The majority of the effects of climate change will be highly related to water, so companies need to develop climate adaptation strategies considering the continuously changing water circumstances. – emphasized participants at the CEO roundtable discussions in May and in September that focused on Water through the Action 2020 Hungary program.
BCSDH’s CEO round-table discussions were held in May and continued in September. The purpose of the events was to define those focal areas in which BCSDH can define concrete recommendations and activities for the business sector. The hosts of the round-table discussions were BCSDH’s member companies LeasePlan, Szentkirályi, Future FM and Zwack Unicum.
Participants agreed that all companies, regardless of industry and size, are affected by the drastically changing water conditions. The first significant step in this, is the development of climate adaptation strategies and the implementation of circular water management. Preventing consumption, reducing, reusing, and recycling used water, as well releasing it back will all contribute to reducing company’s water footprint. Finally, it is crucial to create partnerships in the value chain and operational environment to increase water efficiency and water renewal.
The aim of BCSDH is to define recommendations and activities for the business sector regarding water with which companies can create real impact. Moreover, companies can introduce their business solutions on 10th October at BCSDH’s business lunch and in related publications so that they can be adapted by other companies.
The main sponsor of the Action2020 program in 2019 is Nestlé; highlighted sponsor is McDonald’s; further sponsors include: Alteo, BDL, E.ON, Essity, Folprint, HungaroControl, HVG, MOL, Rossmann, Unilever.
Photos taken at these events can be found on a gallery at our website.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/DSC_6176.jpg6821024Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2019-09-20 11:19:162022-09-19 14:44:36What does responsible water management mean to companies?
Moving into the 21st year of their partnership, Siemens and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME) are expanding their cooperation: several partner companies of Siemens Group are joining the framework contract extended for another five years. At the signature ceremony of the agreement the leaders of these companies also shared their plans and objectives regarding the partnership.
The partnership between the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and Siemens started 20 years ago, in 1999 with the aim of providing the opportunity for professional development to the next generations, supporting the training of future engineers. The two organisations renew their cooperation every five years so with this present, i.e. fifth contract they have 20-year experience regarding their partnership.
This occasion is special as several partner companies of the Siemens Group have joined the cooperation this year, emphasizing that it is of utmost importance for the company to contribute to the further improvement of engineer training. Siemens Mobility Kft. engaged in traffic systems, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Kft. dealing with renewable energy and evosoft Hungary Kft. operating as a software developer are all committed to the professional support of engineering students.
The framework agreement concluded for the period of 2019-2023 was signed today at the signature ceremony by Dr. János Józsa Rector and Attila Kotán Chancellor on behalf of BME; Dale A. Martin, CEO of Siemens Zrt.; Dr. László Ludvig, Managing Director of Siemens Mobility Kft.; István Petényi, Managing Director of evosoft Hungary Kft.; and Péter Albrecht, Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Kft.
“I am happy and proud that BME and our group make the mutual decision year by year to continue this exemplary cooperation, benefitting not only the organisations concerned but also the students and the whole country. We are placing great importance on the infrastructural support of university and student projects also this year, helping students to obtain internship positions and employment in order to enable them to develop their talent, and we are still supporting innovative student ideas and programmes,” said Dale A. Martin, the CEO of Siemens Zrt.
“Without strong, reciprocal industrial cooperation, the University of Technology would not experience this expected, satisfying, steady progress. In all this, Siemens has been our key partner for two decades now. Our joint results speak for themselves but we need to relentlessly establish the grounds for future success today as it is not born of its own accord. The ongoing maintenance and expansion of relations for the development of new technologies and methods guarantee the success of our joint innovation activity,” said Dr. János Józsa, Rector of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
“Siemens Mobility Kft. was the first to support the programme of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology providing a dual degree. Our company awards scholarships to six talented computer engineer and electrical engineer students winning Mobility’s competition for one or two semesters. We know that tomorrow’s professionals are sitting at the school desks; it is worth finding and supporting them even during their training. We are proud that we can make it possible for these young people to gain experience in the latest technologies even during their university years thanks to our scholarship; we count on them during and after their studies to participate in the research of innovative solutions,” highlighted Dr. László Ludvig, Managing Director of Siemens Mobility Kft.
“As a knowledge-based company, we consider it an essential part of our mission to pass down the expertise of our engineers and computer scientists to the future engineers. We believe that it is a mutually beneficial cooperation to support the students’ practical education and provide them with state-of-the-art technologies to help them gain knowledge. They may drive our company in the future and they hold the promise of our future,” pointed out István Petényi, Managing Director of evosoft Hungary Kft.
“Our key strategy is to bring activities with increasing added value from the international arena to Hungary. To ensure its best implementation, we must keep an eye on the future generation of engineers and make every effort to guarantee they have the knowledge that later on may be important to, apart from the Hungarian society, our company. We also strongly support the cooperation and are happy to be part of this initiative,” said Péter Albrecht, Managing Director of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Kft.
The two parties took their partnership to a higher level in 2016: Siemens was the first in Hungary to start a dual technical master’s degree programme in cooperation with the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. The theory is taught to the participating students at the university, while they become acquainted with the practical expectations of the labour market at Siemens. Siemens will continue to concentrate on supporting the professional talents of the next generation of employees in the most possible areas.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/siemens.png170450adminhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngadmin2019-09-17 09:11:412022-09-19 14:43:16Siemens and BME are extending their strategic cooperation for another five years
In September Nestlé officially inaugurated the Institute of Packaging Sciences, the first-of-its-kind in the food industry. The new Institute enables Nestlé to accelerate its efforts to bring functional, safe and environmentally friendly packaging solutions to the market and to address the global challenge of plastic packaging waste.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO, said, “Our vision is a world in which none of our packaging ends up in landfill or as litter. To achieve this we introduce reusable packaging solutions and pioneer environmentally friendly packaging materials. Furthermore, we support the development of local recycling infrastructure and deposit schemes to help shape a waste-free world. The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences enables us to create a strong pipeline of sustainable packaging solutions for Nestlé products across businesses and markets.”
The Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences focuses on a number of science and technology areas, such as refillable or reusable packaging, simplified packaging materials, recycled packaging materials, high-performance barrier papers as well as bio-based, compostable and biodegradable materials.
Stefan Palzer, Nestlé CTO said, “Reducing plastic waste and mitigating climate change effects through cutting-edge technology and product design are a priority for us. Nestlé experts are co-developing and testing new environmentally friendly packaging materials and systems together with our development centers, suppliers, research institutions and start-ups. Located at our Nestlé Research facilities in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Institute also leverages our existing research capabilities in food safety, analytics and food science.”
Commenting on the inauguration, Sander Defruyt, New Plastics Economy Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said: “Nestlé was one of the first companies to sign the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, setting concrete targets to eliminate plastic waste and pollution at the source. It is great to see the world’s largest consumer goods company now increasing its research focus and capacity to deliver on these ambitions.”
Nestlé is already making progress towards its 2025 packaging commitments, and has launched novel packaging solutions. For example, Nestlé packaging experts and suppliers developed products in recyclable paper packaging such as the Nesquik All Natural cocoa powder and the YES! snack bars in under 12 months.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nestle-1.png170450adminhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngadmin2019-09-15 11:27:222022-09-19 14:45:37Nestlé inaugurates packaging research institute, first-of-its-kind in the food industry
In the presence of János Áder, President of the Republic, and László Palkovics, Minister of Innovation and Technology, the first research and development program of ALTEO, worth EUR 3,2 million, was completed. The Hungarian listed company was one of the first companies in Central-Eastern Europe and Hungary to build an industrial-scale battery storage facility. The innovation was supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office with nearly EUR1,5 million.
The implementation lasted from July 2017 to June 2019, and since August last year the test run and minor improvements have been implemented. The facility has been successfully connected to the domestic electricity network by ALTEO, which can greatly contribute to the utilization of weather-dependent renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alteo.png170450adminhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngadmin2019-09-14 12:11:042022-09-19 14:41:33Innovative industrial energy storage project of ALTEO
From 1st September, 2019 onwards, Edit Csizmadia will be the new Head of Corporate Programs of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH).
The new project manager will be responsible for the extended duties of Zsófia Dudás Galambosné, who has just welcomed her third child and will dedicate her time to the family.
Edit Csizmadia has gained more than 10 years of experience in the area of sustainability and communications in several roles: she coordinated TREND FM’s CSR broadcast, she was responsible for the communications at KÖVET Association thus has been involved, among other things, in organizing CSR Market and other conferences, trainings and corporate sustainability projects.As a consultant of Denkstatt Ltd., she supported several companies in the implementation of sustainable corporate projects and conducted researches with several non-governmental organizations. She also gained industrial experience directly as a sustainability expert at MOL Plc. Edit has cooperated with the BCSDH in many of her positions over the years.
The organization, which now has 90 member companies, has reached another phase of its development. The ever-expanding activities make it necessary for and also allows the new Head of Corporate Programs to perform her expanded duties in a full-time job. In addition to the Action2020 Hungary program, the new project manager will also be responsible for developing the strategy of the Action2030 program, managing the Circular Economy Platform representing BCSDH, coordinating the related working groups and expanding the function of BCSDH as an expert.
The primary goal of Edit Csizmadia begins after the worthy closure of the Action 2020 Hungary, when a similarly successful program needs to be established, which responds to the challenges of today’s world, providing sufficient inspiration to domestic CEOs committed to sustainability.
Another important task she highlights, is the real impact of the Circular Economy Platform, which operates at a regional and a national level and is implemented through the active participation of companies and the dissemination of a circular economic model.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Csizmadia-Edit_profil-e1567513328976.jpg717665adminhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngadmin2019-09-03 14:23:442022-09-19 14:40:13Edit Csizmadia is the new Head of Corporate Programs at BCSDH
In September Nestlé announced its ambition to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It embraces the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Ahead of the U.N. Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit this month, Nestlé will sign the ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ pledge.
With this announcement Nestlé is accelerating its climate change efforts. This builds on a decade of work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past four years, Nestlé has aligned its objectives with science-based targets to keep the temperature increase below 2°C. The company is determined to play a leading role in tackling climate change. Over the next two years, it will lay out a time-bound plan including interim targets consistent with the 1.5°C path. Nestlé will review its progress annually to ensure it is on track.
“Climate change is one of the biggest threats we face as a society. It is also one of the greatest risks to the future of our business,” said Mark Schneider, Nestlé CEO. “We are running out of time to avoid the worst effects of global warming. That is why we are setting a bolder ambition to reach a net-zero future. Deploying Nestlé’s global resources and industry know-how, we know we can make a difference at significant scale. Our journey to net zero has already started. Now, we are accelerating our efforts,” he added.
To achieve its 2050 ambition, some of the company’s specific actions include:
Speeding up the transformation of its products in line with consumer trends and choices. Nestlé will launch more products that have a better environmental footprint and contribute to a balanced diet. This includes more plant-based food and beverage options. Nestlé will also look to reformulate its products using more climate-friendly ingredients. Consumer demand for such products is rapidly increasing, and Nestlé’s core strategy is in line with this shift. The company is also moving to alternative packaging materials.
Scaling up initiatives in agriculture to absorb more carbon. Nestlé will strengthen its programs with farmers to restore land and limit greenhouse gas emissions. This includes improved management of its dairy supply chain. Nestlé will step up efforts to protect forests by replanting trees and enhancing biodiversity. All of these initiatives will help build resilient agricultural communities.
Using 100% renewable electricity in Nestlé factories, warehouses, logistics and offices. A third of Nestlé factories (143) are already using 100% renewable electricity. Nestlé will continue to increase the use of energy from renewable sources. This will enable suppliers to invest in new infrastructure such as wind and solar farms.
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C requires transformational change across industries, governments and society as a whole. Nestlé will continue its advocacy for government policies to ensure all sectors move faster towards 1.5°C. Supportive legislation could help to reduce barriers to expanding renewable energy markets, incentivize innovation in the agriculture and forestry sectors to capture more carbon, and help to establish carbon pricing.
Magdi Batato, Executive Vice President, Head of Operations at Nestlé said: “To align our goals to the 1.5°C pathway, we are transforming our operations. This will lead to a major shift in the way our ingredients are produced and sourced. We will need our suppliers to embark on this journey with us. The task is huge but we are determined to make it happen.”
Nestlé’s 2050 ambition adds to its ongoing work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain. The company is making its distribution networks and warehouses more efficient by optimizing routes to reduce fuel consumption and to lower carbon emissions. In the company’s top 100 distribution centers, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by close to 40% over the past four years. Nestlé has intensified its activities to ensure the responsible sourcing of its raw materials and it has made significant progress toward its zero deforestation goal. Since 2014, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain is equivalent to taking 1.2 million cars off the road.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Nestle-1.png170450adminhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngadmin2019-09-01 11:15:372022-10-21 16:22:02Nestlé accelerates action to tackle climate change and commits to zero net emissions by 2050
The Hydroelectric Power Plant operated by ALTEO was temporarily shut down, allowing the company to begin reconstruction of the facility, which has been in operation since 1903, for long-term sustainable and safe operation. The historic generator and turbine have not undergone major refurbishments in the last 48 years, but the EUR 3,2 million investment has the potential to extend the plant’s lifespan by approximately 70 years with a 70 percent increase in power. Following the construction, the plant is expected to be technically completed in the second half of 2020, after which the old turbines removed from the power plant will be available for public viewing.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alteo.png170450adminhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngadmin2019-08-01 13:19:032022-09-19 14:50:30The reconstruction of the Hydroelectric Power Plant in Gibárt has begun
The Tisza and the Tisza Lake have astonishing natural assets beloved by many Hungarian and foreign tourists as a holiday resort and fishing spot. However, a large amount of driftwood, organic material and communal waste are washed down here most of them originating from Ukraine and Romania. The Kisköre Dam is the first facility in the Hungarian section of the river which can stop the flood of waste thus protecting the lower sections.
This problem needs joint efforts to be tackled effectively. Water management authorities, civilian and industry players – the National Directorate General for Water Management, Plastic Cup and Coca‑Cola Hungary – announced jointly in the summer of 2019 that they were prepared to manage the challenge collectively.
Plastic Cup has held waste collecting activities on the Upper Tisza for years, which the Coca‑Cola joined so that they could help manage the situation with a financial support of HUF 73 million provided by the global foundation of the company and its employees’ volunteer work. Therefore, the program Zero Waste Tisza was launched this summer aimed at providing a constant protection, waste collection and recycling – namely cleaning up the river in an increasing proportion.
In the first action in this summer, 70 volunteers of the company collected a total of 1.5 tonnes of waste assisted by Plastic Cup. This time, to join the second activity, almost 100 employees of Coca‑Cola Hungary showed up in the vicinity of Kisköre and Dinnyéshát on the 27th of September. By this means, they supported the objectives of the World Cleanup Day which took place on 21st of September.
The outcome of the second action surpassed that of the first one: this time 170 bags of waste corresponding to 1.8 tonnes had been removed from the Tisza. Among the waste collected communal waste, glasses, metals and objects made of PET could be found. Most of them had been sorted out based on their type at the spot.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/coca-cola-hbc.png170450eszter.chikankovacshttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngeszter.chikankovacs2019-08-01 12:11:142022-10-21 16:22:10Almost 2 tonnes of waste were collected by employees of Coca‑Cola Hungary on the upper section of the River Tisza
Cothec Ltd. has 20 years of experience in the Hungarian energy services market. The last few years have brought about many changes, challenges and continuous improvement. They would like to thank their Partners and Clients for their cooperation, trust and support.
Thanks to the eco-friendly technical-based energy services of Cothec Ltd., more than 200 municipal and stately-owned buildings, as well as nearly 80 residential buildings have been renewed within 20 years. The Company’s activities have managed to achieve 15,000 t/year of CO2 savings (equivalent to the annual emissions of about 5.000 detached houses), proving the environmentally conscious way of thinking of the Company. In view of the favourable environmental effects of decentralized heat production, from 2009 onwards, it has been providing district heat services for 4 cities and district heat generation services for 2 cities having more than 2.000 satisfied consumers.
Major references of the Company include Alfréd Hajós Swimming Pool, Opel Factory, Petz Aladár County Hospital in Győr, and the refurbishment and energy efficient operation of the Eastern Railway Station.
During the year 2019, the company reborn, supported by its long history and experience, involving other expert colleagues on board, it will do its best to continue working successfully with its Partners and Clients further on.
Owned by ENGIE Group, Cofely Ltd. -mainly engaged in the operation and maintenance of building engineering installations and energy systems – merged with Cothec Ltd. in 2019. As a result, ENGIE Magyarország Kft was established on 1 August.
Starting from the value chain of Cothec and Cofely, ENGIE Magyarország Kft. combines the strengths of the companies, thus creating a specialized company providing complex and environmentally friendly energy solutions in the Hungarian energy market, providing services ranging from project planning to execution, financing to operation and maintenance as well as full-scale energy services.
Vision
As an energy supplier, ENGIE Magyarország Kft. becomes a dominant player in the Hungarian energy and service market, offering sustainable and energy-efficient solutions to its corporate clients, constantly striving to improve quality, profitability and competitiveness.
Mission
Providing full-scale service to our customers
Dedicated, responsible and reliable team, a forerunner in problem- solving
Sustainability and innovation
Stable, reliable, professional activity
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/engie.png170450adminhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngadmin2019-08-01 10:12:182022-09-19 14:52:26Revived for an energy efficient future
The construction work was completed at ALTEO’s solar power plants on the outskirts of Nagykőrös and in Balatonberény, so following the handover, two more power plants were included in the energy portfolio of the listed company. ALTEO has four self-constructed solar power plants, including the self-constructed power plants in Monor and Domaszék. The company’s solar power projects are now rated at 20 megawatts and the full portfolio of renewable energy sources reaches 55 megawatts.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alteo.png170450adminhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngadmin2019-07-29 13:12:292022-09-19 14:53:06Two new solar power plants have been launched at ALTEO