Sustainable Luxury: Embracing Geothermal & Hydroelectric Energy for an Eco-Friendly Acommodation at Torfhús Retreat

We get all our 100% renewable electric energy from Brúarvirkjun located only six miles away from the premises. The small hydroelectric power plant was activated in 2020 and its main dam lies across Tungufljót, a spring river in the south of Iceland. The hot water heating all our facilities comes from a borehole only two miles from Torfhús Retreat. Pumped up from almost 1000 meters the geothermal water is almost 100 degrees Celsius hot when it hits our ducts. 

To offset the emission of greenhouse gasses, the energy company HS Orka has planted 25,000 birch trees and restored big parts of wetland in the area nearby. Thus, sustainability permeates every facet of our operation, even our choice of collaborators. 

What’s more, building materials and furniture are either hand-crafted in our workshop or locally sourced and reclaimed when possible. Reused oak and pine are in abundance whilst an Icelandic fishing boat has been repurposed as a sofa and leathered salmon skins adorn the walls of our Viking Langhús.

Torfhús Retreat is an excellent example of how geothermal energy can be used to power a hotel sustainably. It is an inspiring model for other hotels around the world to follow and highlights the importance of incorporating green practices into the hospitality industry.