As the largest employer in the canton, the HUG have an important social responsibility with regards to their employees as well as the community.
As for environmental management, this is a key corporate commitment, anchored in the service contract signed by the HUG and the State of Geneva. In 2009, the HUG were the first European hospitals to conduct a life cycle assessment (regularly extended since), giving an overview of the previous year's activities and providing an environmental action plan. The HUG also adopted an ethical code of conduct including commitments to cut down on energy consumption, promote renewable energy, reduce pollution, increase recycling, and establish responsible purchasing, food policy and eco-mobility.
Action 09.1 : Being recognized as a benchmark employer
The HUG recruitment policy aims to position the hospitals as leading employers, offering exciting career opportunities in more than 180 different professions. The HUG are developing a policy for internships and the recruitment of young people, in partnership with vocational colleges, universities of applied sciences and higher education institutions. Similarly, they offer 150 apprenticeships. Finally, supported work experience for young people in difficulty is currently ongoing. These training programmes aim to address social needs and to train professionals for the jobs of the future.
The HUG have long collaborated with the cantonal employment office to promote the recruitment of the unemployed, particularly in the context of the new cantonal directive introduced in late 2014. Thanks to this commitment to people looking for work, the HUG have also been awarded the cantonal label "1+ for all".
Action 09.2 : Committing on a humanitarian level
As for humanitarian work, the HUG are involved in medical, scientific and charitable projects, and have formed partnerships with organizations such as the WHO, the ICRC and Doctors without Borders. Furthermore, many caregivers are involved in charity work on their own time. In addition, every year, the HUG's senior physicians donate part of their private fees to a humanitarian fund that has funded more than 80 international cooperation projects in 70 countries over the past decade. Geneva University Hospitals also have a humanitarian and tropical medicine department, and a Humanitarian Affairs Commission, established to facilitate, coordinate and develop cooperation projects.
And finally, in partnership with the University of Geneva and various Swiss and international organizations, the HUG created the Geneva Health Forum, which, over the years, has become Switzerland’s leading global health forum, winning it international recognition and praise.
Action 09.3 : Using energy sustainably and efficiently
Over the next few years, Geneva University Hospitals plan to significantly increase their energy efficiency through the installation of more solar panels on buildings, the green data centre project for hosting data, changes to lighting, and a series of improvements to reduce energy consumption.
Action 09.4 : Protecting resources
Over the coming years, the HUG have decided to significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, substantially increase recycling, reduce paper consumption, and assess the risks associated with drug release in wastewater..
Action 09.5 : Buying responsibly
The implementation of a responsible procurement policy and the promotion of local food will help to prioritise seasonal and regional produce and to promote healthy eating (Fourchette Verte label).
Action 09.6 : Travelling differently
Thanks to carpooling, public transport subscriptions at preferential rates for employees, and measures to encourage the use of conventional and electric bicycles, the HUG intends to significantly increase its share of ecomobile journeys, whether they involve business trips, or employee commutes.