Environmental Factors Impact Health
Many and varied environmental factors can directly impact people’s health and well-being. The primary goal of Ósar and its subsidiaries is to improve the quality of life for individuals and promote the health and well-being of the nation. We do this by providing a robust supply of medicines, medical devices, operational products, and health-promoting goods, as well as comprehensive inventory management and distribution services for the healthcare sector. We are committed to enhancing and maximizing the economic and social welfare of the nation, but we strive to fulfill this role without negatively impacting the environment. Therefore, we place great emphasis on minimizing environmental impact in the group’s operations as well as throughout our entire value chain.
Ósar’s and Subsidiaries’ Joint Environmental Policy
Ósar and its subsidiaries have adopted a joint environmental policy which is updated every two years. The purpose of the policy is to ensure that it and its performance assessment are part of Ósar and its subsidiaries’ strategic planning. The policy applies to the group and serves as a guide for the companies that make up the group, their managers, and employees. The policy outlines how Ósar and its subsidiaries, both collectively and individually, can contribute to a better and healthier society and environment while maintaining a healthy and profitable business.
Environmental Certification in the Design of the Group’s Future Facilities
One of Ósar’s largest projects is the development of a health district at Arnarnesháls in Garðabær, where Ósar’s future headquarters will be located.
BREEAM Environmental Certification in Arnarland
”With a focus on environmental and sustainability issues, the neighborhood plan will be designed to meet the criteria for BREEAM environmental certification. The certification aims to ensure economic and social benefits while reducing environmental impact. In this way, the project supports the group’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility policies and values.”
Hálfdan Gunnarsson, CEO of Parlogis, leads the development of the commercial section of the Arnarland health district on behalf of Ósar.
The staff of Ósar and its subsidiaries are the key to achieving the goals of all the companies within the group, whether those goals are business-related or concern sustainability and environmental protection. The working environment and the environmental factors that shape it are, therefore, an important aspect when considering quality of life at work. In 2022, significant changes were made to the group’s existing facilities, which were officially completed in 2023. During the renovations, attention was paid to the diverse nature of the operations carried out within the facilities, which call for diverse needs. Special consideration was given to the acoustics of certain areas where the nature of the operations requires such conditions. The walls of certain rooms were lined with sound-absorbing panels, and other spaces were also upgraded to enhance warmth. The number of meeting rooms was increased, and they were reviewed in terms of lighting, acoustics, and equipment. Specific workspaces were designed to meet the specialized needs of the operations.
Mapping Environmental Factors and Continuous Development of Carbon Accounting
It is important to follow up on the strategic planning and management of environmental issues considering new laws and regulations, industry practices in the sectors in which the group operates, new technological developments, consumer needs, and customer expectations. The mapping of environmental factors in Ósar’s operations is in continuous development. The results are recorded in the carbon accounting system, which uses emission standards from the Environmental Agency for all factors except district heating and air travel. For district heating, data from Veitur Utilities is used, and for flights, the ICAO carbon emission calculator is used. By recording the impact of operations on the environment, we can see the results of actions taken to minimize environmental impact, as well as identify any unusual deviations, allowing us to respond responsibly. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on increasing data collection for more emission factors under Scope 3, and this work will continue in the coming years.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions. Emissions from Operations
This includes emissions generated by the group’s operations, such as fuel combustion in vehicles or gas leaks from cooling systems.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy
These covers emissions generated during the production of the electricity and hot water used in Ósar and its subsidiaries’ operations.
Scope 3: Indirect Emissions in the Group’s Value Chain
This includes waste and recycling, domestic and international flights, employee commuting, and other activities associated with the operations.
Results of Ósar’s Carbon Footprint Calculation for 2023
| Scope | Work Vehicles | Electricity | Heating | Waste | Flights | Employee Commuting | Rental Cars | Total tCO2e/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 154,3 | 154,3 | ||||||
| Scope 2 | 10,3 | 4,4 | 15,0 | |||||
| Scope 3 | 10,7 | 44,9 | 0,0 | 0,0 | 55,6 | |||
| Samtals | 224,9 |
The Environment and Selection of Suppliers and Partners
Increasing demands are being placed on Icepharma and Parlogis regarding environmental factors, and we aim to impose equally stringent requirements on the partners we choose to collaborate with. Partners include manufacturers, companies, and individuals who provide the group or its companies with products and services. Our partners must comply with applicable laws and regulations concerning environmental matters, and it is essential that our partners understand the environmental impact of their operations and work systematically to reduce their negative effects on the environment.
Environmental Certifications and Sustainable Products
While certifications are not perfect, it is reasonable to assume that a product with such a certification is less likely to have negative effects on biodiversity than one without it. Icepharma continuously works to increase the proportion of products sold that are certified for organic or sustainable production.
Environmental Factors
“We have noticed a significant increase in environmental awareness among our partners and suppliers regarding product offerings and the importance of environmental factors in this context. Icepharma’s Health Division staff are constantly exploring new and environmentally friendly solutions for the healthcare system. For example, we recently began selling environmentally friendly gloves that quickly break down in nature and environmentally friendly needle disposal boxes that significantly reduce CO2 emissions both in production and incineration.”
Hjörtur Gunnlaugsson, Director of Icepharma Health Division
Implementation of Innovative and Environmentally Friendly Healthcare Solutions
Healthcare services have evolved and developed in line with technological advancements. Telehealth services are becoming an increasingly important part of general healthcare services, involving the use of digital communication and information technology to provide services when parties are not in the same location at the time the service is provided.
Welfare Technology refers to the use of digital technology solutions in healthcare services that support individuals living at home. Welfare technology is intended to improve individuals’ quality of life by promoting well-being, independence, safety, activity, and participation.
Benefits of Telehealth and Welfare Technology
The advantages of telehealth services and the use of welfare technology in providing these services are numerous. One significant benefit is the considerable environmental savings. By reducing the need for travel by both healthcare professionals and patients and minimizing unnecessary visits to healthcare centers and other facilities, telehealth services and welfare technology contribute to positive environmental outcomes.
The Need for Continued Innovation and Technology Adoption in Healthcare
There is a need for continued innovation and technology adoption in the healthcare system to improve efficiency and simplify processes while better serving the system’s patients. Icepharma aims to lead the development of a health and welfare society of the future by offering innovative solutions for Icelandic society that also contribute to positive environmental effects.
Healthcare Services in Rapid Development
“The Evondos medication dispensers are a good example of welfare technology that has proven effective in providing telehealth services. About 350 Icelanders have used the medication dispensers, which have delivered approximately 230,000 medication pouches, or about 500 pouches daily. The use of these dispensers significantly reduces the need for transportation – with its associated emissions – between the homes of elderly individuals solely to dispense their medication. This allows each visit to be more effectively utilized, such as for valuable time spent with people who rely on home nursing care.”
Helga Dagný Sigurjónsdóttir
Department Manager, Icepharma Welfare
Minimizing Environmental Impact in Supply Chain and Distribution
Parlogis are experts in supply chain management and place great emphasis on environmentally friendly operations and corporate social responsibility. The company focuses on minimizing its environmental impact through various initiatives.
