Saint-Gobain has implemented a unique biodiversity programme at its mine in Pilisvörösvár, and on 8 April, BCSDH member companies had the opportunity to visit the main sites.
After a welcome speech by Daniel Domini, CEO of Saint-Gobain Hungary Kft., László Karafa, Quarry and Sustainability Manager, gave a short introductory presentation, and then we were able to see the programme in action. In addition to the 5 hectares of wooded area and 2000 m2 of water surface, the old explosives warehouse has been converted into a bat roost, and birds are also a favourite nesting site, with the bird boxes being 80% used. The area is also used periodically for beehives, which are a priority for flowering and pollination.
On the 1-hectare lawn created in 2002 – optimized for the size of the area – 5 rack sheep graze the grass, and they happily accept apples, they almost expect them from visitors.
In the last 3-4 years, most of the innovations were implemented with the involvement of an external biologist expert, which has now become almost completely self-sustaining. As László Karafa emphasized, nature does not need much for life to start again, which is also proven by the fact that the number of observed species increased from 140 to almost 250 in a few years. During the process, monitoring is extremely important, but equally important emphasis is placed on education, whether it is for employees or schoolchildren.
We launched our “Race to Zero on the ground” initiative this year, with the aim of presenting initiatives that help climate adaptation and protection, as well as the protection of biodiversity, at the place of implementation. This will also provide ideas and inspiration for other member companies to implement further projects and promote system-level changes.
On 17 September, we will visit the Pünkösdfürdő park (Budapest, District III), dreamed up and created by the Főkert (Gardening) division of BKM Nonprofit Zrt.
Thanks to our Race to Zero program sponsors:
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240408_153915-scaled.jpg17802560Nagy Andreahttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngNagy Andrea2024-05-16 10:41:002024-05-16 10:41:002000 m2 of water surface, 1 hectare of grazed grassland with 5 rack sheep, nearly 250 species – would you believe we were in a dolomite quarry?
What are the biggest challenges in achieving net zero goals? What kinds of collaborations and solutions can help meaningful progress and systemic changes? The Net Zero Advisory Board, established to promote the carbon neutrality of the Hungarian economy, had a meeting again.
After the welcoming words of Márta Irén, director of the BCSDH, as the host of the event held at the British ambassador’s residence, Matthew Kirlew, Head of Policy of British Embassy, greeted the participants and emphasized in his speech that they are still committed to the meaningful promotion of climate neutral actions in Hungary.
At the platform bringing together several interested parties, Attila Chikán Jr., the president of the Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH), emphasized the importance of action in his welcome speech, and that in addition to climate protection, adaptation must also play an increasingly important role.
Csaba Kőrösi, the former president of the UN General Assembly, spoke about the beginning of a new era with solutions to our difficulties. In the period of wars and crises, it is a great challenge to achieve a sustainability turnaround and net zero goals. At the same time, more and more of the economic actors see that sustainable development, material and energy efficiency, the decreasing environmental footprint and social responsibility have become competitiveness factors.
Ürge-Vorsatz Diána, az IPCC alelnökeként felhívta a figyelmet arra, hogy megfelelő források állnak már rendelkezésre, hogy lényegi lépéseket tegyünk globálisan a helyzet megoldására, azonban jól kell ezeket a forrásokat elosztani és felhasználni. A múlt év végi COP28 Klímacsúcs pedig valóban nagy előrelépés volt, hiszen itt született döntés a fosszilis tüzelőanyagok kivezetéséről.
Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, prof. dr., as vice chari of the IPCC, drew attention to the fact that adequate resources are already available to take essential steps to solve the situation globally, but these resources must be distributed and used well. And the COP28 Climate Summit at the end of last year was really a big step forward, since it was here that the decision was made to phase out fossil fuels.
Orsolya Diófási-Kovács, PhD, Associate Professor at Corvinus University of Budapest and Péter Csipes at S.T.I. Managing Director of Hungary in his presentation on behalf of the Hungarian Logistics, Procurement and Inventory Society (MLBKT), “What can the logistics sector do to achieve net zero goals?” entitled, gave an insight into the challenges and next steps that await the sector in Hungary.
The participants agreed that the financing of the transition is a key issue. The resources are available, they just need to be realigned.
The board, which from now on meets twice a year, was represented by all its organizations and shared future goals and plans with the other members, where several points of connection and joint cooperation were outlined.
Participants of the Board meeting:
Zsombor Barta – Parlamentary Senior Counselor, National Council for Sustainable Development
The Net Zero Advisory Board, a multi-stakeholder, cross-sector Advisory Board made up of representatives of Hungarian industry and business leaders, the government and professional organizations, was established in January 2021 at the initiative of the British Embassy and the BCSDH.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DSC_9533.jpg8711392Nagy Andreahttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngNagy Andrea2024-05-13 09:47:052024-05-14 09:50:17Further actions for high-level cooperation were discussed by the Net Zero Advisory Board
FGSZ, employing ~700 people, owns and operates the Hungarian high-pressure natural gas pipeline system servicing gas distribution companies, power plants, and large industrial consumers.
The company aims to contribute to the EU and national climate change targets. Thus, they have launched several strategic actions, such as emission reduction activities related to natural gas transmission, assessment and development of tasks related to the transport of renewable gases, as well as ESG reporting. In 2021, they voluntarily joined the international association OGMP (Oil and Gas Methane Partnership), and defined their methane emission goals according to the organisation’s framework system (OGMP 2.0 methodology). In this context, they also operate an Emission Reduction Framework Programme and implement emission reduction projects as well as work organisation processes.
As part of their commitment to environmental responsibility, they have launched a Green Office Programme, provide regular environmental training and sustainable FGSZ Academy Internal Training to their employees, and operate a Green Idea Box. They have an Ethics Committee, Ethics Manual, Ethics hotline, and Equal Opportunities Plan as well.
They have joined BCSDH to foster further sustainability awareness, learn about useful best practices, increase their knowledge of the green energy industry, and share their knowledge.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FGSZ-Logo-EN_Kek-Monochrome-CMYK-masolata.jpg592513Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-06 11:19:512024-05-06 11:20:03Our new member, FGSZ Zrt.
Founded in 2021, 8G Energy Solutions Zrt. aims to provide complex energy services to its corporate clients. For individual renewable energy projects, it has professional competencies covering the entire project life cycle: design, permitting, construction, operation of energy production and storage systems and e-mobility (electric car charging, carport system). It provides a wide range of energy consulting services from corporate energy strategy to tailor-made individual projects, and is also involved in writing professional content and proposals for green energy tenders. It serves residential customers primarily with solar PV systems.
In the company’s name, “8G” stands for the eight green and permanently renewable energy sources related to the company’s operation: solar, wind, air, geothermal, thermal water, water, hydrogen and biomass. The company constantly works on introduction of innovations and technological developments in the fields of energy, energy management and energy information technology. As a member of the Biggeorge Property group, they have a strong business background, many years of industry experience and extensive references.
They have a strong focus on sustainability and their strategic objectives are driven by sustainability:
to increase energy efficiency,
the use of renewable energy sources,
to ensure equal opportunities for employees,
and by further developing transparency and improving corporate processes.
In particular, they aim to contribute to a greater use of renewable energy through the installation of solar panels. Their sustainable long-term development goals include energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources to combat climate change and contribute to the restoration of biodiversity.
In addition to the use of green energy, they pay great attention to their employees, including gender equality, a non-discriminatory working environment and work-life balance. In addition, they provide continuous opportunities for professional and personal development and advancement. They see their employees as the key to their success.
Since 2022, the company has been included in the Group-wide Sustainability and ESG Report, and their objectives are to produce an independent ESG Report in 2024. In 2024, they plan to expand their corporate consulting activities to include ESG.
In line with the objectives of the BCSDH, the company has joined the council because it wants to be part of an organisation that will further promote sustainability and a greener future in Hungary: setting an example for companies that may not have adopted sustainable corporate governance policies yet.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/8G-logo_szines.jpg272437Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-04-19 11:09:102024-04-19 11:10:10Our new member company, 8G Energy Solutions Zrt.
iData Kft. is one of Hungary’s leading GPS tracking companies. The company deals with fleet tracking, fuel control, vehicle protection, toll payment for trucks over 3.5 tons and buses, and has a strong international background with its Norwegian owner Norbit. Its main product is the iTrack GPS Tracking System, which is installed in 40,000 vehicles of 5,400 customers. As a complex telematics service provider, it contributes indirectly to supporting its customers’ environmental sustainability efforts.
Their sustainability strategy and objectives are defined at the Group level, with four main strands: Explore more sustainability opportunities; Delivering solutions adapted to the new reality of sustainability; Refinement of talents in an attractive place to work; Safe under pressure with ethical business conduct.
The ESG requirements framework plays a strategic role in the development of their services. Large companies, and SMEs in Scope 1, and Scope 3 are supported by the provision of real-time data and its analysis. With their specialised, customised, and fair VSE (Leadership Style Analysis) services, they help to achieve the climate goals (SBTi) of these companies and to establish a safe workplace.
The company was one of the first to win the Business Ethics Award. Human values are a priority in their business and management principles. In alignment with the parent company, they have established a Code of Ethics and Conduct, operate a Whistleblowing System, and have a three-year Equal Opportunities Plan. They have been members of the Equal Opportunities Charter since 2015 and have several measures in place to build a tolerant, cohesive, and loyal employee community. In 2023 they were awarded the title “Best Workplace for Women”, which was also helped by the fact that 50% of their management is women.
As an IT service provider, information security is essential to them, and the principles are set out in their IT Policy document. As part of their CSR activities, they have adopted a kindergarten and a home for the elderly.
They aim to continuously explore how they can contribute to solving sustainability challenges for their customers, partners, and society as a whole.
They publish their sustainability reports at the Group level.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/idata_logo_450x250.png250450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-04-16 11:13:572024-04-16 11:14:31Our new member company iData Kft.
Impact investing opportunity news: the pre-registration phase of the coming Sharity Impact crowdfunding campaign just started in Tőkeportál. Be part of a digital innovation, where positive social impact joins with business activities (like communication, marketing, advertising, PR and employer branding) in a measurable and ESG reportable way. An exciting and stern business model secures and guards the operational sustainability of Sharity.
The pre-registration opportunity (no binding effect), together with the details can be accessed in the following link: https://tokeportal.com/sharity/
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/colored_dark.png12002964Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-04-09 09:56:312024-04-09 09:56:31Impact investing opportunity news: the pre-registration phase of the coming Sharity Impact crowdfunding campaign just started in Tőkeportál
Founded in 1990, the company, which employs nearly 150 people, provides its customers with the warehousing and transport of dry, chilled, and frozen food products, and a full range of logistics services.
They were among the first in Hungary to buy CNG, LNG and then mild hybrid trucks, and this year will see the arrival of electric refrigeration. Their company car fleet can only consist of environmentally friendly vehicles.
They operate ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 systems and a sustainability working group. They joined SBTi in 2018. At the group level, they produce a CDP report on their environmental impact and continuously measure their GHG emissions in the three main areas (by GHG at Scope1, Scope2, and Scope3 levels respectively) as part of their internal reporting system.
They are committed to diversity, acceptance, non-discrimination, and individuality throughout the Group and in their operations. They provide continuous training for their employees – this contribute to the implementation of their sustainability strategy, as well.
Regular communication and a proactive approach are the hallmarks of their relations with their partners, both customers and suppliers.
They joined the BCSDH because they believe that an organisation that includes large companies can effectively represent the sustainability aspirations of the companies and provide a good example and professional guidance to the business. As a member of the organisation, they would like to further their professional knowledge to be part of an innovative team and receive support.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kep1.png50144Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-03-27 09:47:532024-03-27 09:49:10Our new member company, HAVI Logistics Kft.
Founded in 1999, the firm currently has more than 35 lawyers and provides legal advice to its national and international clients.
KINSTELLAR contributes to sustainability primarily through its operations, its business objectives, its projects, and the cases it undertakes.
KINSTELLAR strives to operate in a carbon-neutral way to reduce its environmental footprint; its main objective is to reduce its ecological footprint, including in particular carbon footprint reduction and water footprint reduction, and in the field of energy procurement to reduce pollutant emissions by improving the efficiency of the energy source used. The company’s materials and waste strategy has taken steps such as reducing waste; recycling municipal, plastic, and paper waste; and reusing or recycling IT waste.
Employees are the core value of the office and it aims to achieve higher levels of value creation concerning basic human values and diversity through measures such as increasing staff and professional diversity by education and competence, gender balance in management, supporting return to work after childbirth, measuring and improving staff satisfaction, and increasing staff perceptions of job security.
They have not yet prepared a sustainability report but aim to publish regarding the year 2024.
They have joined BCSDH because they wish to participate and contribute to constructive and forward-looking workshops, based on their professional competence, to contribute modern sustainable business solutions.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Kinstellar_logo.png10703789Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-03-27 06:56:352024-03-27 06:56:35New member company: KINSTELLAR Andrékó Ferenczi & Partners Law Office
A third of the world’s workforce earns less than is necessary for their living. Eliminating the living wage gap could positively impact $4.5 trillion of global GDP. “Reducing inequality requires coordinated action from all stakeholders, including companies. Initiating change requires the recognition of humans as assets in the value-creation processes of companies,” – emphasised Sonja van Lieshout, President of the World Employment Confederation Europe and Global Head of Public Affairs at Randstad, at the Business Breakfast and Professional Forum of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) held on March 26, which focused on Human Value. The participants were welcomed by Holczinger Norbert, Head of the Sustainable Finance Division at the National Bank of Hungary, the host of the day.
In addition to climate change and biodiversity loss, growing inequalities are our world’s most urgent sustainability challenge. Growing inequalities have become systemic risks globally, threatening not only individual communities or companies but entire economies and societies.
“Inequalities are an obstacleto social and economic progress, which also affects the performance of companies. At the same time, inequalities are also a consequence of our systems, which we can change. However, this requires the highest level of commitment, immediate action, and systemic change. We believe that the business sector must play a leading role in achieving this desired rapid change,” – said Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH, in his opening speech.
“Companies can do most to reduce inequalities through their employees. Social innovation is key to moving forward, which means the holistic implementation of new solutions for working, learning and social protection for the benefit of workers, employers and society in general. This will lead to future-proof labour markets that work for all,” — emphasised Sonja van Lieshout, who was invited to speak by Randstad Hungary’s professional support.
In a closed professional forum following the presentation, business leaders and corporate, academic and civil experts discussed the current state of play and challenges associated with Human Value, such as the risk to business created by polarisation and loss of trust, creating value by valuing human capital, and the links between physical and mental health and efficiency, and explored several business best practices and solutions. These three main topics were led by Attila Kelemen, CEO of ProSelf Zrt, Sándor Baja, Managing Director of Randstad Hungary and Gréta Nagy, Managing Director of Dandelion Kft.
The insights from the professional forum, including the challenges and enabling factors that were identified, will be further processed during executive roundtable discussions in May. Our goal is to provide recommendations for companies on the topic of human value, which will be presented at the BCSDH Business Lunch in October. It is important to encourage companies to act in this area and assist them in taking the most important steps.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_9224.jpg9281392eszter.chikankovacshttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngeszter.chikankovacs2024-03-26 22:02:042024-03-27 10:59:19No business without people – social innovations for a future-proof labour market – Sonja van Lieshout at the BCSDH Business Breakfast
FE-GROUP INVEST Zrt. will process the waste from products subject to the Deposit Refund System (DRS) introduced this year, at its new waste processing plant. The investment, 70 percent of which was awarded by the Energy Strategy Institute Nonprofit Ltd’s non-refundable grant worth HUF 300 million, includes a special line of machinery consisting of an automatic sorting plant extended with mechanical separation technology, two baling machines capable of baling metal beverage cans and PET bottles, and a conveyor belt.
“It is equally important of our commitment to sustainability and the development of our waste management business that we use the money won from the tender to support the technological transition of waste from the DRS system to circular economy,” said Anita Simon, Deputy CEO for Sustainability and Circular Economy at ALTEO.
The investment will enable ALTEO’s subsidiary to produce 11,400 tonnes of PET bales and 3,050 tonnes of aluminium bales per year, while another 760 tonnes of tin and ferrous metals will be separated during processing. To this end, the site will receive 15,210 tonnes of mixed waste per year under a two-year service contract signed last summer with MOHU MOL Hulladékgazdálkodási Zrt., the winner of a 35-year waste concession in Hungary, which can be extended for a further two years.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/alteo.png286780Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-03-13 10:40:042024-03-13 23:54:59ALTEO Group’s new waste treatment plant will help the transition to a circular economy