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The role of solar energy is growing in retail – more SPAR stores now powered by solar panels

The role of renewable energy sources in the retail sector is expanding rapidly: major chains are striving to reduce their carbon footprint through energy efficiency investments and locally generated green electricity. Responding to the growing demand for renewable energy, SPAR Hungary is further expanding its solar panel systems, providing modern, environmentally friendly energy for its stores in Nyíregyháza and Székesfehérvár. SPAR was among the first in the Hungarian retail sector to implement solar developments, and the programme continues to expand.

The latest installations were completed in the first half of 2025 at the supermarket on Tiszavasvári Road in Nyíregyháza and the store on Palotai Road in Székesfehérvár. At both sites, 50 kW systems have been put into operation, capable of generating tens of thousands of kilowatt hours of electricity annually. As a result, at least 15% of the electricity consumption of the affected stores will now be covered by renewable energy.

“Making our energy use more efficient and increasing our reliance on renewable sources is extremely important for SPAR. In 2024, SPAR Hungary used a total of 912 GJ, or 253,256 kWh of renewable electricity, all generated by the solar panel systems installed on the roofs of our own stores. With every new investment, we aim to ensure that solar panels meet the store’s electricity needs as effectively as possible, thereby supporting our commitment to energy-conscious operations” said Márk Maczelka head of communications at SPAR Hungary.

SPAR launched its solar panel programme in Szeged in 2020, followed by installations in Pécs and Dorog in 2022, Göd in 2023, and Dunaföldvár as well as the Pécs INTERSPAR hypermarket in 2024. The largest development so far has taken place at the INTERSPAR in Pécs, where the system, combined with an energy storage unit, can save one month’s worth of electricity consumption for the store. Thanks to projects to date, the company’s annual renewable energy production exceeded 253,000 kWh in 2024 – equivalent to the annual consumption of 80 average family homes.

With the newly launched systems in Nyíregyháza and Székesfehérvár, SPAR is further reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that the shops of the future are not only modern retail spaces but also environmentally responsible units generating their own energy. With each new investment and renovation, the company examines the potential for applying solar solutions, and further installations are planned in the coming years.

The Green Factory Program Continues: The Theodora Nature Trail Renewed

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To the delight of nature lovers, the Theodora Nature Trail has been completely renewed after two decades, thanks to an exemplary collaboration between Szentkirályi Magyarország and the Balaton-Uplands National Park. The development is one of the key elements of the company’s Green Factory Program, proving that economic operation and nature conservation can exist in harmony and strengthen each other.

Szentkirályi Magyarország’s plant in Kékkút — where the popular Theodora Calcia mineral waters are bottled — operates in a unique environment, in the heart of the Balaton-felvidéki National Park. This proximity is both a source of inspiration and a responsibility: the factory aims to operate in harmony with the surrounding landscape and leave the smallest possible ecological footprint.

This exemplary project, which resulted in the complete renewal of the Theodora Nature Trail after twenty years, was realized here. The development, created through the cooperation between Szentkirályi Magyarország and the Balaton-felvidéki National Park, goes beyond a simple tourism investment: it sends a clear message that economic growth and nature conservation can complement, rather than oppose, each other.

When we think of a factory, we usually imagine a noisy place full of machines – but in Kékkút, a different path was consciously chosen. The company’s management decided to operate a facility that blends into nature, does not burden its environment, and even enriches it. With this mindset, Szentkirályi Magyarország launched its Green Factory Program in 2022, built on six pillars: energetics, waste management, pollution reduction, biodiversity protection,  water stewardship, and environmental education.

Next to the Kékkút plant lies the country’s oldest mineral water well. The most important rule of water management here is the balance: only as much water is extracted as is naturally replenished. The amount of water reserves is continuously monitored using observation wells. A wetland has also been created in the factory courtyard, where so-called grey water from the plant is directed. This not only helps retain water locally but also provides a refuge for local wildlife.

The company’s energy-saving efforts are also tangible: gas-powered forklifts have been replaced with electric ones, and with the planned installation of rooftop solar panels, these vehicles will soon run on solar energy. The machinery is continuously being modernized, with outdated equipment replaced by more energy-efficient models. Decommissioned machines are not simply discarded – their parts are reused, just as packaging materials are recycled and reintroduced into circulation through partner companies.

Although factory operations naturally involve light and noise emissions and air pollution, Szentkirályi Magyarország minimizes these impacts as well. The site uses downward-facing lighting fixtures to avoid disturbing nocturnal birds and insects, and truck routes are optimized to reduce the burden on nearby settlements as much as possible.

To preserve biodiversity, the plant has established several habitats: the artificial pond in the factory courtyard has become a favorite meeting place for dragonflies, water bugs, and birds, while a former pile of rubble has been transformed into a home for swallows, bats, and insects. Birdhouses, insect hotels, and meadows planted with native species around the site further support the local ecosystem.

In implementing the program, the company works closely with the Balaton-felvidéki National Park Directorate, jointly developing nature conservation projects.

Thus, the Kékkút plant has become a model of responsible operation — now enhanced with yet another valuable initiative.

The 7-kilometer-long Theodora Nature Trail showcases the natural and geological treasures of the Káli Basin. The route leads from hundreds-of-millions-year-old red sandstone formations, through the rich wildlife of the Sásdi Stream, to the surroundings of Lake Kornyi, where numerous protected plant and animal species can be observed. The renewed trail offers an experience for visitors of all ages. Guests can not only enjoy the beauty of the landscape but also gain new knowledge about sustainability and environmental protection. Alongside the information boards, interactive features and online content further enhance the learning experience.

The audio guide for the trail is narrated by Pál Mácsai, Kossuth and Jászai Mari Award-winning actor, allowing even those with reading difficulties or visual impairments to share in the experience. The meeting of nature and art gives the trail a special atmosphere, making it accessible and inclusive for everyone.

The renewal of the Theodora Nature Trail is the result of the joint work of Szentkirályi Magyarország and the Balaton-Upland National Park. The company’s financial support and the Park’s professional guidance have created a partnership that ensures the long-term presentation and preservation of the region’s natural values.

At the opening of the trail, Ferenc Nemere, Director of Szentkirályi Magyarország’s Kékkút plant, said:

“Our goal is for our factory to blend into nature — not only to minimize its environmental impact but to actively support the enrichment of its surroundings. We are convinced that economic success and environmental protection are not contradictory concepts.”

The renewal of the Theodora Nature Trail is a tribute to the past, a commitment to nature, and a responsibility toward the future. With this, the company once again demonstrates that nature and humanity can grow together — when decisions are guided by awareness, expertise, and long-term thinking.

Shaping 2050 in Images – The BCSDH Social Capital Creative Hub Begins Co-Creating a Shared Vision

On November 27, 2025, Future FM Ltd. hosted the BCSDH Social Capital Creative Hub. The name itself underscores that the group functions as an inspiring professional community working toward a more sustainable and human-centered world.

In her welcome remarks, Deputy CEO Katalin Takács highlighted that this venue was chosen because Future FM, in close collaboration with Tata Consultancy Services, obtained the Eco-Friendly Service certification in office cleaning within this building.

During the first part of the meeting, Program Manager Zita Szederkényi reviewed the 2025 year of “Future Leaders” program, reflecting on participant feedback. The 12th cohort found the program highly valuable, particularly the professional knowledge acquired and corporate practices explored. Additionally, attendees were introduced to the key innovations and development opportunities planned for 2026.

The second part of the meeting focused on creation. Under the guidance of Dr. József Kolossa, Lead Sustainability Advisor at HuGBC, the co-creation process began to envision the kind of world we want to live in by 2050. Individual visions were developed using texts and AI-generated images. This process will continue in 2026, culminating in the development of a shared vision and actionable roadmap.

 

COP30 in Brazil in the spirit of mutirão – Dr. Barbara Wassen’s first-hand account of COP at the Race to Zero working group

One of the BCSDH Race to Zero working group’s key events of the year took place on November 25. The meeting was particularly timely, as COP30 had ended just a few days earlier in Belém, allowing participants to receive first-hand, reliable, and detailed information about the most important climate policy developments of the year.

On behalf of AutoWallis Nyrt., the host of the event, Gábor Ormosy, CEO welcomed the attendees, followed by Dr. Barbara Wassen, Ambassador-at-Large for Climate at the Energy Ministry, who gave a comprehensive presentation on the most important developments at COP30. The most important political outcome of the event was the adoption of the Global Mutirão decision, which elevates the logic of collective action originating in Brazilian culture to a global level. This cooperation-based framework focuses on the accelerated implementation steps necessary to keep the 1.5 °C target alive, including more effective implementation of countries’ nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and strengthening international cooperation.

In the next part of the program, Tímea Kovács, ESG expert at AutoWallis, presented the company’s sustainability activities and goals. The series of presentations was concluded by Irén Márta, director of BCSDH, who presented the main current issues in the field of climate-neutral operation and adaptation.

The event was concluded with an informal professional discussion, during which participants shared their own climate and sustainability challenges, good practices, and lessons learned from the COP.

Dr. Barbara Wassen’s daily report on COP30 is available here: https://ceenergynews.com/cop30-insights/

 

Thanks to the Race to Zero program sponsors: 

Masterplast extends its green program to glass wool products

Masterplast will further expand its circular economy system from November 2025.

Masterplast will further expand its circular economy system from November 2025.
The Hungarocell Green Program will now cover not only the collection and recycling of its own polystyrene-based thermal insulation materials, but also the glass wool products sold by Masterplast Hungária Kft. The aim of the initiative is for the company to be the first in the domestic construction industry to implement responsible manufacturing thinking and a culture of recycling in the field of mineral wool insulation.

As part of the new program, Masterplast Hungária Kft. collects thermal insulation material from the use, cutting, or demolition of the glass wool products it sells and then recycles it at its glass wool factory in Szerencs. The processed raw material is used to make “Loose Wool” blow-in insulation, which is ideal for energy-efficient thermal insulation of attics and roof spaces. The Hungarocell Green Program collection points, the Eco-Points, also function as collection logistics stations in this case, and the collection method will be similar to that used in the Hungarocell Green Program with collection bags.

With this development, Masterplast is once again playing a pioneering role in sustainable building material production: no other manufacturer in the country currently has a similar circular reuse system that also covers glass wool, thus reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and green practices.

“The expansion of the Hungarocell Green Program is another step in Masterplast’s sustainability strategy. Our goal is to achieve complete material recycling in as many product groups as possible and to reduce the amount of construction waste. The recycling of glass wool is an important milestone in this process,” said Tibor Dávid, Chairman and CEO of Masterplast Nyrt.

 

The Hungarocell Green Program was launched in 2020, and in its first year, it managed to collect and recycle over 1,000 cubic meters of polystyrene waste. The program has since achieved nationwide coverage, and the annual recycling volume exceeds 10,000 cubic meters. The current expansion further strengthens the program’s objective: to make sustainable, environmentally friendly construction practices available to consumers in the domestic market.

𝗱𝘀𝗺-𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

𝗱𝘀𝗺-𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 brought together 𝟭𝟱𝟬 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 from 𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘆, 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘀 for two inspiring days of learning, connection, and innovation.

  • 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟭: Insightful talks & networking at the Flow Hotel, Inárcs
  • 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟮: Behind-the-scenes plant tour in Újhartyán

Together, we explored the future of animal nutrition — focused on building a more sustainable and efficient industry.

Thank you to everyone who made it unforgettable!

Increasing material use is responsible for more than half of the harmful impacts on the climate – the transition to a circular economy is inevitable.

On 20 November 2025, the Circular Economy Summit was held for the eighth time at Öbölház, where corporate leaders, researchers, and policymakers gathered to discuss the latest challenges and opportunities associated with the circular transition. The event was hosted by Willem van Ee, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and Attila Chikán Jr., President of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH).

“The Circularity Gap Report 2025 shows that although we have taken small steps forward, due to increasing material use, only 6.9% of material flows can be considered circular, which represents a setback compared to last year’s 7.2%. Growing material consumption is responsible for 60% of harmful climate impacts, more than 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress related to land use, and around 40% of health-damaging particulate pollution. This is a clear signal that systemic change, cooperation, and consistent corporate action are needed to advance the transition to a circular economy.” – highlighted Attila Chikán Jr. in his opening remarks.

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

“The main findings of the report highlight that global material use continues to grow while circular performance is declining. The foundations of the linear model – large-scale extraction, short product lifecycles, and high levels of waste generation – are hindering the sustainable functioning of the economy. Although efficiency and technological developments are improving, these alone cannot counterbalance the rising demand for materials. The report emphasizes that recycling on its own could raise the circularity rate to a maximum of only 25%, which is why prevention, new business models, material substitution, longer product lifecycles, and systemic cooperation are indispensable.”

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

The keynote speaker at the event was Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Cramer, emeritus professor at Utrecht University, who presented how significant progress toward a circular economy can be achieved at both national and sectoral levels, using the Dutch Concrete Agreement as an example. In her lecture, she pointed out: “The transition to a circular economy offers an exciting opportunity to reduce environmental burdens while strengthening business development and innovation. At the same time, no single company, government, or citizen can accomplish this transition alone. To realise change, cooperation among product chain partners or regional actors is needed. Independent intermediaries, so-called brokers, can help coordinate stakeholders and accelerate the process.”

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

“BCSDH’s international event, which involves bringing the European Circular Economy Hotspot meeting to Budapest on 5–7 October 2026, aims to highlight the importance and opportunities of the circular economy. Our goal is to showcase the most innovative circular and sustainable economic practices, promote Hungary’s achievements, and support the creation of new collaborations,” shared Irén Márta, Managing Director of BCSDH, with participants.

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

Ambassador Willem van Ee highlighted: ‘We say in the Netherlands: “We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” Through forward-looking policies, innovative partnerships, and collective commitment, we are indeed adjusting our sails — steering our economy toward a circular, sustainable and regenerative future that other nations can learn from.’

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

Hungarian policy directions were presented by Dr. Péter Bera, Head of Department at the State Secretariat for Circular Economy and Climate Policy of the Ministry of Energy, who outlined the possibilities for national implementation and the challenges that lie ahead. Joost van Dun, Head of Circular Economy at ING Sustainable Finance, gave a presentation on the financing framework for the circular transition.

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

At the roundtable discussion focusing on corporate innovation, moderated by Dr. Bálint Bartha-Horváth (Senior Sustainability Consultant, CBRE), Noémi Bakos (Founder, Equinox), Krisztina Bogdán (CEO, ING Bank), and Anita Simon (Deputy CEO, Alteo Group) shared their practical experiences.

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

In the corporate pitch session, four organisations – Cyclosteel (László Vadas, Managing Director), DBH Group (László Ürge, Member of the Board), Decathlon (Diána Andri, Sustainability Director), and Terra Matters (Laetitia Georgel, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Expert) – presented their practical innovations that directly support the dissemination of the circular model in Hungary.

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

BCSDH’s 2025 programmes and the planned professional directions for 2026 were presented by Ivett Takács.

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

At the event, Melinda Topolcsik, Managing Director of Bridgestone Tatabánya, personally received the ‘Sustainable Future Award’ in the Leading Woman category. Her certificate was presented by Attila Chikán Jr., with the award being handed over by Judit Szabó, Head of Communications at Progress Ltd.

 

The Tulip Award for Sustainability

The Circular Economy Summit hosted the award-giving ceremony of the ‘Tulip Award for Sustainability,’ established by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hungary.

The award aims to annually recognize SMEs, start-ups, companies, or nonprofit organizations that demonstrate outstanding performance in sustainability within a given industry. This year’s theme was ‘Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.’

Nagy Z.Laszlo nagyzl@nagyzl.hu

The award was won by SSH System Ltd. for developing and promoting its straw blanket as a renewable, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient architectural solution. The award was received by Tímea Stverteczky, Chief Financial Officer.

 

In the conclusion to the summit, during a collaborative session, participants shared their thoughts on the challenges and opportunities they encounter in their companies during the transition to circular operations. This was followed by an opportunity for informal networking and lunch.

The moderators of each table were: Gábor Arató – Manupackaging International Kft.; Zsombor Barta – Greenbors Consulting; Dr. Viktória Bodnár – IFUA Horváth & Partners Kft.; Dr. Bálint Bartha-Horváth – CBRE; Péter Chrabák – Bay Zoltán Research Center; Brigitta Deák – Greenpro Zrt.; László Ürge – DBH Group; Róbert Üveg – Danucem Magyarország Kft. – CRH CEE Division, Dr. Marina Varga – Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The main event sponsor of the Circular Economy Summit is ING

The main sponsor of the Circular Economy Platform in 2025 is Szentkirályi

The highlighted sponsor is McDonald’s (Progress).
The supporter of BCSDH’s carbon-conscious events is Ayvens.

ESG has become part of everyday life for companies – we presented the results of the latest BCSDH ESG survey

Where are Hungarian companies headed in terms of sustainability? What benefits has ESG brought them so far? What are their expectations for the future?

We are pleased to say that the BCSDH’s 2025 ESG survey provides up-to-date answers to these frequently asked questions. The results were presented on November 11, 2025, at this year’s closing ESG working group meeting at the ONE headquarters, hosted by the 4iG Group. The participants were welcomed by Dr. Dóra Antal, ESG and sustainability expert at the 4iG Group.

In 2025, BCSDH once again conducted a comprehensive survey among its member companies, examining the integration of ESG into everyday corporate life and value chains, as well as their future expectations in the area of sustainability. A total of 77 companies from 15 industries participated in the survey. KPMG was the professional partner of the survey.

Ágnes Deme, senior manager at KPMG, presented the most important results of the survey. She said that 95% of the member companies that completed the survey agreed or strongly agreed that achieving sustainable operations is the goal, and that ESG activities and reporting tools are the means to achieve this. Integrating ESG considerations into business decisions brings benefits to companies, with SMEs reporting benefits mainly in the area of maintaining/strengthening business relationships, while large companies reported benefits in the area of better understanding and managing ESG risks.

The results of the survey will soon be available on the BCSDH and KPMG LinkedIn pages. The research summary can be downloaded here (in Hungarian).

Irén Márta, director of BCSDH, presented the section of the research on future expectations and plans to the audience. She emphasized that the majority of member companies had not postponed their sustainability efforts. Companies typically expanded their teams or brought in extra resources to continue their ESG activities in parallel with regulatory compliance.

The event concluded with small group discussions, where participants were able to delve deeper into the topics presented and share their best practices and dilemmas with each other.

Thanks to out sponsors!

 

Remote-control Transformer Station: New Network Hub for Increased Power Supply Stability

The E.ON Hungária Group has established a fully automated, remotely operated transformer station in Veszprémvarsány. The new 132/22 kV facility replaces the former 35/22 kV substation, thus significantly increasing the region’s network capacity, and the reliability and flexibility of the network. This advancement improves the power supply for approximately 16,000 residential customers and also enables the connection of 1,000 solar panel households to the grid. The new substation connects to the 64-kilometre transmission line section between Kisbér, Veszprémvarsány, Zirc, and Litér.

The new substation incorporates a modern, automated control system that ensures rapid fault detection, which not only provides customers with a more stable and predictable energy supply, but also reduces the risk of network disruptions and service outages. The new infrastructure will also facilitate the connection of additional industrial- and high-energy consumers to the grid in future.

The HUF 2.2 billion investment is part of the Danube InGrid project, a series of cross-border initiatives supported by E.ON and the European Union, which aims to strengthen the regional network and support the integration of renewable energy sources.

MFB is organizing ESG conference

MFB Hungarian Development Bank Private Limited Company will organize its ESG conference for the third time on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 (between 2:00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m.),to promote sustainability approaches and share knowledge, this time in collaboration with the Finance and Sustainability Section of the Hungarian Economic Association.

The main topic of the event is sustainability, the current issues, and effects of ESG regulations (Omnibus, EBA guidance, ESG Act, etc.) from the perspective of various actors in the economy (Central Bank, Ministry of Economy, financial institutions, borrower companies and companies involved in the preparation of sustainability reports or companies that are planning it later).

The first half of the conference will feature professional presentations, followed by a roundtable discussion with invited experts, partners, and clients. The event will close with a networking reception. The invitation with a detailed program will be sent to those interested shortly. The language of the conference is Hungarian

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

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