Reducing our biodiversity footprint
Utrecht University has mapped its biodiversity footprint to investigate the impact of its activities on nature and species diversity. This helps the university to make conscious choices for a future in which biodiversity is actively protected and restored.
What is a biodiversity footprint?
The biodiversity footprint shows how much impact an organisation's work has on biodiversity through its use of raw materials and the waste and emissions it produces. The carbon footprint only looks at CO₂ emissions and how they contribute to global warming. The biodiversity footprint also looks at other issues that are harmful to nature. These include the use of land and water, soil acidification or depletion, toxic substances that end up in nature, and fertilisers that pollute rivers and lakes. Gaining insight into the biodiversity footprint is very valuable. It provides information that can be used to steer efforts towards reducing the footprint.
Where can UU make a difference?
The first measurement of UU's biodiversity footprint covers the year 2024. The total footprint has been calculated at 2,244 points, based on what are known as fractional hectare-years (PDF.ha.jr). This is a scientific measure that indicates how much species habitat is potentially under pressure. You can think of it as a score for biodiversity loss. By way of comparison, 2,244 points corresponds to the disappearance of all species in a nature reserve covering more than 3,207 football pitches over the course of one year.
The measurement shows where the UU has the greatest impact and therefore where we can make the most difference with targeted actions. This impact is mainly in energy consumption, food, materials and printing. Thanks to the results, we know where we can take positive steps to further protect and restore biodiversity.
What is UU doing to reduce its impact?
UU is taking concrete steps to reduce its biodiversity footprint. We are generating more and more of our own energy sustainably: with our own solar park (under construction) and a thermal energy storage system (TES) that is already largely in use. This makes us less dependent on natural gas. We are also focusing on positive change in other areas: at the university farm, we use local and circular animal feed, and in and around Utrecht Science Park, we are strengthening nature by constructing two ecological connection zones and implementing a different mowing policy. This makes it easier for plants and animals to move between nature areas.
Behavioural change also plays an important role: printing less, using chemicals more consciously and choosing more sustainable food, such as cocoa and dairy products from responsible agriculture. The measures are aimed at ensuring that UU not only reduces its footprint, but also actively contributes to the restoration of biodiversity.
The ambition for 2030 is clear: to reduce UU's biodiversity footprint by at least 35%. Thanks to this measurement, we now know exactly where we can make the most impact and where our efforts will make the most difference. In the long term, we aim to balance our impact on biodiversity; we want to help restore what we influence.