On July 22, 2025, the maternity ward of the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital once again received the THQSE® quality label for a period of three years. First awarded in December 2021, the label—granted by the CSR agency Primum Non Nocere—is one of the most demanding benchmarks in environmental management. It thus highlights the [hospital’s] commitment and exemplary approach in implementing and carrying out a concrete and effective policy of social responsibility and environmental health.
On June 18 and 19, 2025, the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital was audited by the certification body SOCOTEC regarding its sustainable development policy, with a particular focus on the activities of its maternity ward.
Since 2019, the maternity teams have implemented numerous actions and protocols to care for mothers and newborns in a healthier and more environmentally friendly setting. To reaffirm their commitment, the CHU maternity ward entered a process to renew its certification, initially obtained in 2021.
In addition to the first initiatives launched over the past five years (educational room, waiting area for co-parents during scheduled cesarean sections, etc.), environmental responsibility and the well-being of patients and staff are now reflected in new concrete measures at the Clermont-Ferrand CHU maternity ward, including:
- Continued development of more eco-responsible care practices (use of glass bottles for nutritional supplements, adoption of reusable items and elimination of single-use products);
- Deployment of several breastfeeding rooms for staff returning from maternity leave to improve workplace quality of life;
- Enhanced accommodation for the second parent (installation of sleeping arrangements in all maternity rooms).
Highlight the certifying body in the auditThe maternity ward demonstrates a high level of maturity in the topics addressed, with a long-standing commitment to CSR and environmental health, showcasing exemplary actions where the user and eco-responsible care are the cornerstone. The CHU’s governance and ecological transformation policy, its involvement in the local community, and the staff’s engagement in the initiative are all key strengths for the maternity sector.
This label also represents a true recognition of the commitment shown by all CHU teams to sustainable development over nearly 15 years—including logistics, construction, procurement, IT, and more. During its visit, the certifying body praised the teams for the synergy among internal stakeholders at the CHU and their dialogue with suppliers, which together contribute to a virtuous approach.
Some figures
The maternity ward is organized around 55 postnatal beds (distributed across 3 units) and 16 beds dedicated to the high-risk pregnancy unit.
It is the first level-3 maternity ward to be awarded the THQSE® eco-responsible maternity label, making the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital the first CHU in France to receive this certification.
In 2024, the maternity ward recorded 3,515 births, including 64 sets of twins.
