# Utrecht Canonical URL: [Utrecht](https://plantbaseduniversities.org/utrecht) Campaign last updated: 2026-10-23T11:34:08.396Z City: Utrecht ## Plant-Based for U\! Help us turn the University & Hogeschool Utrecht fully plant-based\! Signatures displayed: 1,130. Current signature goal: 1,500. Counts can change. ## What is the problem? ### Diet Change not Climate Change In Europe, food alone is responsible for 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with meat and dairy production making up most of that percentage ([Petrovic, 2015](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211601X15001315)). Animal farming is also the leading cause of global deforestation and biodiversity loss ([Ritchie & Roser, 2021](https://ourworldindata.org/forests-and-deforestation)). On top of this, 90% of the world’s water footprint comes from animal agriculture, including the majority of freshwater ([Holdinghausen, 2021](https://eu.boell.org/en/2021/09/07/water-thirsty-animals-thirsty-crops)). It is clear that our reliance on animal agriculture is detrimental to the planet we are trying to protect. ## What can we do? ### UU missed their climate goals Every plate is a decision the UU and HU make and can change. The University of Utrecht has already committed to 80% plant-based catering by 2025 but seems far from fulfilling this ratio, while also pledging to [structurally reduce CO₂ emissions](https://www.uu.nl/en/organisation/sustainability-at-the-university/strategic-sustainability-execution-plan). Going 100% plant-based is one of the most visible, controllable ways to actually deliver on that promise, as switching to plant-based meals leads to [84% less CO2 emissions](https://bryantresearch.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Case-for-Plant-Based-University-Catering.pdf) than meat-based alternatives while only requiring a tenth of the land use. ## Is that even possible? University of Graz went fully plant-based. De Nieuwe Mensa, a student-run canteen at the Universiteit van Amsterdam, already now serves several hundred fully plant-based meals every day — and Utrecht can be next\! ## Petition To the Boards of the University and Hogeschool Utrecht We are in a state of climate emergency. UU's and HU’s public principles state a clear commitment to addressing this. The role of food systems within this ecological crisis has often been understated, but, in light of emerging climate science, we can no longer ignore it. In Europe, food alone is responsible for 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with meat and dairy production making up most of that percentage ([Petrovic, 2015](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211601X15001315)). Animal farming is also the leading cause of global deforestation and biodiversity loss ([Ritchie & Roser, 2021](https://ourworldindata.org/forests-and-deforestation)). On top of this, 90% of the world’s water footprint comes from animal agriculture, including the majority of freshwater ([Holdinghausen, 2021](https://eu.boell.org/en/2021/09/07/water-thirsty-animals-thirsty-crops)). It is clear that our reliance on animal agriculture is detrimental to the planet we are trying to protect. Our understanding of the negative climate impact of animal agriculture has been driven by universities. Our academic institutions are sites of knowledge, and therefore have a responsibility to take necessary action according to this research. We are not asking for individual dietary change, but rather institutional divestment from environmentally damaging industries. We want UU and HU to stop offering animal products and commit to a transition towards fully plant-based catering. Utrecht University and Hogeschool Utrecht have shown that sustainability is of the highest importance. For example, the implementation of vegetarian banqueting for meetings and events at both UU and HU, as well as oat milk coffee machines, were a significant and crucial step towards a sustainable campus. These measures have now become widely accepted. Our goal is a transition to sustainable, 100% plant-based catering at UU and HU, in line with their own sustainability goals. We have currently surpassed our initial target of 1000 signatures\! Your support could make all the difference. Sign this petition to help end the climate emergency and make Utrecht University and Hogeschool Utrecht truly just and sustainable institutions\! Follow us [on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/pbu.utrecht/) if you want to stay updated\! @pbu.utrecht NOTE: This petition is only directed at UU and HU students/staff members\! ## Get involved and follow updates [Visit the campaign page](https://plantbaseduniversities.org/utrecht) to join the team or sign the petition, and read the latest campaign timeline. Contact: pbuniutrecht@gmail.com [Campaign Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/pbu.utrecht/)