Case: Icelandic Centre for Retail Studies, Bifröst University, Iceland

IN-SHOP: Environmental Training of Staff

Who: Icelandic Centre for Retail Studies, Bifröst University

Country: Iceland

Objective: To increase environmental awareness of staff, and through that to reduce the negative environmental impacts of retailers.

Description of initiative: In early 2010 The Icelandic Centre for Retail Studies at Bifröst University in Iceland published course material for the retail sector: Umhverfismál í innkaupavagninum. (e: ”Environmental Issues in the shopping cart”) in the form of a 64 p printed booklet. The booklet was marketed and sold to retail chains and shops in Iceland for 500 ISK (3 EUR).

The three authors of the material are environmental experts working in academia and in consulting businesses. As a follow up to the publication, one of the authors has offered courses for retail staff, based on the booklet. So far, one course has been held, at the Kringlan shopping centre, which is the largest shopping centre in Iceland. The course was attended by some 50 retail employees, managers as well as workers.

Translation and adaptation to Nordic markets is being considered in co-operation with Nordic retailer association and education centres. The Icelandic Centre for Retail Studies and the authors are interested in further co-operation related to this.

Effect of initiative: The effect of the initiative has not been evaluated yet.

Time period: March 2010 – present

Future work: Marketing of the booklet and the course to more retailers in Iceland. Translation and adaptation to Nordic markets is being considered.

More information:

Contact: Emil B. Karlsson, director, Icelandic Centre for Retail Studies, Bifrost University, and Stefán Gíslason, director, Environice Consulting, .