Sjálfbært

Sjálfbært is an Icelandic term used to describe practices, processes, or systems that aim to be sustainable, self-sufficient, or able to endure over time. It is related to the concept of sustainability (sjálfbærni) and to the adjective sjálfbær. In common usage, the emphasis is on meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, and on balancing environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

In practice, sjálfbært can describe energy systems that rely on renewable resources, such as geothermal and hydroelectric power, as well as resource-efficient production, circular economy approaches, and climate-resilient farming and fisheries. It is also used in urban planning and architecture to signify designs that minimize resource use and waste, and in communities aiming for local food production and greater energy independence.

Policy and discourse: the concept is widely used in Icelandic public debate and policymaking to promote long-term stewardship, resilience, and steady progress. Some critics argue that the term can be vague or rhetorical, and that genuine sustainability requires concrete methods, measurable targets, and attention to social equity and ecological limits. Overall, sjálfbært denotes efforts to create systems that endure by reducing harm, conserving resources, and fostering balanced, place-conscious development.