Tungsram’s R&D vertical farm in Budapest has won the Effekt 2030 Innovation Special Award in the category of the Economy of the Future.
The “award for social investments” is one of the most prestigious of its kind in Hungary and is awarded annually to exemplary corporate responsibility and sustainability programs that bring measurable and presentable positive changes for society and the environment. The jury recognized the vertical farm’s innovative potential in food security for the future. This is the second major recognition of our vertical farming efforts after the Innovation Grand Prize 2020.
The award was received by Tungsram’s agritech leader, Zoltan Sejpes at a hybrid form gala.
The third place has been shared between K&H Bank Zrt. for its @K&H incubator project and Samsung Electronics Magyar Zrt. for its Megoldások a holnapért (Solutions for tomorrow) program, the second place has been won by Vodafone Foundation for the Vodafone Digital Award while dm Kft. won the category for its Giving Friday initiative in the framework of which it shifted attention from hunting bargains to charity.
We thank Effekteam for the opportunity and Zoltán Sejpes, Zsuzsanna Thierry, Szonja Kiss and the Agritech team for their contribution to this success!
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tungsram.png170450Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2021-10-07 12:48:422022-10-21 16:06:04On the right path to the economy of the future
As result of the proceedings of the Hungarian Competition Authority, the retail chain establishes a new regional partnership programme for Hungarian small producers and small enterprises. The vast market provided through directly supporting domestic farmers and small family enterprises, and the nationwide network of the company, also enables creating new jobs. Shoppers will be identify these products from the red apple logo and the “Régiók Kincsei” (Treasures of Regions) label in SPAR stores.
“Our company prioritises supporting Hungarian producers and enterprises, domestic agriculture, which is demonstrated by the fact that almost 90% of all the food products we distribute are sourced from Hungary. The newly-formed network of local small suppliers will further contribute to this in practice. This establishes new purchasing and distribution routes, in addition to the existing sales channels. The Treasures of Regions (Régiók Kincsei) initiative provides tangible support to small family enterprises and private businesses trading with locally-produced agricultural products to take a step forward,” explained Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.
Following the proceedings of the competition authority, SPAR is developing a new regional supplier system in 2021, with implementation fully completed by 2022. The program with a budget of 1.7 billion HUF will increase the sales opportunities of Hungarian small producer suppliers, and will also create new jobs. The aim of the new supplier system integrate many small suppliers carrying out top-quality production activities at the regional level.
The initiative seeks small Hungarian suppliers and producers that provide high-quality domestic products at affordable prices, and ensure product availability in the long term. They are viewed as a well-known and respected enterprises, “Local Heros” in their region, and they set examples for others with their products and activities, creating value that is compatible with SPAR’s corporate principles.
The programme directly supports strengthening local economies. The development effectively contributes to introducing domestic products to the market, which follow traditions and ensure quality and craftsmanship, providing small producers with an opportunity to develop, and also guides the international retail chains to increase the proportion of Hungarian products on their shelves compared to imported products. This initiative also aims to find the shortest supply route, contributing to sustainable economy and production. So far, the “Treasures of Regions” initiative is creating 23 new jobs at SPAR by the end of 2022 and it is also expected to increase employee numbers of the suppliers.
In order to extend the sales opportunities of local small producer suppliers, SPAR gradually establishes six regional supplier centres in major towns, including Nyíregyháza, Pécs and Győr, as well as Székesfehérvár, Zalaegerszeg and Hódmezővásárhely. The centres are already opening in the latter towns in 2021. The regional system targets new micro, small and medium enterprise suppliers in 90%, and also means an extension of current small producer partnerships of the chain. In addition, it improves the chances of domestic small local producers as a whole, supports the development of the local economy and stimulates the demand for local products. The company is also creating a “supplier academy”: it also helps suppliers with training in quality assurance, logistics, warehousing and marketing.
10-13 SPAR stores located in the vicinity of the county regional centres are linked to the new programme. These are selected to make sure that based on base area and retail space, range of products and turnover they can be the most efficient to support the initiative. The selection of the units also takes into consideration sales experience and ideal logistics routes. Producers that meet the requirements of regular goods delivery are primarily sought after based on the latter criteria, as it is in the common interest – of the new partner, the company and the customers – to get the products on the shelves as soon as possible, keeping in mind the quality guarantee as well. In each case, the retail chain relies on the local resources and capacities of the regions of each centre.
The company has established a dedicated interface for those who wish to join the SPAR supplier family. It is easy to apply using the already operating www.beszport.spar.hu website, by providing the requested information. The targeted provision of information to customers related to local goods is supported by dedicated awareness-raising goods dispensers in the stores – shelves in the INTERSPAR hypermarkets and display booths in the SPAR supermarkets. A website assisting customers is also operated, available through the following link: www.spar.hu/regiokkincsei.
SPAR considers it very important that according to the plans, following the complete establishment of the system, at least a hundred small producers will become supplier partners of the corporation, thus also extending the range of goods with domestic products. The addition of products designated with the red apple logo, from producers known by local residents will contribute to shopping experience and will develop a more direct connection between the stores and the consumers.
For more information please contact:
Márk Maczelka, head of communications
SPAR Magyarország Kereskedelmi Kft. ∙ 2060, Bicske, SPAR út
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2021-10-05 05:46:302022-10-21 16:05:56SPAR launches new supplier system for domestic producers with the budget of 1.7 billion HUF
Our newest member is OTP Bank, founded in 1949. represented by Dr. Sándor Csányi, with a nearly HUF 500 bilion total revenue in 2020, with nearly 9 600 employees. OTP Bank is a dominant credit and financial institution in the Hungarian banking sector. As a service provider, their goal is to provide financial services tailored to responsible and fair customer needs.
OTP Bank’s environmental protection activities are regulated by the Environmental Protection Regulations, which ensure compliance with the law and the implementation and integration of environmental aspects into the Bank’s business activities. The regulations also contain rules for enforcing the guidelines for environmentally conscious procurement. OTP Bank Nyrt. is committed to increasing the efficiency of resource and energy consumption and reducing the use of paper, which is supported by digitalisation with efficient, measurable results. They implement awareness-raising campaigns to raise environmental awareness for their employees. The OTP Group defines its responsible operation as a responsible employer of stable management and the labor market as an active participant in society. It places great emphasis on meeting expectations and meeting business ethics requirements in addition to meeting legal requirements in order to protect customer interests and operate fairly, ethically and transparently.
The aim of their membership is to think together, to promote sustainability / ESG aspects, to represent their interests and to establish professional relations in this regard.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/OTP-bank.png170450Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2021-10-01 12:11:182022-10-21 16:05:50Our Newest member is OTP Bank
From 1st October, 2021 onwards, Kinga Recsetár-Maioli is taking over the position of Head of Corporate Programs of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH).
The new project leader will primary focus on the Vision 2050 program, renewed by WBCSD, as the time has come to shift from the world of words towards the rapid acts. During the Vision 2020 program numerous good practices have been initiated and even more goals have been set, but the pace of change is lagging behind the global trends (population growth, gradually deteriorating ecosystems, climate change, etc.).
Kinga Recsetár-Maioli, with 10 years of multinational and 6 years of regional and global leadership experience behind her, decided to focus on her “side job” and join BCSDH. While focusing on lean transformation, automation, and operational excellence in her leadership roles, she also held additional roles such as; Eastern European Volunteer Council Leader and later Country Sustainibility Leader. The NGO sector is not far from her either, as a volunteer leader she has worked on numerous projects in collaboration with numerous local and global NGOs. She is committed to spread the culture of pro bono volunteering and integrate pro bono elements into the corporate culture. She represented GE’s Eastern European region at several international conferences on the subject and gained professional recognition for the company.
In addition to the adaptation of Vision 2050 in Hungary, the tasks of the new project leader include reviewing the strategy of the Action2030 program, developing specific actions and recommendations, managing the Race to Zero and ESG programs on the part of BCSDH and coordinating the related professional working groups.
Kinga’s primary goal is to shift the focus from theoretical thinking to the field of deeds in a transparent, measurable, and easily replicable form.
She also considers it important to shape individual attitudes through personal experience and exposure. She believes that responsibility cannot be passed over purely to companies or governments, as these organizations are also run by individuals, so personal development and commitment are essential to change.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/RecsetarKinga.jpg450450eszter.chikankovacshttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngeszter.chikankovacs2021-10-01 12:03:302022-09-16 14:49:54Kinga Recsetár-Maioli is the new Head of Corporate Programs at BCSDH
The retail chain will launch a series of ten animated mini films for kids in kindergartens and primary schools in September. The mini films will tell stories using children’s language about topics on sustainability such as selective waste collection, or food waste management.
“Over the past two years, our company has been developing a strategic framework to summarise the social and environmental issues needed for a sustainable future. We have invested significant intellectual and financial resources in this program to ensure we take effective action, and together with our customers we have introduced several measures such as emission reduction, and waste management that significantly reduced our environmental impact. We believe in the importance of raising awareness, built on a foundation of easily understandable information. Since it is never too early to start raising awareness in environmental consciousness, we would like to engage kids in kindergartens and primary schools with our SPAR ÖKO KALAND (SPAR ECO ADVENTURE) animated mini film series. These ten short episodes introduce the topics of selective (sorted) waste management and disposable plastic materials in an engaging and educative way. Furthermore, the films touch on other important issues such as fundraising to help others, or food waste management,” said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.
The store chain has launched its action plan framework containing issues concerning sustainable development in 2019. The main pillars of the system named “SPAR – for a sustainable future” are environmental protection, promotion of healthy lifestyles, food safety, employee support, and social responsibility.
The new SPAR ÖKO KALAND (SPAR ECO ADVENTURE) project launching this September, is another milestone in the ongoing commitment to sustainability. During the ten 40-second long animated episodes, the characters symbolising the elements of the Earth (Wind, Water, Fire, Earth and Heart), go on different instructive adventures. Kids of a young age will easily understand more complex issues such as the importance of a healthy diet, the impact of the use of non-disposable products, and the support of Hungarian products through these short, cheerful videos containing easily digestible pictures and videos. All five characters were assigned two episodes each, built around funny stories that are easy to understand, that start with a situation introduced in a playful way and will finish with a clear message on the subject of sustainability.
The animated mini film series will be promoted on the online channels of SPAR, including Facebook, Instagram and Youtube, as well as the sustainability website: www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu/okokaland
For more information please contact:
Márk Maczelka, head of communications
SPAR Magyarország Kereskedelmi Kft. ∙ 2060, Bicske, SPAR út
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2021-09-28 05:32:522022-10-21 16:05:42SPAR ÖKO KALAND: A mini film series about sustainability for the little ones
A new registry of – secondary mineral residues (industrial and mine waste/by-products) has been developed within EIT KIC Raw Materials founded RIS-ALiCE project (https://alice-registry.eu/) with the data valuable for both, waste providers as waste users in Eastern-Southeastern Europe region.
The registry offers a “marketplace” of secondary raw materials for their potential use in construction sector.
We invite you (especially waste holders/producers) to visit https://alice-registry.eu/ and use the registry to share your data on secondary raw materials.
Further information can be found on the following links:
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bay.png170450Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2021-09-27 17:56:572022-10-21 16:05:35INTERNATIONAL REGISTRY OF ALUMINIUM-RICH RESIDUES WAS LAUNCHED IN THE FRAMEWORK OF RIS ALICE PROJECT
September 20, 2021. Budapest – The National Bay Zoltán Applied Research Institute Network was formed in the Ministry of Information and Technology, with the participation of the Minister for Innovation and Technology, Prof. Dr. Palkovics László. Founding members of the Network are: Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Kft., ÉMI Nonprofit Kft., KTI Nonprofit Kft. and Autóipari Próbapálya Zala Kft.
The aim and mission of the Network is to support its members and the Hungarian national economy in increasing their competitiveness, through the coordination of applied research and development, and entrepreneurial activities of the affiliated institutions. In conjunction with the strengthening of the competitiveness of its members and the national economy, the Network’s clear aim is to exploit the synergies between its members and to support the knowledge and technology transfer, and also to emphasize an interdisciplinary approach. The Network also aims to strengthen the competiveness of the Hungarian national economy by involving new entrants, and to encourage the creation of high value added jobs.
„I look forward to working with the members of the Network with great excitement and enthusiasm. It is in the mutual interest of us all to use our research and infrastructural resources with plans in sight, facilitating the most efficient use and sharing of available capacities, thus providing direct professional support for the research and business activities of the members.” – said Dr. Grasselli Norbert, Managing Director of Bay Zoltán Nonprofit Kft., and Head of the Network for its first year.
The synergies between the competences of the Network members are already visible. All of the members are currently involved in several „green” projects, which will mean visible and tangible results for the industry in the near future, such as raw materials for building, alternative transportation resources, the application of smart technologies, and the reuse of secondary raw materials.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bay.png170450Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2021-09-27 17:52:182022-10-21 16:07:29The new ’National Bay Zoltán Applied Research Institute Network’ has been established
Recycling, selective waste collection, food waste reduction – these are just a few of the themes covered in the new interactive education package developed in partnership by Nestlé Hungary and SPAR Magyarország Kereskedelmi Kft. for primary school pupils. The first hundred classes to enter the Recycling Hero Challenge receive a useful education kit to enhance their knowledge of sustainability and selective waste collection. Participating classes are called to submit their reports in a competition for a valuable prize.
About 140 kg packaging waste per capita is produced in Hungary every year with only 45% of that is recycled according to Eurostat data*. The problem is complex: in order to improve recycling rates, we need recyclable packaging materials, an adequate market infrastructure with selective collection, selection and processing systems, and public awareness.
Nestlé, as the largest food company in the world has an enormous responsibility. The company permanently strives to improve its packaging materials to make them recyclable or reusable by 2025. To achieve this goal, it is critical to have the appropriate selective waste collection, selection and recycling systems to be in place, and to engage consumers in appropriate selective collection to increase the amount of recycled packaging waste.
Recognising the importance of consumer education, two years ago Nestlé Hungary issued a Recycling Guide in partnership with HUMUSZ Association. The goal was to share some practical advice on selective waste collection. Demonstrating the need for the campaign, last year SPAR Magyarország Kereskedelmi Kft. also joined the initiative, resulting in joint publication called ‘How to be an environmentally conscious consumer?, focusing on sustainable living and environmentally conscious buying.
The launch of the school challenge this year takes the initiative to the next level, because the campaign now focuses on the environmental awareness-raising of young children. The education programme Recycling Hero Challenge starting in September is developed for primary school children with the unhidden agenda to introduce the basics of selective waste collection to children in a fun way. As the first step of the challenge, the first hundred classes to register receive a Nestlé Recycling Hero Box of posters, selective collection containers and other useful tools to promote the efficient delivery of the message and fulfil the associated challenge. The professional partner of the education campaign is FKF Nonprofit Zrt., the waste management company. Classes that make it to the finals of the challenge can visit the FKF Educational and Reuse Centre in the 15th district of Budapest for complex sustainability programmes.
Nestlé encourages classes to put the knowledge they acquire into practice and enter the one week awareness-raising challenge: collect waste selectively, minimise discarded food and report on their experience.
The winner class selected by professional jury wins a class trip worth HUF 300,000.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2021-09-27 16:51:232022-10-21 16:07:37Recycling Hero Challenge: Training material for primary schools on environmentally aware lifestyle
To reach net zero by 2050, aviation must accelerate use and supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Shell supports the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow’s coalition ambition of 10% global jet fuel supply to be SAF by 2030. Achieving this ambition demands widescale collaboration between all the players in the aviation ecosystem and all who benefit from flight.
However, SAF production and supply can only increase where there are clear demand signals and Shell believes that national and international policies will play a crucial role in creating the necessary market conditions to stimulate demand and infrastructure development. We are committed to playing our part and are working to ensure SAF accounts for at least 10% of our sales by 2030. And we have just announced our aim to produce around 2 million tonnes of SAF a year by 2025.
ALTEO and AutoWallis have signed a strategic agreement in order to harmonize their e-mobility services in the future. Stock of both companies are listed in the Premium category of Budapest Stock Exchange. The basis of the strategic agreement is that both companies are committed to sustainable and transparent operations and switching to a green economy. The agreement extends to the marketing of e-car charging innovative energy solutions.
ALTEO and AutoWallis will promote market growth through the development of charging infrastructure and further improving e-car sales.
„E-mobility is becoming a part of our everyday lives, and charging cars is increasingly linked to sustainability and energy efficiency investments” – stated Dénes Novotny, Senior Manager of E-mobility at ALTEO. According to him, cars can be charged most comfortably at home or at work, however, the most cost-effective way of realizing this, is if charging devices are installed as part of a sustainable solution. ALTE-GO, ALTEO’s independent business in charge of operating charging devices and e-mobility services, offers sustainable solutions in the implementation and operation of electric charging devices, covering the full range of services required for e-mobility.
Gábor Ormosy, CEO of AutoWallis Nyrt., stated that the retail business of AutoWallis Group has sold nearly 1,000 electric and hybrid cars in 2020 in 14 countries where the Group is present. This shows consumers are increasingly open to green technologies. Appropriate charging network is required to realize this in Hungary’s road network and homes, for which members of AutoWallis Group have recommended leading solutions to clients all along.
ALTEO’s Board of Directors recently approved the company’s sustainability strategy, which designated five focus areas where sustainability and ESG aspects are consistently integrated into processes and strategies. The company pays particular attention to reducing its carbon footprint, making company culture inclusive and environmentally conscious, turning internal processes and its car fleet greener and strengthening the local focus of its corporate social responsibility activities.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alteo.png170450Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2021-09-27 10:39:412022-10-21 16:09:56ALTEO signed strategic agreement with AutóWallis