Sustainability Policy

Updated September 2024

We at Viking Rafting are fully committed to sustainable tourism and promoting a sustainable future. By focusing on the environment, people, and economic sustainability, we strive to offer a responsible and enriching experience that protects our natural resources, supports local communities, and ensures the long-term success of our business.

We protect the environment and the health and safety of our customers, employees, and the community where we conduct our business. We understand tourism's impact and proactively seek to ensure our operations are sustainable. We are also fully committed to following Iceland's environmental laws. We meet or exceed all environmental regulatory requirements and aim to reduce carbon emissions by reducing waste and using sustainable energy. 

Our policy seeks continual improvement throughout our business operations to lessen our impact on the local and global environment with responsible and sustainable business practices and governance. 

To meet our sustainability goals, we have implemented the following things in our day-to-day operations as well as the following actions: 

• Limit our environmental impact and implement responsible tourism practices in our operations:
• We are committed to preserving the rivers, landscapes, and ecosystems we operate. We are, for example, very vocal about conserving the glacier rivers, the nature in which we operate, and the surrounding ecosystem and wildlife.
• We raise awareness among our guests, staff, and guides regarding environmental issues. We educate our staff on our sustainable and environmentally friendly practices and how they can contribute.
• The company uses sustainable energy and regional water resources. 
• Social sustainability for employees:
• We give equal opportunities by employing individuals of different genders, races and sexual orientations. 
• We fulfil our duties and obey the law on equal pay. 
• We ensure the safety of our employees by creating an appropriate work and living environment that adheres to all safety regulations. 
• We inform and educate them regularly on safety, rescue and first aid. 
• We ensure they have quality equipment, good safety practices, and strategies for when needed. 
• Our employees hold a certification from the International Rafting Federation and are all trained in Rescue 3. 
• Economically sustainable practices
• We offer fair and transparent pricing that reflects the actual cost of sustainable operations, ensuring long-term business viability without compromising our ethical standards.
• We limit our environmental impact by choosing environmentally friendly suppliers and services. We buy meat and produce directly from local farmers, reducing container waste and minimising our carbon footprint. We also use local products where possible. 
• We mend our rafting gear ourselves to prolong its lifespan without risking the quality or safety of our staff and customers.
• We recycle as much as possible and have built recycling bins for food waste, plastic, paper, cans, and bottles.
• We give old things new life; we either build our furniture from used timber or buy it secondhand from our local area. 

We aim to adhere to these principles and continuously improve our environmental management system. We invite our guests, partners, and employees to join us in our commitment to sustainability.

Code of conduct. 

1. The company provides courteous and reliable service to its customers.
2. The company respects and maintains customer confidentiality.
3. The company leads professionally, honestly and fairly in all communications and business. 
4. The company treats all customers with respect and consideration regardless of gender, origin, culture, sexuality, religion, age, social status, and physical condition. However, for safety reasons, our activities might limit the participation of individuals with certain physical conditions and at a certain age. 
5. The company guarantees that all information to customers is correct and that advertisements give an accurate and credible picture of its services and facilities. 
6. The company prices products and services clearly according to current laws. 
7. The company strives to answer all inquiries and requests professionally and efficiently.
8. The company ensures a fair and prompt response to complaints.
9. The company respects all laws and regulations regarding the operation and follows them.
10. The company ensures professionalism in accounting and financial statements. 
11. The company fulfils all employee obligations by complying with the law and applicable collective agreements.
12. The company ensures that staff receive appropriate training and education and that working conditions are suitable.
13. The company ensures the safety of employees and customers through professional practices, good facilities, and approved equipment.
14. The company demonstrates its responsibility towards Icelandic nature, environment and society.
15. The company respects Iceland's interests and reputation as a high-quality resort where professionalism, hospitality, good service, and sustainability are paramount.