Sustainable development is "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," a quote by Mrs. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Prime Minister of Norway (1987).

The sustainable development we envision today is based on three pillars: economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental quality.

It is a principle of organizing human society that takes into account the planet’s finite resources and acts on three interdependent dimensions:

• Environmental dimension: Human activities must be carried out in such a way as not to harm the renewal capacity of natural resources or the proper functioning of ecosystem services;

• Social dimension: The harmonious development of human society relies on social cohesion, ensuring access to basic resources and services (healthcare, education) for all;

• Economic dimension: Economic development must reduce extreme poverty and ensure that the greatest number of people can engage in economically viable and fairly compensated activities.

In the long term, no development will be possible if it is not economically efficient, socially equitable, and ecologically tolerable (ADEME).

In 2015, 193 countries collectively committed to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, as defined by the UN. This initiative is meant to be a universal and cross-cutting approach for all countries worldwide, as all countries are "on the path to sustainable development."

The 17 SDGs are based on five key cross-cutting areas, the "5Ps": People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. These 17 goals serve as a call to action for all countries – whether poor, rich, or middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. This highlights the importance of creating partnerships between local stakeholders (public services and operators, local authorities, businesses, associations and unions, educational and research institutions, citizens, etc.) and mobilizing together to achieve these goals.

At the end of September 2019, France published its roadmap for the 2030 Agenda: Acting for a More Sustainable and Solidary World.

Humans and their environment are at the heart of the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital's institutional project.

This is why, aware of the environmental impacts of healthcare institutions, the CHU has committed to a sustainable development policy since 2013, focusing on the three pillars: environmental, economic, and social.
Our commitment to sustainable development involves promoting existing practices and developing a comprehensive approach.
Integrating sustainable development practices within the organization and the institutional project of the CHU aims to make both our production and consumption methods, as well as our social and managerial practices, more responsible.

The CHU is certified with the Eco-Responsible Maternity Label, Gold level. This THQSE® label highlights the institution's actions in sustainable development and the implementation of numerous actions and protocols by healthcare and medical teams for the care of mothers and infants. It promotes a healthier environment with a reduced impact on the surroundings.

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The CHU's Central Food Production Unit, which prepares meals for all patients and staff within the institution, committed to the 'Mon Restau Responsable®' initiative in 2022. Designed by the Foundation for Nature and Man and the Restau'Co network, this distinction rewards existing best practices and outlines new avenues for improvement to ensure even healthier and more sustainable food.

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