Reykjavik's Enabling City Transformation Activity: Developing the Future of a Climate Neutral City

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Reykjavik

Icelandic

Context and Challenges

Reykjavik is pursuing a strategic shift in urban mobility and spatial development, focusing on densification and reduced car dependency. However, entrenched car use and climate conditions make transformation complex. This project compares parking infrastructure models—underground basement vs. shared above-ground—and their implications for mobility behaviour, emissions, and long-term land use. It aims to guide future planning in Reykjavik and other car-dependent cities through empirical evidence and lifecycle analysis.

Objectives

  • Test models for shifting away from car dependency
  • Assess life cycle emissions of parking infrastructures
  • Develop an incremental planning framework for mobility transformation
  • Promote more just and affordable urban development
  • Share findings for wider application

Key Terms

Mobility Transformation | 15-Minute City | Life Cycle Assessment | Building Materials | Just Transition

Activites and Innovations

  • Theory of change analysis for current parking policies

  • Surveys and interviews with planners, real estate experts, and residents

  • Co-creation workshops and scenario planning

  • LCA using One-Click LCA software

  • Dissemination through seminars and public platforms

Emission Domains

  • Transport

  • Buildings (construction materials)

  • All vehicles and transport

Levers of Change

  • Governance and Policy

  • Capacity and Capabilities

  • Democracy and Participation

  • Financing and Funding

  • Social Innovation

  • Technology and Infrastructure

Expected Impact and Outcomes

  • Revised strategic planning approach supporting mobility shift
  • Reduced lifecycle emissions from construction and urban planning
  • More just and affordable housing through reduced construction time and costs
  • Contribution to Climate City Contract (CCC) investment plan and Green Deal planning