Since its establishment EUROAPI Hungary Kft. has been paying special attention to the development of pharmaceuticals in a more environmentally sustainable and energy saving way, and is constantly researching new opportunities in this regard.
The KÖVET Association for a Sustainable Economy organized its 28th Conference on Adaptation and Cooperation, on November 14, 2023 in Budapest. At the event best examples from an environmental and social point of view were presented: the prizes for the best applicants of the “Money Thrown in the Window” and the “Green Office, Green Event” program were granted. As with BCSDH, the company also closely cooperates with KÖVET Association in order to actively do for a more climate-neutral and greener operation. EUROAPI is very proud to have received two awards at the event: a shared award in the “Biggest high-hanging fruit” category – investment paying off over 3 years – and “Carbon Savings Special Award” in the Company category, with the most CO2 equivalent savings for accompanying measures.
The award was accepted by the colleagues who participated in the preparation of the application, Annamária Gazdag, Erzsébet Kapuiné Nagy and Viktória Sebesi.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/97574_1636127340.png76228Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2023-12-04 19:54:052023-12-04 19:59:11Two awards were given to Euroapi Ltd. at the Követ Association’s Money Back through the Window Program and the Green Office, Green Events Program
Debrecen, Hungary -10 November, 2023 -The outstanding cooperation between BASF Hungária Kft and Agóra Sience Center has reached another important milestone. As part of BASF Kids’ Lab program a new workshop called PlasticLab was officially launched in Debrecen. This workshop is specifically designed for students in grades 5-6, providing them with hands-on learning experiences in the field of chemistry and sustainability. Agóra Science Center has been the exclusive host of BASF’s educational program in Hungary since 2016
“Environmental protection cannot wait, it is important for us that Debrecen remains a liveable, clean and sustainable city in the coming decades,” the head of the Mayor’s Cabinet Office highlighted at the press launch of PlasticLab. “We are proud to have companies like BASF as allies in achieving our green goals and raising awareness among the youth of Debrecen,” added Dr. Kovács.
Dr. Thomas Narbeshuber, Managing Director of BASF Hungária Kft. and Head of BASF’s South East Europe region, said: „We are proud to launch our new Kids’ Lab program called PlasticLab, in partnership with Agóra, as part of our dedication to sustainability and education. Our common cause is to create a sustainable future and at BASF, we believe that by sparking the curiosity and interest of the students in natural sciences, particularly chemistry, we can pave the way for it. We also emphasize the significance of plastic recycling and promoting awareness about proper waste management. ”
The first Kids’ Lab was opened in 1997 at BASF’s headquater in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Its aim is to provide a memorable first encounter with a laboratory for primary school children. In a safe and specially designed environment for children, students can conduct experiments under the guidance of professionals. The workshops foster curiosity and research spirit in children, who gain insight into scientific working methods through their experiences and are encouraged to take a creative approach to scientific issues. So far, primary school children have been introduced to the exciting world of chemistry at two Kid’s Lab workshops in Debrecen. Following the success at BASF’s headquarters in Ludwigshafen, the educational program known as PlasticLab, with a focus on environmental protection and sustainability, will now be accessible to students in the Southeast European region, specifically in Debrecen, Hungary.
Worldwide more than 1.2 million young people from 45 countries have participated in the educational programs offered by BASF.
School groups interested in BASF’s educational programs can apply through the Agóra Science Center website.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BASF.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2023-12-04 18:13:012023-12-04 18:33:07BASF Kids’ Lab at the Agóra Science Center in Debrecen
SPAR Hungary is committed to continuing its solar power investments and plans to develop further projects that will contribute to reducing the company’s carbon footprint.
Within the SPAR retail network, four supermarkets in Szeged, Pécs, Dorog and Göd are supported by installed solar power systems. Each of these small power generation units has a capacity of 50 kW and together they generate 230-240 MWh of electricity per year, covering 12-13% of the total consumption of the respective store.
“The first solar power system was installed at our ‘Csillag tér’ store in Szeged in May 2020, followed by the Pécs unit in 2022 and the Dorog unit in 2022, while this year our store in Göd was partially converted to this environmentally-friendly operation. In the case of future investments, we also adhere to the principle of using solar energy, wherever possible, for the operation of our stores, so we are also planning our future developments along these lines,” said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary. He explained that the use of photovoltaic energy is an important cornerstone of the company’s energy-conscious efforts, also kept in mind for new investments and the renovation of existing store units. “In all our construction and modernisation projects throughout the recent years, we have sought to install state-of-the-art LED lighting, heat-pump cooling and heating systems, and where possible use the so-called waste heat generated during operations, for example to produce hot water,” he stressed.
In the interiors of the modernised SPAR stores, energy-efficient commercial refrigeration systems and door-mounted coolers help to conserve even more electricity, while the building façade insulations also bring further savings in energy consumption. When shops are renovated, windows and doors are also almost always replaced. All these factors together contributed in 2022 to the domestic chain having to purchase less natural gas, district heating and electricity from external sources than in the previous year, 2021, and the overall energy consumption was also significantly lower than in the previous period.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2023-12-04 18:12:352023-12-04 18:12:35SPAR continues solar energy investments
We are pleased to announce that ProSelf International Inc is now employing a new, innovative solution in the spirit of sustainability: the Sustainability Community Engagement Platform, DNAi. The purpose of this platform is to articulate corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals not only at a strategic and management level but also to implement them at every level of the organization.
With DNAi, employees can directly participate in sustainability initiatives, empowering them to take an active role in driving change. The platform provides support for grassroots initiatives and the sharing of community ideas, thus creating a truly integrated and committed sustainable workplace environment.
How DNAi Works
Commitment and Motivation
Involving employees in the definition and implementation of goals.
Innovation and Initiative
The platform creates opportunities to test new ideas and share best practices.
Community Building
To strengthen collaboration and community spirit, we organize regular workshops and events.
Transparency and Tracking
Monitoring results and progress in real time, with complete transparency.
For more information, please contact Attila Kelemen.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/proself-logo-szlogen-EN-scaled.jpg12172560Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2023-12-04 18:10:462023-12-08 15:05:09DNAi, the ProSelf Sustainability Community and Organizational Commitment Platform
In recent weeks, SPAR Hungary has received prestigious awards and recognitions for its support of Hungarian products and enterprises, health-conscious lifestyles, as well as for its commitment to value and quality.
“Our company is very proud that both the industry and customers confirm our efforts to put as many high-quality, mostly domestic products as possible on the shelves of our stores, which further expands the range of quality goods and contributes to more sustainable operation and consumption,” said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.
SPAR wins the Customer Choice Award based on customer feedback
SPAR Hungary is committed to supporting the marketing of domestic products and helping family and small enterprises put their high-quality products on the shelves of the retail chain. This effort has been recognised by the customers with the first ever Customer Award for Hungarian Products (Magyar Termékekért Vásárlói Nívódíj) based on customer votes, and by the industry with the Silver Award for the Trade of Hungarian Products.
The company’s commitment to Hungarian products has been recognised with numerous awards in the recent years: SPAR Hungary was awarded first place in the Award for the Trade of Hungarian Products competition in 2021 and 2018, and silver medals in 2023, 2022 and 2019.
SPAR cocoa swirl bun with purpur dough wins the Value and Quality Grand Prize
The new bakery product launched by the Hungarian chain this year, the SPAR cocoa swirl bun with purpur dough has won the Value and Quality Grand Prize for the highest quality of domestic products and services, and is now eligible to bear the trademark certifying this distinction. The use of the Value and Quality Grand Prix Certification Trademark and the award of the distinction is recognition of goods, services and companies that meet a complex set of criteria and demonstrate a commitment to quality in their business activities, and also comply with sustainability requirements.
Two popular SPAR private-label products have been awarded Food Awards
This year, “Nők Lapja Food Awards” has been presented for the second time, and two SPAR own-brand products won the 2023 awards: in the special main category gluten-free subcategory, the 500g “SPAR free from” gluten-free, fine-grain oatmeal, and in the non-carbonated drinks category, the 1l SPAR 100% apple juice. This year’s competition was again open to food products and beverages that are available in Hungarian stores. Shoppers could vote for their favourites on the noklapja.hu website and 7600 votes were cast to choose this year’s winners of the Food Awards 2023 competition.
Acclaims for INTERSPAR hypermarkets
In the StarStore – Retailer of the Year 2023 competition organised by Trade magazine, the INTERSPAR unit located at “Bécsi út” in Budapest won the title “HYPERMARKET OF THE YEAR 2023” and the “STORE OF THE YEAR 2023” award as well, as the absolute winner of the competition based on the combined results of all the candidates. SPAR Hungary, as a committed supporter of domestic products and sustainability, has also been awarded the title “HYPERMARKET CHAIN OF THE YEAR 2023” in the Hypermarket category, based on the assessment of the professional jury. Also in the “For a more sustainable future” competition launched by Trade magazine, SPAR Hungary was awarded the Sustainability Symbol 2023 in the corporate category, based on the assessment of the professional panel.
Ferenc Horváth, food industrial director of SPAR Hungary appointed MATE Visiting Professor
At the 170th anniversary celebration of the Buda Campus of the Hungarian Agricultural and Life Sciences University (MATE), held in honour of the founder Ferenc Entz, the title of “MATE Visiting Professor” was bestowed upon Ferenc Horváth, the food industrial director of SPAR Hungary, in recognition of his dedicated work in the field of education and research, which has greatly contributed to the practice-oriented educational efforts of the institutes on campus.
Seven SPAR staff members listed among the country’s most outstanding communication and marketing professionals
Head of communications Márk Maczelka and head of marketing Károly Németh have been included in Marketing&Media magazine’s ranking of the top 50 most successful PR and marketing communications decision-makers in the country. In this year’s new ranking of PR professionals, Márk Maczelka was ranked 11th, while head of marketing Károly Németh was ranked 24th in the eighth edition of the marketing top list.
Petra Székely-Németh, deputy head of communications, Katalin Varga, digital marketing communications manager, Krisztina Gulyás, digital manager, Mária Lénárt, loyalty promotions manager and Kinga Pál, POS manager have been voted among the top operational professionals in the sector in the Signature 40 competition.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2023-12-04 18:02:562023-12-04 18:07:08Season of awards at SPAR: acclaimed products, stores, campaigns and professionals
The Pureco Ltd. is a 100% Hungarian-owned international company with more than 10 subsidiaries, developing, manufacturing, and selling its sustainable and affordable water management solutions, products, and technologies in over 20 countries and 4 continents. In addition, they oversee various comprehensive water and environmental management projects from the planning stage to implementation. They focus on environmental protection primarily through their own developed, partly patented products and services. Their solutions encompass rainwater collection, treatment, storage, and recycling, as well as creating water and wastewater collection and distribution systems. Their activities also include drinking water, industrial, landfill, and other wastewater treatment. Alongside high quality, PURECO places a strong emphasis on cost-effectiveness. In addition to product development, design, and manufacturing tasks, they optimize the operational and maintenance costs of individual products.
Their own-designed drinking water and wastewater treatment plants guarantee the highest technical standards and quality while offering them to their partners at an affordable, accessible price for everyone. This makes their technological solutions available even in less developed regions of the world.
In addition to everyday planning and executions, their product development engineers support the company in finding innovative, environmentally friendly solutions through research and development activities. In recent years, several of their intellectual products have been included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoting “water” technologies that accelerate the achievement of these goals.
Especially important for them is for their commitment to the environment to be the cornerstone of their social responsibility. As a result, they have created a familial, homely, yet creative and inspiring environment for their employees.
They actively involve their employees in decisions affecting the community and work together for the greater social well-being, whether in charitable, voluntary work, or in the form of financial support.
Their operation is carried out along clear and transparent ethical norms, where mutual respect and compliance with human rights are expected from both internal and external partners.
In the fall of 2023, they completed their first voluntary ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) report, implemented as part of the Budapest Stock Exchange Ltd.’s Pilot ESG Advisory program, within the framework of GINOP-1.1.7-17-BÉT-6. Their objectives also include achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
By being a member of BCSDH, their goal is to contribute to the success of responsible and value-creating business activities by accelerating the transition towards a sustainable world.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Pureco_logo2019.jpg8462000Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2023-12-04 13:54:052023-12-04 14:12:50Our new member is Pureco Ltd.
Following the installation of an electric heating boiler at its Sopron power plant, ALTEO has integrated two new devices into its Regulatory Centre: the boilers at the heating plants in Kazincbarcika and Tiszaújváros will enable the conversion of electricity generated from renewable energy sources into heat, while the hot water produced will be connected to the local district heating system.
The two electric hot water boilers, each with a capacity of 6MW, installed with a total investment of HUF 1.9 billion, will further increase the flexibility of the ALTEO Control Centre with their rapid load switching capability. “The expansion of our flexible portfolio, which can contribute to ensuring system balance, will give us even greater flexibility in renewable energy generation” said ALTEO’s Deputy CEO for Generation Management and Business Development. Péter Luczay added that the investment, which was entirely financed from own resources, made use of the elements of the development previously carried out in Sopron, which are related to the energy IT system for managing and optimising the power plant’s electricity production.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alteo.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2023-12-04 10:33:302023-12-05 10:33:53Electric Boilers in the Service of Renewable Energy
MFB (Hungarian Development Bank) was founded in 1991 and is 100% owned by the Hungarian State. Its main objective is to provide financing in areas where commercial banks cannot lend effectively, and it focuses on filling market gaps. As a development bank, MFB Zrt. acts as one of the drivers of Hungary’s transition to a fair and sustainable economy through financing. In line with its mission as a development bank, it considers it an important mission to contribute to Hungary’s sustainable economic growth and emission reduction and to facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral and environmentally friendly economy with the right technologies, while ensuring that this transition is compatible with the needs of society.
MFB Zrt. published its first ESG (Sustainability) Report 2021 in December 2022 and the ESG (Sustainability) Report 2022 in September 2023.
MFB Zrt. has introduced the Green Office Program as part of its environmental responsibility and obtained the Green Office Program certification in 2022. It regularly measures its carbon footprint (Scope 1 and 2 emissions) using the Bilan Carbon tool developed by the French ABC (Association Bilan Carbone). It has developed a Sustainable Financing Framework with 6 green and 3 social objectives in line with international standards (GBP, SBP, GLP, SLP), which allows the Bank to coordinate its sustainability-related borrowing and lending activities (including “green” and “social”). The certification of the Framework was carried out in February 2023 by Sustainalytics Morningstar with the issuance of an SPO (Second Party Opinion). It has started to develop a system to measure the environmental and social impact of its sustainable financing activities.
MFB Zrt. “green” and “social” financing portfolio in line with international standards (ICMA, LMA recommendations, EU Taxonomy Regulation) 06.2023. As of 30.03.2023, the following were structured as follows: green buildings: HUF 19,378.00 million; renewable energy projects: HUF 37,974.00 million; green corporate bonds: HUF 93,400.00 million; micro, small and medium enterprise programme loans: HUF 322,155,726.302 million; financing for the Student Loan Centre: HUF 64,646.00 million; green guarantees: HUF 35,240.00 million.
MFB Zrt. attaches great importance to ensuring ethical and responsible operations, has a Code of Conduct and Ethics, an Ethics Committee and an independent and autonomous ethics procedure for investigating reports of violations within the Bank.
The Bank is committed to respecting human rights, fundamental human values and diversity, to condemning all forms of discrimination and to ensuring equal opportunities within the organisation.
The Bank ensures transparency in the organisation by operating a compliance function, which is an important element of the Bank’s corporate governance and internal control system.
By joining the BCSDH, it aims to strengthen its role in addressing environmental and social sustainability challenges. It is expected that the membership will contribute to MFB Zrt. increasing its financing activities related to sustainable development through new, innovative financial products based on the financing needs of its member organisations, as well as to developing long-term, value-creating cooperation, knowledge and experience exchange with responsible business leaders and organisations committed to the topic.