Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ is the first in the Netherlands to measure its biodiversity footprint
Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ (UU) is the first Dutch university to have its biodiversity footprint mapped by PRé Sustainability. This enables the university to investigate the impact of its activities on nature and biodiversity, both locally and globally. It helps UU 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 influence an organization’s work has on biodiversity through its use of raw materials and the production of waste and emissions. The carbon footprint only looks at CO₂ emissions and how they contribute to global warming. The biodiversity footprint also considers other factors 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. This approach is innovative within Dutch higher education.
Biodiversity affects everything: from what we eat and buy to how we build and generate energy. By measuring our biodiversity footprint, we know where we can create the biggest change. This research helps us to make our sustainability strategy even more focused and effective.
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 so-called fractional hectare-years (PDF.ha.jr). This is a scientific measure that indicates how much habitat of species 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), solar panels on university roofs and a thermal energy storage system 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 food, and at and around Utrecht Science Park, we are strengthening nature by constructing two ecological corridors 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 sustainable 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. Our long-term goal is to balance our impact on biodiversity; we want to help restore what we influence.