University of Oulu's biodiversity footprint calculation begins

The agreement on biodiversity footprint calculation was signed as part of the University of Jyväskylä's research project. The project is led by Professor Janne Kotiaho's and Wisdom Fellow Sami El Geneidy’s research group at the JYU Wisdom - School of Resource Wisdom. The research group has previously calculated the biodiversity footprint of the University of Turku, the City of Tampere and the S Group, among others.

In the project, a calculation model will be created to measure the biodiversity and carbon footprints simultaneously at the University of Oulu. The University of Oulu has been calculating its carbon footprint since 2019.

Biodiversity footprint refers to the pressure human activities place on biodiversity. It captures the broader ecological consequences of our actions, and shows the overall impact of a person, organisation, product or service on biodiversity.

“By measuring the biodiversity footprint, we can understand and better address the negative impacts of an organisation's own activities, such as procurement, travel and investment, on nature," says Anni Huovinen, Sustainability and Responsibility Specialist at the University of Oulu. “As a university, our aim is to contribute positively to biodiversity through our research and education,” Huovinen continues.

The introduction of biodiversity footprint calculation in universities is an important part of mainstreaming calculation.

"The project at the University of Oulu will allow us to use the updated nature impact factors and test the reproducibility of the calculation method in different organisations," says Project Researcher Veera Vainio from the University of Jyväskylä.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are globally recognised environmental challenges. According to the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, every second habitat type or species habitat in Finland is endangered. WWF, for its part, has reported a collapse in wildlife populations. When species populations reach a certain point of collapse, it has an impact on the whole ecosystem and thus on the benefits they provide to humans, such as food and clean water.

The University of Oulu is committed to addressing global challenges, including mitigating climate change and safeguarding biodiversity, and to using its multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise to find solutions and impact.

Mirja Illikainen, Vice Rector for Education and the vice rector responsible for sustainability and responsibility at the University of Oulu, sees that starting the calculation of the university's biodiversity footprint closely aligns with the university's strategic goals. “Universities have the opportunity to lead the way in biodiversity footprinting, as they have latest research information on environmental challenges and also the opportunity to influence society by sharing their knowledge and expertise,” Illikainen says.