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Sustainability office

Switzerland

Sophie Meisser
Ms
Sophie Meisser
Head of the Sustainability office

Achievements

Discover the achievements regarding Sustainability at the HUG

The various services and departments of the HUG are committed to sustainability through various projects and actions, some of which are presented below.

Filters
Sustainable consumption and production
Controlling and reducing energy consumption

Reducing and optimizing energy consumption is one of the key objectives of our sustainability strategy. The HUG also participate in federal and cantonal energy-saving programs. 

Climate and health
Ecological transition in healthcare: launch of the eco-care unit label specific to the HUG

Aware that healthcare activities significantly contribute to the environmental impacts of the institution, the HUG have set various objectives in their sustainability strategy to make medical and nursing practices more sustainable. 

Sustainable consumption and production
Optimizing the number of items of equipment and promoting their second life

To limit the purchase of new equipment and promote sustainable consumption and production, the HUG have set up a number of initiatives. They aim to optimize the lifespan of equipment, in particular by promoting reuse and circular economy cycles.   

Sustainable consumption and production
Promote reusable tableware

The HUG continue their commitment to better waste management and reduced food waste. 

Sustainable consumption and production
Reducing food waste

The HUG continue their commitment to reducing food waste, recovering foodstuffs that can still be consumed and reducing losses.

 

Sustainable consumption and production
Tencel garments

New, more comfortable and lighter garments for medical and nursing staff, particularly in hot weather, are gradually replacing some professional garments.

Sustainable consumption and production
Sustainable IT

In recent years, the HUG have implemented actions aimed at reducing their carbon footprint and limiting the purchase of computer equipment. 

Sustainable consumption and production
Eco-responsible cleaning

The HUG introduces chemical-free, eco-responsible floor cleaning.

Climate and health
Green spaces and bio-diversity

The HUG practices responsible management of its 32 hectares of green spaces, divided into flower gardens and plantings, meadows, trees and groves.

Sustainable consumption and production
Balanced, local and seasonal food

Every day, the HUG Catering Service prepares over 10,000 meals for hospital patients and staff, as well as for various public-sector partners in Geneva, such as the Institution genevois de maintien à domicile (Imad), medico-social establishments and schools. 

Sustainable consumption and production
Waste management and reduction

For more than thirty years the HUG have set up the infrastructure to encourage sorting and recycling, and regularly carry out awareness-raising activities.

Climate and health
Renewable electricity production

The HUG is working to control its energy consumption and to develop new sources of energy, in particular through solar panels.

Sustainable consumption and production
A fleet of electric vehicles

The HUG has a unique network of underground passageways on its main site, stretching over 13 km between the various buildings.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
Equal-Salary Certification

The HUG have obtained the Equal-Salary certification in 2021, which was renewed in 2024 for a period of 3 years. This certification confirms and guarantees that the institution offers equal pay to its female and male staff for the same work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
Vegetable and flower gardens at the hospital

The green spaces and gardens of the HUG are maintained to provide a welcoming and alternative space for interacting outside away from the care setting, both for patients and healthcare teams.

Climate and health
Promotion of sustainable mobility

Aware of the environmental and health issues, the HUG integrated a mobility plan into its sustainability commitments several years ago.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
Diversity, equality and inclusion program

The HUG have developed a program to promote equality and inclusion as well as to combat all forms of discrimination, sexism and violence.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
Development of managerial values

To support managers and their teams in developing the quality of interpersonal relationships for harmonious collaboration.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
Disability program

In Switzerland 1.8 million people live with a physical, psychological, mental or sensory disability. Through its disability program and its specially trained team, the HUG are fully committed to reducing inequalities in access to healthcare.

Equality, diversity and inclusion
Complaint-handling committee and hotline

In March 2021 the HUG set up a committee to deal with complaints of harassment and discrimination.

Last update : 01/11/2022