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Our new member company: AutoWallis Nyrt.

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The group is present in 16 countries and operates in three business segments: wholesale, retail and mobility services. It aims to become the leading car retailer and mobility provider in the Central and Eastern European region by the end of the decade.

The Hungarian company, managed by Gábor Ormosy, CEO , has been operating since 2012 and employs – at group level – more than 1300 people.

AutoWallis is committed to long-term value creation and sustainable growth, for the company sustainability is not a separate project but part of long-term value creation, and it has a strategic goal to operate responsibly and in a way that is sensitive to environmental and social challenges. The strategy focuses on adapting to climate change, increasing energy efficiency, developing environmentally friendly mobility solutions and strengthening employee engagement and organisational stability. Specific, measurable targets have been set in five priority areas: climate change, employee well-being, responsible business conduct, urban mobility and customer relations. These include increasing the share of zero-emission vehicles, investing in renewable energy and building a transparent, IT-based ESG data collection system. From 2025, AutoWallis will be supported by an audit-compliant, IT-based data collection and reporting system that is capable of meeting ESG and CSRD requirements. Their complaint handling system has been upgraded to a group-wide system and they are focusing on internal training on compliance and business ethics.

The company aims to increase its share of renewable energy to at least 30% by 2031, plans to install solar power plants at its new sites and has set a target of saving 1,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. It has also set a target to increase the share of zero-emission or hybrid vehicles by 20% and to install 100 electric charging stations. The technological and infrastructural foundations for the transition are also supported by the green bond programme.

Group-wide corporate governance policies and internal rules enshrine the principles of equal treatment, non-discrimination and safety at work. To promote diversity and equal opportunities, the Group uses a number of tools: transparent recruitment and promotion processes, a career map, and a uniform performance appraisal and incentive system. The AutoWallis Group’s transparent operations are based on a public listing on the stock exchange and a regulated corporate governance system at Group level.

Their first sustainability report for 2021 was published in 2022 with a group-wide outlook. This year, for the first time, their sustainability report, prepared in accordance with ESRS requirements, has been integrated into the audited consolidated financial statements.

They have joined BCSDH because they want to continue their journey of development in ESG in a supportive, active community where they can collectively seek answers to the sustainability challenges facing the business world. By joining, they see an opportunity for professional dialogue, credible feedback and contacts that help to improve internal processes and accelerate the adaptation of good practices, thus contributing to the development of a national approach to sustainability.

BCSDH ‘Transform Talks’ 2025: Climate adaptation is crucial and necessary, it must be addressed in a meaningful way alongside mitigation!

Extreme climatic and weather events such as prolonged rainfall shortages, heat waves, sudden downpours and their consequences, droughts, widespread fires and floods are becoming more frequent and severe. Our current systems and infrastructures are no longer able to cope with all this, and there is an urgent need to adapt to changing climatic conditions. This is also important because the positive effects of mitigation measures on the climate are not immediate. Moreover, in Hungary we are more exposed to the negative impacts of climate change than our contribution to global GHG emissions.

According to the World Economic Forum Global Risk 2025 report, surveyed leaders rank extreme weather conditions as the second biggest risk factor in 2 years and the first in 10 years. Only environmental and climate challenges are in the top four.

The problem is urgent and growing, so climate adaptation was the topic of this year’s BCSDH ‘Transform Talks’ CEO Roundtable, where top executives from member companies participated and shared their thoughts. The events were led by Irén Márta, BCSDH Executive Director.

In general, climate change mitigation is the primary focus for companies, and adaptation has been less of a focus, while the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt in their day-to-day operations.

It was also clear that there are more and more events that require intervention at a strategic level, whether it is unexpected phenomena that previously occurred only rarely but have now become common, changed working conditions or a product portfolio that requires rethinking. During the discussions, we came across many good practices, and there are companies for whom climate change is a business opportunity, as it opens up new solutions and markets. It is certain that every company and industry is affected in some way, the question is how quickly they can react and act meaningfully, ensuring business continuity and evaluating risk as an opportunity. The importance of thinking in the whole value chain also came to the fore, as this is the only way to manage complex processes well, and the responsibility in this is mutual.

The concrete results of the ‘Transform Talks’ CEO Roundtable discussions and the resulting recommendations will be presented at the BCSDH Business Lunch on 7 October, together with corporate best practices.

Special thanks to the event hosts for providing the venue. Related photos and LinkedIn posts can be viewed by clicking on the link:

6 May

Sió-Eckes Kft.

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13 May

BKM Nonprofit Zrt.

PhotosLinkedIn post
15 May

Prímaenergia Zrt.

PhotosLinkedIn post
21 May

Graphisoft Park SE

PhotosLinkedIn post

Thanks for the sponsor of the Time to Transform 2030 program!

Main sponsor: 

Sponsor of the carbon-conscious implementation of events:

Market access, marketing, AI applications: the SPAR Regional Treasures programme provides tangible help for small producers

The number of high-quality, domestic products from small producers, artisan companies, smaller wineries and breweries in the range of SPAR and INTERSPAR stores has increased to more than 550 thanks to the chain’s Regional Treasures programme. Small enterprises provide jobs to a total of 800 people nationwide.

“In the domestic commercial market, small producers and smaller suppliers often have a disadvantage due to their production limitations and can rarely feature in the selection of a large food retail company. In 2021, SPAR Hungary launched the multi-awarded Regional Treasures (Régiók Kincsei) programme to support local small producers in bringing their high-quality, artisanal products to the market. The initiative gave local partners the opportunity to shorten the supply chains and deliver their high-quality products to SPAR stores from the catchment area of a few tens of kilometres of our company’s seven regional centres, causing the least possible environmental impact. The actual person behind the producer is also extremely important to us, we are looking for partners who truly care about their product. In 2025, we will continue the programme with the involvement of new partners, and we will also further develop the Regional Treasures logistics system, and the products will be given an even more prominent display in the stores,” shared Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

SPAR Hungary distributes more than 550 products from 125 suppliers nationwide as part of the Regional Treasures programme. Products from 23 product groups – including dairy products, meat products, pasta, eggs, preserves, pickles, snacks, oils, sauces, spreads, honey, jams, alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks – are offered in stores in the different regions. Customers can recognize the products participating in the programme in hypermarkets and supermarkets by the “red apple” logo. In recent times, the most successful products among customers have been chicken eggs, dairy products, vermicelli, homemade pork crackling, and the Dubai chocolate ice cream. The supplier partners provide a livelihood for approximately 800 people nationwide.

“The feedback we receive is extremely positive: our customers find the quality and taste of the artisanal products excellent. The small entrepreneurs are satisfied with the cooperation and are proud that customers can find their products on the shelves of SPAR stores as well. They also consider our educational programmes important because they can put the knowledge they have acquired there to good use,” added Márk Maczelka.

SPAR Hungary supported its small-scale producer partners with various training courses in 2024. As part of the SPAR Marketing Bootcamp event organized for suppliers of the Regional Treasures programme, a total of 30 experts gave presentations in the areas of business strategy, marketing and business development, social media, branding, finance, and logistics. Participants received a deeper insight into SPAR’s artificial intelligence-based application, which helps with communication. And thanks to the University of Pécs, suppliers were able to learn how their products appear on the shelves for consumers through an eye camera examination.

Small businesses also have the opportunity to cooperate with two universities: the cooperation with Budapest Metropolitan University is in its third year, and the cooperation with the University of Pécs started in 2025. The students provide solutions to various marketing issues: future marketers with up-to-date, fresh knowledge and perspectives, who are already visibly committed to the small business sector are tasked with the challenges.

The company promotes the small businesses participating in the programme in several ways. It provides them with the opportunity to introduce themselves at its events, and they are also given a prominent appearance on social media platforms and in its flyers. The chain runs a blog about the programme, and up-to-date information can also be found on the new Regional Treasures website, where the necessary instructions for joining are available for everyone interested.

 

Many of these producers were also featured in the company’s podcast: Enikő and Balázs Káli, owners of Káli Winery, talked about why wines from the Káli Basin are special. In another episode, Gábor Szita, creator of the artisanal Zala dödölle, talked about what ten years of travelling taught him and how a world traveller became a caterer. Zsuzsanna Dobrádi and István Gyüre, founders of Csengő Manufaktúra in Pusztazámor, shared their thoughts on how their business started and how a dressage rider became a cheesemaker.

From knowledge to career – SPAR leads in dual training

SPAR has been a dedicated supporter of Hungary’s largest and most prestigious vocational event, the Szakma Sztár Festival, for years. Organised by the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the 2025 festival will take place on 28–29 April. At the event, SPAR will offer interactive programmes and educational activities for young people preparing to choose a career, introducing them to opportunities in the retail sector.

As one of Hungary’s largest employers, SPAR employs nearly 14,000 workers. The company plays a key role not only in providing stable jobs but also in advancing the domestic labour market and training the professionals of the future.

First steps into a trade – dual vocational training at SPAR

SPAR welcomes students into its dual vocational training across 240 stores nationwide, as well as at the logistics centres in Bicske and Üllő, and at the Regnum Meat Plant. It currently partners with 88 vocational schools and technical institutes, with most students coming from rural institutions. SPAR offers practical training placements in trades such as retail sales, retail and e-commerce technician, logistics technician, and butcher and meat product processor, supporting over 500 students annually. The effectiveness of this practical training is evident, as students trained at SPAR regularly represent the company at the finals of the country’s most prestigious competition, often taking the top spot. In 2024, two of our finalists competed, securing 1st and 3rd places, while in 2023, our finalist achieved 3rd place.

University knowledge, real experience – dual higher education programme

SPAR has welcomed dual training students from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at higher education institutions since 2015. The programme’s goal is to allow students to gain insight into the company’s operations in a real work environment through a structured rotation system. During their practical training, students acquire valuable professional experience, and many continue their careers as full-time employees at SPAR.

Numerous dual students have found their place at SPAR across various fields. Most graduate in business-related disciplines, such as commerce and marketing or business and management. These students can join various departments within the company, applying their knowledge and skills. They are offered opportunities in a wide range of roles, including – but not limited to – central sales, procurement, marketing, recruitment, IT, or finance. In addition, SPAR also trains food engineering students who work in food production facilities or areas related to food quality. These students are employed in the company’s quality and environmental management departments, focusing on ensuring and improving product quality. To date, 85 students have participated in the programme and there are 24 currently active dual students working at the company.

The most outstanding students receive a SPAR scholarship, which includes an international study trip. In 2024, top performers visited Vienna to explore Austrian retail and logistics practices, while also expanding their professional networks. SPAR is committed to creating real value for young talents: its dual training programme not only provides practical knowledge but also offers genuine career opportunities for the professionals of tomorrow.

SPAR’s recycling solutions enable significant savings

In line with its sustainability efforts, SPAR Hungary has launched innovative initiatives in the field of recycling. This has enabled the company not only to reduce costs, but also to reduce the amount of waste generated.

“SPAR Hungary allocates significant resources to renovate its existing stores every year, so that customers can enjoy the highest quality service in an aesthetic and comfortable environment. In line with this approach, we modernised several stores in 2024, during which, in addition to modernisation, operations became more sustainable. During the modernization process, we try to assess which of the previous furniture and equipment we can continue to use in the future, in the spirit of cost efficiency. In addition, we also want to run our logistics processes, one of our biggest daily tasks, as sustainably as possible, which is why, for example, we recycle equipment, increase efficiency with a circular economy pallet reuse scheme and minimize the environmental impact,” explained Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

Most of the old furniture will not become waste

Environmental awareness is an important aspect when modernizing SPAR stores, so the company renovates, transforms, and rebuilds the furniture and equipment that can still be used in the renewed environment. This is what it did in the case of the hypermarket located on Balatoni út in Székesfehérvár. As part of the renovation costing more than 1.2 billion forints, modern refrigerator units were installed in the shop floor, but several units were repurposed from previously used materials. In the case of the SPAR supermarket, which opened in the centre of Békéscsaba on the site of a former commercial facility and cost 212 million forints, all the previous furniture was preserved, which, when renovated, fits into the standard, sophisticated environment.

Furniture that cannot be used in the modernisation process will be used by a new owner after sale, and that which condition does not allow for further use will be properly disposed of according to current waste management regulations.

New trucks with recycled refrigeration units

In February 2024, SPAR Hungary’s truck fleet was expanded by six new 24-tonne trucks. The chassis of the newly purchased vehicles were equipped with refrigeration units dismantled and then renovated from older trucks. The implementation of the cost-effective and environmentally conscious solution was preceded by a thorough survey and planning, and after the idea proved feasible, the trucks which were rebuilt with renovated structures were put into operation. The company was able to achieve cost savings of more than 60% when compared to the price of new units.

CHEP’s circular pallet rental system generates 26 tonnes less waste

SPAR Hungary has been working with CHEP Hungary Kft. since 2001, which operates a pallet rental system.  The aim is to ensure that pallets rotate in a circular manner in the supply chain, thereby increasing efficiency and minimising environmental impact. The pallets are rented from CHEP by the supplier partners, then the products placed on them are delivered to SPAR warehouses, and finally the empty pallets are collected by CHEP from the warehouses. After the pallets are inspected and repaired, they get sent back to the supplier companies, thus making the process circular. The advantage of the CHEP pallet rental system is that no member of the supply chain must buy and keep pallets in stock, nor does it have to bother with replacing them at the transfer points. In 2024, more than 334,000 CHEP pallets arrived at SPAR warehouses, significantly contributing to increasing efficiency.

The system is extremely beneficial in terms of environmental sustainability: CHEP pallets continuously flow through the supply chain, new pallets do not have to be purchased and manufactured again, so fewer trees are cut down. In SPAR’s case this meant 273 trees saved in 2024. In addition, trucks travel shorter distances due to the lack of pallet exchanges, which resulted in cutting approximately 329 tonnes of carbon-dioxide emissions last year. Due to the fewer pallets used in the circular system, the amount of scrap is also lower, so according to calculations, 26 fewer tonnes of waste is generated annually.

More and more SPAR stores offer electric car charging, company displays charging points on an interactive map

In addition to the existing 138 charging points, 60 new electric car charging points await drivers thanks to the cooperation between SPAR and OMV Hungária. There are now almost two hundred charging points which offer charging options at SPAR supermarkets, INTERSPAR hypermarkets, and OMV-SPAR express stores.

“The number of electric and plug-in hybrid cars in Hungary has increased significantly over the past five years. SPAR Hungary is committed to the use of environmentally-friendly technologies, which is why we started building charging points at SPAR stores in 2019. Over the past six years, our company has installed electric charging stations at numerous new or modernised supermarkets and hypermarkets frequented by customers who drive. Our programme reached another important milestone last year: as part of our cooperation with OMV Hungária, a total of 60 new charging points were installed in the parking lots of OMV-SPAR express and INTERSPAR stores in about 12 cities. Together, these now bring the number of charging points available to our customers arriving by electric car to 198 stores nationwide,” explained Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

The 60 new charging points installed through the cooperation between SPAR and OMV Hungária can be used by electric car owners in eight OMV-SPAR express and INTERSPAR hypermarket parking lots in Budapest and one each in Dunaharaszti, Balatonlelle, Szentendre, Szigetszentmiklós, Makó, Debrecen, Tata, Érd, Pécs, Tatabánya and Békéscsaba. The ultra-fast, premium chargers offer motorists a 150-300 kW charging option, allowing them to charge their eligible electric vehicles from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

For those interested, SPAR has also created an interactive map on its website, which lists all the charging points in Hungary: https://www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu/e-autotolto

Our new member company: Siemens Energy Kft.

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Siemens Energy implements large-scale energy projects around the world. These projects impact people’s lives and their environment: a secure energy supply is key to health, a high standard of living and education, so respect for human rights and natural resources is a top priority for the company. The company applies this responsible corporate conduct and guiding principle throughout its value chain.

The Hungarian organisation, led by CEO Árpád Goszták, was established in 2020 and employs more than 1600 people.

Siemens Energy’s sustainability strategy aims to support its partners in the global energy transition and promote sustainable development while reducing carbon emissions and integrating renewable energy sources.

The Group’s corporate climate neutrality ambition for Scope 1 and 2 is to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, to which the Hungarian organisation is actively contributing. They meet 100% of their electricity needs from renewable energy sources, and generate part of this themselves through a solar panel system on their own sites. Their energy efficiency measures include upgrading lighting (LED), heating and building management systems. 89% of the waste generated on site is sent for some form of recovery (material, energy, etc.).

At Siemens Energy, responsible and ethical conduct is ensured by a number of organisational tools and institutions, such as the Code of Ethics and the Ethics Committee. The company organises regular training and workshops to raise employee awareness of responsible business conduct and sustainability.

At global level, they have published their Sustainability Report annually since 2020, supplemented by ESG, GRI, SASB and SFDR indices, for which the Hungarian organisation also provides data.

They joined the BCSDH because they value the wide range of opportunities it offers to exchange experiences with large domestic companies on sustainability.

Randstad Employer Brand Research 2025

The Randstad Award has been awarded to Hungary’s most attractive employers for the twelfth time. Based on the opinions of Hungarian employees, Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions is the most attractive employer in Hungary, followed by LEGO in second place and Audi in third.

The Randstad Employer Brand Research (REBR) survey also reveals the most attractive sectors, how employees feel, why they are considering changing jobs, the factors that have a positive or negative impact on motivation, and the current situation regarding AI and home office.

Click here and download in English the Hungarian results of the survey, or here, to discover the most attractive employers in each sector!

Role Models and Good Practices Are the Keys to Systemic Change – Inspirational Breakfast with the Winners of the “For a Sustainable Future” Award

The application period for the 2025 For a Sustainable Future Award has officially begun. In support of this initiative—and to promote action and sustainable corporate operations—the Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH) held its first-ever Sustainable Future Inspirational Breakfast on May 27, 2025. The event aimed to showcase exemplary practices.

The event, hosted by Kinstellar, provided an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the outstanding individual and corporate achievements recognized with the 2024 For a Sustainable Future award. Balázs Sepsey, Office Managing Partner, welcomed the participants.

“As we face growing challenges to sustainability—and as the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt in day-to-day business operations—swift action is more important than ever to make our systems more sustainable and resilient,” emphasized Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH, in his welcome remarks. “With this award and today’s event, we aim to inspire companies and leaders to integrate sustainability into their decisions and to develop business solutions that go beyond the usual practices. By scaling these across the sector, we can create real, widespread impact and accelerate systemic change,” he added.

Irén Márta, Director of BCSDH and the event’s moderator, highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to accelerating sustainability efforts by showcasing some authentic, exemplary initiatives and innovative measures taken by business leaders. These aim to trigger systemic transformation and promote the spread of creative and sustainable business models. One of the event’s key goals was inspiring high-quality applications for the newly launched 2025 award cycle, which remains open until July 18, 2025, by presenting previous award winners.

Achieving genuine strategic and company-wide sustainability is impossible without credible, committed leaders and outstanding businesses. A CEO roundtable discussion, moderated by István Salgó, Honorary President of BCSDH, explored the stories behind the individual winners of the 2024 prize, focusing on the personal motivations that drive dedication and commitment. Participants included:
• Zoltán Dapsy, Managing Director, Continental Automotive Hungary Kft.
• Anikó Körmendi, CEO, Arriva Hungary Kft.
• Zsuzsa Nagy, Managing Director, E.ON Energy Solutions Ltd.
• Károly Nyári, Vice President and Head of Group Finance, Grundfos A/S

Systemic change hinges on business solutions that go beyond routine operations and can be adapted and scaled by other actors in the business world. The event showcased and discussed the award-winning initiatives of 2024. Namely:

In 2025, BCSDH is launching the For a Sustainable Future Award earlier than in previous years, with the application period open from May 19 to July 18. The focus remains on areas where companies can make a significant impact on systemic transformation across the following four main categories:

  1. Change Leader – Award for outstanding leadership and responsibility
    Change Leader Award – BCSDH
  2. Leading Woman
    Leading Woman Award – BCSDH
  3. Corporate Transformation – Award for the most significant progress toward sustainable operations
    Corporate Transformation Award – BCSDH
  4. Business Model / Business Solution, in one of the following areas:

The largest automotive retail and mobility service provider in the region has joined the BCSDH

AutoWallis is delighted to join the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) corporate community. As a member of the organisation, we contribute to the advancement of sustainable business in Hungary with our regional experience, practices and innovative solutions.

AutoWallis, as a central player in the automotive retail and mobility services market, covers the entire mobility ecosystem, from car wholesaling and retailing to vehicle leasing schemes lasting from a few minutes to several years. The company is committed to promoting sustainable transport solutions in line with its motto ‘Driving together’.

A prime example of this is the mobility business, which helps reduce the environmental impact of urban transport by offering environmentally conscious, access-based car sharing and rental services, while providing a convenient and practical alternative to private car ownership. The company’s portfolio also includes a wide range of electric and hybrid vehicles to help reduce the environmental footprint of road transport.

In May 2025, AutoWallis joined the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) community of member companies. The company aims to contribute to the promotion of sustainable business practices in Hungary through its experience, practical operations and innovative solutions.

This year we published our audited Sustainability Report 2024, which reflects our company’s commitment to environmental protection, social responsibility and ethical corporate governance (ESG). The key messages in the report include AutoWallis’ emissions reduction targets, its efforts to develop a sustainable supply chain, and its initiatives to support employees and communities.

AutoWallis is delighted to join the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) member company community. As a member of the organisation, we contribute to the advancement of sustainable business in Hungary through our regional experience, practices and innovative solutions.

We have gained a wealth of valuable experience in developing our ESG strategy and reporting processes, and we understand the challenges of data reporting and transparent reporting, which we are happy to share with BCSDH member companies to support them in improving their ESG processes.

Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary
1118 Budapest, Ménesi street 9/a.

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