Nitrogen
UVA's goal is to reduce nitrogen losses to the environment by 30% relative to 2010 levels by 2030.
UVA is home to leading-edge nitrogen research that looks at impacts, causes and reduction strategies for reactive nitrogen.
While most nitrogen in the atmosphere exists as inert gas, reactive nitrogen is found in many forms that contribute to environmental and human health issues, including algae blooms, ozone depletion, forest dieback and respiratory illness. Reactive nitrogen is a common byproduct of three important processes: energy combustion, food production and wastewater treatment.
In 2013, UVA became the first university in the nation to set an official reduction goal -- reduce by 25% below 2010 levels by 2025 and became the first university in the world to release a Nitrogen Action Plan setting forth a roadmap to meet this goal.
The Nitrogen Working Group is working to create an updated action plan outlining steps the University will take to reach the new 30% by 2030 goal. which was set as part of UVA's 2020-2030 Sustainable Plan.
Nitrogen – and why it’s important
Chances are you’ve heard of nitrogen: it’s one of the most abundant elements on our Earth. N2 comprises 78% of the air that we breathe; this form is known as unreactive nitrogen. When N2 combines with other elements, like oxygen or hydrogen, it forms compounds known as reactive nitrogen. Reactive nitrogen is essential to plant growth, however, too much of these compounds in the environment causes problems. Humans contribute to excess reactive nitrogen to the environment in two main ways:
- Food production and consumption: agricultural fertilizer use, animal by-products, and waste
- Burning of fossil fuels through transportation and energy use contributes to pollution
Excess nitrogen in our environment has a cascade of negative effects both on the global and local environment. These include smog, forest diebacks, acidification of fresh water, eutrophication, climate change, and ozone hole depletion.
Reducing UVA’s Nitrogen Footprint and how you can help!
Nitrogen (N) footprints are driven by fossil fuel combustion, transportation, and food production and consumption. UVA’s nitrogen footprint is driven by food (~50-70%) as well as energy use (~50-30%). In 2019, UVA’s first nitrogen action plan was published and outlined the following steps to reduce the N footprint of the university
- Increasing plant-forward meals - UVA Dine and UVA Health System are working to increase plant-based offerings and reduce meat, particularly red meat, intensive meals. Initiatives have included eliminating meat from certain dining stations, increasing offerings of CoolFoods menu items, and promoting the environmental and nutritional benefits of eating plant-based. Other dining strategies have included back of house composting and waste reduction initiatives. You can help by choosing some of the plant-based options on grounds and minimizing your food waste!
- Reducing fossil fuel consumption - The university is committed to becoming fossil fuel free by 2050 which in turn helps to reduce the N footprint. Increasing building efficiency, purchasing off-site solar, and keeping sustainability top of mind in new building projects benefits the N footprint as fewer fossil fuels are burned. You can help by turning off your lights before leaving for the day and washing your laundry in cold water.
Engaging collaborators in the nitrogen footprint
Reducing the N footprint of UVA takes stakeholder engagement across many different faucets. The core mission of the NWG is to evaluate, track, and reduce the N footprint as well as spread awareness surrounding nitrogen and its myriad of environmental impacts. Specifically, we have collaborated with the following groups across ground in data collection and outreach: Facilities Management, UVA Dine, UVA Health System dining, UVA Darden dining, Housing and Residence Life, Moven Sustainability Lab, SWAP UVA, and Green Athletics. These partners are essential in helping UVA reach its goal and beyond.