value and reduces the impact on the environment at the same time. New technologies and new processes improve the treatment of raw materials and increase utilisation at the same time as efforts are made to reduce waste and thus the use of resources.
Responsible Consumption and Production
Brim produces high-quality food products and is constantly looking for ways to increase the utilisation of raw materials and find solutions for other raw materials that are generated during production. In addition, all waste generated by operations is sorted, whether it is generated at sea or on land. In this way, Brim supports the circular economy.
Life Below Water
Brim is constantly looking for ways to reduce the impact of its operations on the environment. It is in the interests of the whole nation that the state of fish stocks is sustainable and thus ensures that the fisheries sector remains a mainstay in society. Life below water and respect for the marine ecosystem are the basis for our ability to fish for the foreseeable future.
- Brim has received certificates that the company’s fishing is responsible and sustainable according to the international standards of Iceland Responsible Fisheries (IRF) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
- Brim is a sponsor of the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI). The object of the operation of GSSI is to increase transparency in the certification of sustainability in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Responsible fishing – respect for the ocean
The sea around Iceland is a precious and fragile resource. Surfing has a major responsibility when it comes to marine resources and takes an active part in various collaborations that contribute to the sustainability of fish stocks around Iceland and a healthy marine environment.
The basis for responsible fishing in Iceland is the fisheries management system and the law on fisheries management, which is based on catch quotas for fish species for which it is considered necessary to limit fishing.
- Brim has received certificates that the company’s fishing is responsible and sustainable according to the international standards of Iceland Responsible Fisheries (IRF) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
- Brim is a sponsor of the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI). The object of the operation of GSSI is to increase transparency in the certification of sustainability in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
- Renewal of part of the fleet increases fishing efficiency and reduces the carbon footprint. Renewal in processing plants contributes to reduced electricity and water consumption, reduces waste and improves staff conditions.
- Software development, smart technology and data collection opens up countless possibilities, such as collecting data on environmental factors, achieving efficiency in fuel consumption and tracking the value chain from fishing to delivery.
Investing in innovation and high-tech equipment increases sustainability
Innovation, renewed equipment, vessels and the development of new infrastructure provide important opportunities to consider our sustainability in all areas. By constantly looking to the future, we can create more value without wasting resources, reduce waste and increase efficiency.
The United Nations’ Ninth Global Sustainable Development Goal encourages infrastructure development, sustainable industrialisation and innovation. Research, development and innovation are specifically mentioned as prerequisites for economic progress and societal prosperity.
- Renewal of part of the fleet increases fishing efficiency and reduces the carbon footprint. Renewal in processing plants contributes to reduced electricity and water consumption, reduces waste and improves staff conditions.
- Software development, smart technology and data collection opens up countless possibilities, such as collecting data on environmental factors, achieving efficiency in fuel consumption and tracking the value chain from fishing to delivery.
- Brim publishes an Annual and Sustainability Reports each year based on the Global Report Initiative, which is a recognised international measure of corporate social responsibility.
- All Brim’s fishing gear is sorted and recycled. Brim works closely with fishing gear manufacturers to increase catch, improve fish handling and reduce energy consumption.
Good handling and utilisation yield benefits for all
Good handling of the resource and the environment, as well as good utilisation of everything that is used, yield benefits for the company, nature, society and future generations. Brim places special emphasis on the sustainable utilisation of marine resources, but also pays attention to, for example, energy consumption, carbon footprint, waste and waste management issues.
In line with the UN’s Twelfth Global Goal, we want to implement a circular approach to all our activities, to ensure that nature’s tolerance limits are respected and that our resources can be enjoyed for a long time to come.
- Brim publishes an Annual and Sustainability Reports each year based on the Global Report Initiative, which is a recognised international measure of corporate social responsibility.
- All Brim’s fishing gear is sorted and recycled. Brim works closely with fishing gear manufacturers to increase catch, improve fish handling and reduce energy consumption.