March 2015 - BCSDH

Donations continuing to gather at the terminals of Budapest Airport

The passengers of Budapest Airport donated nearly 2.5 million HUF to three charitable organizations in the space of a single year. Proceeds from the money boxes placed at the terminals of Budapest Airport are currently used to support the activities of the International Children’s Safety Service, WWF Hungary and the Hungarian Volunteer Sending Foundation. The airport operator introduced its new donation policy at the beginning of last year; a total of 6 new money boxes with a uniform appearance were placed, and an invitational tender was conducted for charitable organizations operating in Hungary, in order to receive a share of the proceeds.

During the handover of the donations collected in 2014, WWF Hungary was represented by director Katalin Sipos, the International Children’s Safety Service by deputy chairman Péter Harrach and the Hungarian Volunteer Sending Foundation by communications manager Zsolt Molnár. As agreed between Budapest Airport and the three charitable organizations, the money collected at the airport will be used in a targeted manner, i.e. on a large project by each beneficiary. Accordingly, passengers’ donations will contribute to organizing the Children’s Safety Service’s traditional equestrian therapy race held in Fót, a large international volunteer sending conference and the protection of the natural habitat of the wolves gradually re-settling in Hungary.

The donations were handed over by Gábor Szarvas, community affairs, environment, health & safety director for Budapest Airport, who thanked passengers for their unselfish support. “We are delighted to acknowledge that the new donations policy introduced last year is working well at the airport, and that our initiative seems to resonate with travelers,” he said. “We thank passengers for their generous donations. We are certain that they are happy to support the noble causes and initiatives selected as part of our policy,” he added.

26.03.2015

Coca-Cola HBC AG continues commitment to creating shared value with 2014 Integrated Annual Report

Member News

Coca-Cola HBC AG (Coca-Cola HBC or the Company), the world’s second largest bottler of products of The Coca-Cola Company in terms of volume, published its 2014 Integrated Annual Report ‘It’s Good to Share on 20th March 2015.

This is the Company’s third integrated report and the first time it is reporting on all aspects of business, governance and sustainability performance in a single report, celebrating the relationships and partnerships that are key to its success.

Dimitris Lois, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We know that our success is closely linked to the vibrancy and wellbeing of our consumers and the communities we serve. For more than ten years, we have continuously refined our approach to managing our business responsibly and sustainably, ensuring that we earn trust by creating value for all our stakeholders. This value is increasingly shaped by factors beyond financial performance, such as environmental and social responsibility, reputation in the communities we serve, stakeholder engagement and investment into the development of our people – all of which contribute to the resilience of our business.”

Coca-Cola HBC endeavours to deliver value through outputs achieved with the highest level of quality, efficiency and care. In 2014, these included:

2 billion unit cases of beverages sold
589 million consumers served
2.1 million customers in 28 countries
36,362 direct employees, over 600.000 people employed in the entire value chain
€8.7 million invested in community programmes
31,296 volunteer hours invested to further social and environmental initiatives
Water footprint reduced to 18.4 billion litres
Carbon footprint reduced to 718,766 tonnes
Packaging recovery 73%
Recycled waste from operations 91%

In 2014, the Company’s sustainability initiatives focused on three key areas: promoting health and wellness, minimising environmental impact and benefitting local communities. Highlights in these areas include:

Health and wellness

1.6 million active participants in sports and fitness programmes
Low or no calorie soft drinks options available in all markets as of 2015
Voluntary front of pack calorie information on packages

Minimising environmental impact

Reducing total absolute carbon emissions by 7.8 % compared to 2013
Investing €5.8 million in water saving projects in more than 20 countries, saving more than 1.1 million cubic metres of water
Eight production plants awarded European Water Stewardship Gold certification
€4.3 million investment in energy saving programmes, reducing energy consumption by 300 million mega joules

Benefitting local communities

Investing €8.7 million (2.5% of pre-tax profit) in community partnerships and initiatives that address environmental and social issues
Investing €2.4 million in supporting the education of young people to increase chances of employment, and empowering women to become entrepreneurs
Supporting communities in need by investing over 30.000 volunteer hours combined with financial and in-kind donations at times of natural disasters

Coca-Cola HBC became the global industry leader amongst beverage companies in the Dow Jones World and Europe Sustainability Indices in 2014 and has been listed on the FTSE4Good index since the index was established in 2001. The Company was also awarded an A rating by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and a place in its Global Climate Performance Leadership Index.

‘It’s Good to Share – Building Trust, Spreading Happiness’ follows the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) framework and is in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative GRI 3.1. It fulfils Coca-Cola HBC’s commitment to communicate progress on the 10 principles of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the UN CEO Water Mandate and the UN Caring for Climate Business Forum.

Social and environmental disclosures in the Report have been independently verified by Denkstatt GmbH, including the content covering GRI requirements and UNGC communications on progress. Community investment data are verified by the London Benchmarking Group.

Coca-Cola HBC’s 2014 Integrated Annual Report ‘It’s Good to Share – Building Trust, Spreading Happiness’ can be downloaded from: http://www.coca-colahellenic.com/investorrelations/annualreports

Source: http://www.coca-colahellenic.com/newsandmedia/News/2015/20-03-2015b

20.03.2015

Municipal green area development sponsored by Budapest Power Plant

Member News

For many years, there was an abandoned green area in the direct neighbourhood of Kispest Power Plant for whose development the Municipality of District XVIII launched a development programme. The objective of the programme was to create a leisure time park, comprising, among others, the cleaning of a lake located in the area, the construction of a walking trail, as well as grass and tree planting. Budapest Power Plant was glad to participate in the development of the area and to donate eight outdoor benches to the residents of Pestszentlőrinc. The development of the area and cooperation are planned to continue with the construction of a playground and a fitness trail.

15.03.2015

Karlovarské Minerální Vody Group buys Kékkúti Ásványvíz Zrt.

Member News

The Czech Republic based Karlovarské Minerální Vody Group (KMV) buys Kékkúti Ásványvíz Zrt. (Kékkúti). KMV is the largest bottler of mineral water in CEE and has deep expertise in the mineral water business and also wider beverage portfolio offering. KMV plans to employ in full the existing organisation of Kékkúti Ásványvíz Zrt. (110 people) and its Hungarian market entry will bring additional investments as well as ensuring the continued development of the Nestlé Waters brand portfolio.

“We have an ambitious plan for the growth of Kékkúti and it is based on the principles that have made us successful: innovation and a product portfolio for the healthy lifestyle of adults and children. We are consumer-oriented and passionate about local traditions and local products. Our mission is to infuse innovation and competitive drive to Kékkúti inspiring brands that are the part of Hungary’s tradition and that Hungarians love,” Alessandro Pasquale, CEO of KMV, specifies.

KMV started its European program of expansion in 2008. The group, employing 750 people, is now directly present in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Poland and Ukraine and exporting to more than 20 countries.

According to the European Federation of Bottled Waters, the Hungarian market for packaged water is among the most developed in Europe, consumption per capita was particularly high, 119 litres in 2013. The Hungarian market of packaged water shows positive trend with 3,5% CAGR growth in the period of 2008-2013.

Kékkúti Ásványvíz Zrt. is one of the largest mineral water bottlers in Hungary. The company bottles the Theodora and Nestlé Aquarel brands and distributes the international brand portfolio of Nestlé Waters (San Pellegrino, Acqua Panna, Perrier. As a separate legal entity, Kékkúti Ásványvíz Zrt. has been owned by Nestlé Waters, part of Nestlé Group.

Another Hungarian subsidiary of Nestlé Group is Nestlé Hungária Kft. that is not affected by the above changes. Nestlé Hungária Kft. employs over 2000 people in Hungary and made investments in value of more than 60 billion HUF in the Hungarian market during the past 23 years and it is committed to make further significant investments in the future. Nestlé Hungária Kft. has three production facilities in Hungary and 80% of its products are exported to more than 40 countries all over the world.

About KMV
KMV bottles the Mattoni, Magnesia and Aquila brands which are exported to 20 countries around the world. The company’s product portfolio includes natural and flavoured mineral waters, spring waters, iced teas, and distributes fruit juices Granini and carbonated soft drinks Schweppes under a licence agreement.

13.03.2015

Gran Prize Innovative Award 2015

News

Application is now open for the Gran Prize Innovative Interdisciplinary Award 2015 established by The Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Hungary.

Annual prize awarded for outstandingly innovative solutions, papers and projects in response to the most pressing issues of our planet, in the field of environmental protection, sustainable evelopment, design, medicine, health preservation and development and education.

Istvan Salgó, President of BCSDH is member of the Board of Judges.

The SCCH has taken into consideration that persons, students and student groups might not yet have official publications which can be evaluated by the professional associations invited to participate in the Gran Prize award process and on the judging panel of the Gran Prize. Having taken this into account and in accord with the professionals and associations participating in the judging panel of the Gran Prize, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce hereby announces an open call to entry to the Gran Prize Innovative Interdisciplinary Award, with the following conditions:

Entries will be judged with the participation with the persons appointed by the professional associations serving on the judging panel of the Gran Prize.

Deadline for entries : April 24, 2015

Entry requirements:
– Professional resume
– Exact description of the entry and it’s beneficial, in particular innovative aspects
– Maximum length : 10 pages, not including attachments
– Auxiliary documentation of the entry, relevant for the judging of the entry

Submission:

Please upload the applications to www.swedishchamber.hu (Gran Prize submission / pályázat feltöltése) in the following file formats: Word, Excel, pdf and jpeg.
Criterias of evaluation:
– Novelty ( innovative performance, original idea )
– Social responsibility
– Sustainability
– Environmental aspect
– Potential of economic utilization
– Technological aspect

Further information:
Tel: : +36 309/708/433
Email: swedishchamber@swedishchamber.hu
Web: www.swedishchamber.hu

09.03.2015

The new Communications Manager of BCSDH has been introduced

News

At a General Meeting of the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH) held on 24th February, 2015 Eszter Chikán-Kovács, the new Communications Manager, was introduced. The need for the new position was bought about by the successful development of the organization.

Ida Petrik, Managing Director, said that the high standard of professional programs as well as the growing number of member companies make it increasingly important to improve internal and external communication. She emphasized that it is her pleasure that a senior specialist who had previously supported the communication-related work of BCSDH as a volunteer is now joining the organization.

Eszter Chikán-Kovács has gathered more than 10 years’ professional experience, mostly in marketing, (working in the field of brand marketing and strategy) but she has also gained experience in PR and web marketing too. She has given lectures on Marketing Strategy in higher education and worked as senior brand manager at Zwack Unicum Plc. for a long time. Now, as the mother of two young children, Eszter is returning to working life.

Eszter’s main reason for wanting to assist with the communication work of BCSDH was the inspiring fact that the organization’s work combines the promotion of economic interests with increasing social and environmental utility and defines a path by which committed business leaders may be inspired to find new business solutions that bring into being a more liveable future. She is also attracted by the opportunity to gain new professional experience. Another important reason for joining the organisation is that the BCSDH offers family-friendly working conditions, which is crucial for Eszter, the mother of two small children.

According to Eszter, her most important task as the new Communications Manager is to make more visible the idea of corporate sustainability in business media by highlighting member companies’ best practices in order to show good examples to other companies. Her strategic tasks include deepening media relations and taking advantage of the synergy between the communications activities of BCSDH and its member companies.

03.03.2015

New member: SCA Co.

Member News

SCA is a leading global hygiene and forest products company. The Group develops and produces sustainable personal care, tissue and forest products.

Sales are conducted in about 100 countries under many strong brands. As Europe’s largest private forest owner, SCA places considerable emphasis on sustainable forest management.

The Group has about 44,000 employees. Sales in 2013 amounted to EUR 10.7bn.

SCA’s strategy is based on a sustainable business model where value creation for people and nature is put on a par with growth and profitability to ensure a successful company in both the short and long term.

For SCA, sustainability is an integral part of their business model and part of their strategy for growth and value creation.

They are a leading global hygiene and forest products company with a long tradition of taking responsibility for people and for nature. As early as the 1950s, SCA had established an extensive social program for its employees. And our origins as a forest products company have given us a deep connection with and responsibility to the environment.

The 4 strategic sustainability targets:

1. To reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuels by 20%
SCA will reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and from purchased electricity and heating by 20% by 2020, with 2005 as reference year.

2. To source wood only from non-controversial sources
Forestry: SCA’s forests net absorb 2.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, net, every year. This is equivalent to the total amount of fossil carbon dioxide emissions generated by SCA’s entire production.

3. To achieve water sustainability
SCA will reduce its water usage in water-stressed regions by 10% by 2015, with 2010 as reference year

4. Code of Conduct
The Code applies to all employees of SCA worldwide.

SCA Ltd. has joined BCSDH in November 2014.

01.03.2015

New member: METRO

Member News

METRO GROUP is one of the largest and most important international retailing companies. In the financial year 2013/14 it generated sales of around €63 billion. The company operates around 2,200 stores in 30 countries and has a headcount of around 250,000 employees. The performance of METRO GROUP is based on the strength of its sales brands that operate independently in their respective market segments: METRO/MAKRO Cash & Carry – the international leader in self-service wholesale – Media Markt and Saturn – the European market leader in consumer electronics retailing – Real hypermarkets and Galeria Kaufhof department stores.

METRO Cash & Carry is the leading international player in wholesale trade and is the largest sales lines of METRO GROUP: customer-focused, international and innovative. The distinctive business concept is oriented towards helping professional customers to successfully run their own businesses. Celebrating its 50th birthday in 2014, the wholesale company strives to be championing the passion, ambition, creativity and flexibility of independent business.

In Hungary, as in every country it operates, METRO Cash & Carry stays true to its social responsibility and is widely engaged in the local community development as a reliable employer, a dedicated player in the trade infrastructure upgrade and an expert supplier of a broad range of products for its customers. As a responsible corporate citizen, METRO Cash & Carry Hungary aims to make a sustained contribution to the society as well as the environment within its business activities to help secure long-term sustainable growth.

METRO Hungary has joined BCSDH in February 2015.

01.03.2015

New member: BIOFILTER Co.

Member News

BIOFILTER Co. is a environmental social company, specialized in bioenergy sector. It was founded in 1990, and for now, has a national collection and international processing network.

Top priority to produce energy from waste and secondary raw materials. The main profile of the company is supplying second-generation bio-energy sector, by providing the complex process of implementation of reverse logistics from the waste collected. The used cooking oil (UCO) collection, procession and import of purified vegetable oils provides raw material supplies for biodiesel plants in Hungary and neighbouring countries also.

From HoReCa and FMCG area, they collect expired food and wastes, that not allowed to be marketed, but can be used to produce biogas out of it. In 2011, for expanding the company profile, BIOFILTER started to do complex waste treatment, so by now, the company can collect and process 100% of the organic wastes, and 90% of hazardous wastes.

Biofilter Co. has joined BCSDH on 28 January 2015, after signing the ’Recommendations for Business leaders: The Complex Interpretation of Corporate Sustainability’ in November 2014.

Photo: György Deák, CEO of Biofilter Co. at signing the ‘Recommendations for Business leaders: The Complex Interpretation of Corporate Sustainability’

01.03.2015