A great workplace gets even better

Last month, the first spaces in the West Wing of Reykjavík Energy's building at Bæjarháls were put into use after renovations. Part of Reykjavík Energy's premises has been unoccupied since mold was discovered there. Renovations of the building then began, which are now being completed almost 10 years after the mold was first detected.

Needless to say, the project was a major challenge, as a defect was discovered in the building's exterior walls, and it became clear that the walls had to be removed. This was done, new ones were installed, and all 6 floors were reorganized and redecorated.

The total cost of the project is 5,980 million, which is 7.3% over the project's approved budget.

Grettir Haraldsson has managed the project on behalf of Reykjavík Energy since 2016.

“For me personally, it is extremely gratifying to finally see the project nearing completion, and I think the result is magnificent. We now have one of the most impressive office buildings in the country, and although these are of course high sums in total, it is important to bear in mind that the project is large and complex. As we know, various things can come up in such a complex project that runs over such a long period of time,” says Grettir.

Succeeded in creating a healthy and good workplace

Sævar Freyr Þráinsson, CEO of Reykjavík Energy, agrees with Grettir. "There is certainly reason to praise all the people who have been involved in this large and complex project. I would especially like to mention Ístak, who, despite enormous cost increases due to external factors that have not spared our society, have managed to keep costs only 7% above our estimates. It is important to keep in mind that while this project has been underway, there has been a Covid pandemic, armed conflicts, blocked shipping canals with corresponding supply chain disruptions, and then the price of steel nearly doubled at the same time as a lot of steel was being purchased for the building."

Grettir says the project is unique, as replacing the exterior walls of such a large building is a complex task. "An incredible number of people have been involved in this, and I am pleased with the result. The goal was to fix the flawed building and create a healthy and good workplace where people feel comfortable. That has been achieved."

Grettir says one of the main challenges was combining a construction site where steel beams were being hoisted, core drilling was taking place, and all sorts of noisy work was being carried out, with office staff working at the same time.

“Reykjavík Energy's staff didn't go anywhere. They were just on the other side of the wall, doing their jobs. This has all gone better than expected, and people have shown great patience.”

The move has gone well and now almost all of Reykjavík Energy's operations have been consolidated at Bæjarháls, but the company also has offices in Akranes, Hveragerði, and at its power plants in Hellisheiði and Nesjavellir.

A great workplace gets even better

“This project was well underway before I got here, but it has been great to see how well it has progressed since I came on board. My predecessor, Bjarni Bjarnason, deserves special praise, as do all the people who have put so much effort into completing this major project. We now have fantastic new office spaces in our headquarters. Although the cost is of course significant, we now have a wonderful workplace and much better utilization of space than in the old building. The design of a desirable workplace has been extremely successful, and although the road has been long and at times difficult, it is safe to say that the result is magnificent. I have no doubt that these changes will make a great workplace even better.”