The HUG practices responsible management of its 24 hectares of green spaces, divided into flower gardens and plantings, meadows, trees and groves.
Scattered over the different sites of the HUG, the green spaces represent 18% 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 Phytosanitary products have mainly been replaced by organic products and mechanical actions.
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.
To make the Cluse-Roseraie site more pleasant and welcoming, since May 2023, efforts have been made to make it greener. 148 tubs containing trees, shrubs and a variety of plants have been installed.
Regarding the choice of plantings, preference was given to organic and local products, in order to encourage a transition to organic gardening of green spaces on all hospital sites.
This initiative is also part of the Health and Climate axis of the HUG's Sustainability Strategy, which notably aims to increase the green areas on the Cluse-Roseraie site by 10%. Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of nature for reducing stress, anxiety and promoting general physical health.
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 30 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.
16 beehives and insect hotels have also been placed at various hospital sites.