The HUG practices responsible management of its 32 hectares of green spaces, divided into flower gardens and plantings, meadows, trees and groves.
Scattered across the various HUG sites, green spaces account for almost 50% of the HUG grounds. Since 2017 the HUG have been practicing ecological management and maintenance. Phytosanitary products have mainly been replaced by organic products and mechanical actions.
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After two years of conversion to organic gardening on all hospital sites, the HUG are the first Swiss hospital to obtain the « Bourgeon Bio Suisse » label, in April 2024. This label guarantees that the maintenance team respects the most environmentally-friendly and biodiverse maintenance practices for green spaces.
In 2024, the completion of surveys and detailed mapping of green roof surfaces on hospital sites allowed us to count over 11,900 m2 of green roofs. This figure enables the HUG to meet the target set in their sustainability strategy for green areas and green roofs.
17.3% of the HUG's 32 hectares of vegetated surfaces have been identified as biodiversity-promoting surfaces (12% more than in 2023). These areas are certified “Bourgeon BIO Suisse®”.
To continue efforts to make the sites more pleasant and welcoming, in 2024 the HUG completed work on the green spaces around the Childhood and Adolescence House, which opened in 2023. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of nature for reducing stress, anxiety and promoting general physical health. Regarding the choice of plantings, preference was given to organic, local and perennial drought-resistant plants.
In addition to being an integral part of the landscape of the Joli-Mont clinic, the sheep in the park also constitute an eco-responsible alternative to mowing for maintaining the park. Placed for several days to graze in one part of the park, they are then moved on to another area until the entire surface dedicated to them has been covered.
The 3-hectare park on the Loëx site includes a small animal area, home to a tribe of dwarf goats.
The HUG contribute to the protection of several species
More than 40 nesting boxes have been installed on hospital sites for various species, including the redstart, blue tits, great tits, pigeons and bats.
The HUG have also made the laboratory building roof available for the installation of a nesting box for the peregrine falcon, the fastest bird in Switzerland. When swooping down, it can reach speeds of over 350 km/h. This protected bird of prey had almost disappeared from Switzerland. Currently there are about 250 pairs.
14 beehives and insect hotels have also been placed at various hospital sites.