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Lidl customers donate nearly 90 tonnes of food to help the people in need

The Hungarian Food Bank Association’s fundraising campaign held last Friday and Saturday was a great success, with Lidl joining in with more than 100 stores nationwide. During the one-and-a-half-day collection Lidl customers contributed nearly 90 tons of food – one third of the total donations collected in the program – to help people in need in their neighborhood. The donations will be used by the Food Bank to put together a five-kilo parcel for people and families in need, which will be distributed across the country until the start of the summer holidays.

Lidl Hungary has joined the largest fundraising campaign of the Hungarian Food Bank Association so far, offering its customers the opportunity to help in 108 stores nationwide. “The aim was to collect as much non-perishable food as possible for families in need. We are very proud of the high level of solidarity we have seen from our customers, whose active participation and contributions have enabled a total of 17,936 donation packages to reach the deprived in their neighborhood. We are also grateful to the volunteers of the Food Bank and our colleagues for their work and support” – said Judit Tőzsér, the company’s Communications Manager.

The most popular product donated was pasta, followed by rice and flour, but there were also a lot of donations of canned goods and pasta sauces. The donated food will be distributed by the Food Bank to the people in need in the coming days and weeks, in parcels of 5 kilograms each, in cooperation with charitable organizations in the vicinity of the stores. The main target groups will be the elderly, large families, and single-parent families, but donations will also be made to family support services and children’s homes, people with disabilities, the homeless and people living in the most deprived areas of the country.

“We had a huge outpouring of help over the weekend! For two days, donations poured in at our collection points, and most unusually, we were often thanked by the donors themselves for the opportunity to help. So, we would now like to take the chance to express our gratitude to everyone who has been part of our efforts. A pat on the back also goes out to our donors, our volunteers and Lidl employees. The work is far from over, of course, as we still have to sort through all the donations, sort them and of course deliver them to the beneficiaries. Of course, the latter will be the most exciting part of the whole operation. We can’t wait to see once again what joy these aid packages can bring” – emphasized András Nagygyörgy, Director of External Relations of the Food Bank.

The Food Bank’s spring fundraising took place in a total of 410 stores in 202 municipalities across the country, with the participation of 5,500 volunteers. A total of 244,303 kilograms of donations were collected, from which the organization will prepare 48,881 relief packages.

 

Our new member company: Fővárosi Csatornázási Művek Zrt.

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As the largest Hungarian environmental service company, the Budapest Sewage Works Ltd. performs basic wastewater disposal and treatment tasks. In addition, the company’s mission is to be at the forefront in the introduction of environmentally friendly technologies and developments. Today, the company, led by CEO György Palkó, is involved in water and air pollution control, waste management and even bioenergy production, in addition to its core activities.

In its activities, the company strives to manage natural resources in a continuous and careful and responsible way, with a particular focus on combating climate change, reducing pollution, maintaining biodiversity and improving the well-being of the population. Their environmental management system is based on the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), the European Union’s environmental management and audit scheme.

In 2005, the company’s South Pest Wastewater Treatment Plant was the first in Hungary to start operation of a waste utilisation technology unit for receiving and processing various types of waste with high organic content, which enables the co-fermentation of such waste, i.e. the recovery of wastewater together with sludge. The green energy produced by this technology, thanks to a significant environmental investment by European standards, will make a significant contribution to the energy-efficient operation of the treatment plants.

The company is committed to protecting its employees as its core values and expects its business partners to follow this commitment and respect the rights of their own employees. Since 2020, they have been operating a Code of Ethics, in which they have set out their values and ethical standards for their employees and external partners, and which also provide the main guidelines for the company’s corporate governance.

The company shares the values that BCSDH stands for. They believe that membership can provide additional value to the company in the changing web of economic and environmental expectations, as well as meeting and value-creating opportunities for collaboration with responsible business leaders who are also committed to sustainability.

BCSDH also joined the Giving Manifesto

We believe that part of business success is the impact we have on the world. We are delighted to join the House of Giving initiative, which is strengthening the culture of conscious, effective and sustainable giving in Hungary.

One of the first professional pillars of the initiative is the Giving Manifesto, which is the first in Hungary to summarise how we can make giving thoughtful, effective and sustainable.

Building on international and domestic best practices, it presents the principles of a 21st century approach to giving. It is a tool to help business actors who want to give with a conscious strategy, for the long term and for greater social impact.

Read more about the points of the Giving Manifesto: https://houseofgiving.hu/giving-manifesto/

7 hectares, 700 trees, 30,000 shrubs and bulbs, unique expertise and commitment – an innovative eco-park that can inspire companies!

Is there self-sustaining green space? What are the climate adaptation solutions? And how can the lessons learned be transferred to businesses, even on a smaller scale? On our ‘Race to Zero on the Spot‘ programme, our member company BKM Nonprofit Zrt. FŐKERT Division for Urban Park Management, invited member companies to a unique tour of Pünkösdfürdő Park, dreamed up and created by BKM, with the help of Adrienne Szalkai, Head of the Department and Chief Designer.

The 7-hectare Pünkösdfürdő Park, which has also been awarded the Green Cities Europe national award, represents an ecological approach. A park attractive to all ages was created with natural solutions and contemporary architectural elements. The primary goal of the park, which was conceived with a regenerative approach, was to let nature prevail and create a truly sustainable and self-sustaining area.

The rain gardens help to make good use of the water that was previously stagnant there, and the wildflower meadow, which was created on 17,000 square meters and uses a special seed mixture that best suits the area, plays a major role in terms of biodiversity. There are also fruit trees in the area, with 24 species of trees harvested year after year. There are plenty of opportunities for sports and a nature trail for playful recreation.

Involving the public and thinking together is an important aspect in both the design and operation of the park. The area has an outstanding level of satisfaction, and the community also cooperates in protecting the park. The unique project is also extremely suitable for shaping attitudes, and many ideas and inspiration can be gathered not only for the public, but also for the implementation of corporate sustainability biodiversity programs.

If you would like to see the photos of the event please click HERE.

Accelerating climate adaptation is inevitable, requires action, and can only be achieved through cooperation

At the meeting of the Net Zero Advisory Board on September 16, hosted by the Ministry of Energy, Dr. Csaba Gondola, State Secretary for Circular Economy and Climate Policy, emphasized in his welcoming speech how important the work of the board is and how committed he is to professional cooperation. In his presentation, he outlined the regulations and plans for promoting climate adaptation.

As president of BCSDH, Attila Chikán Jr. emphasized the importance of adapting to a changing and increasingly fast-paced world, in which the business sector plays a key role. Those who act in time not only suffer less from the resulting damage and risks, but also create opportunities.

The work of the Luxembourg Advisory Board, presented by Prof. Dr. Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, Vice-Chair of the IPCC, may provide further ideas and inspiration for the work of the advisory board. Participants agreed that, in addition to scientific organizations, it is necessary to involve representatives of the sectors and industries concerned.

Irén Márta, Executive Director of BCSDH, presented the organization’s annual professional work and points of connection, emphasizing the wide-ranging involvement of stakeholders in relation to the year’s key topic, climate adaptation. On behalf of the organization, Andrea Nagy, project manager of Race to Zero program, presented the recommendations and proposed action plan for climate adaptation in the business sector that were developed during the professional work.

Participants of the event:

  • Zsombor Barta – Senior Advisor to the National Assembly, International Relations Officer, National Council for Sustainable Development
  • Attila Chikán Jr. – President, Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH)
  • Dr. Csaba Gondola – State Secretary for Circular Economy and Climate Policy, Ministry of Energy
  • András Kárpáti – President, Future Mobility Alliance
  • Kriszti Kocsis – Senior Policy Officer, British Embassy
  • Irén Márta – Managing Director, Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH)
  • Andrea Nagy – Race to Zero Project Manager, Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH)
  • Gábor Szarvas – President, Hungary Green Building Council (HuGBC)
  • Katalin Szmollár – Head of Cabinet, State Secretariat for Circular Economy and Climate Policy, Ministry of Energy
  • Prof. Dr. Diána Ürge-Vorsatz – Vice-Chair, UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

A photo gallery of the event can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Thanks to the sponsors of our Race to Zero program:

 

NUXON Hungary at the InnoElectro and Cunstruma Events

Aligned with current global and local challenges, NUXON Hungary is committed to sustainability and innovation, as showcased by our participation in the InnoElectro and Cunstruma events.

At the InnoElectro event, we welcomed visitors to our booth, presenting how our products contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development. We engaged in meaningful conversations, building valuable connections for future collaborations.

During the Cunstruma exhibition, we proudly represented ourselves at the Hungary Green Building Council (HuGBC) stand.

Ferenc Márton’s presentation offered insights into our innovative solutions, while our CFO, Anikó Huber, received the #BuildingLife Zero Carbon Ambassador Certificate at the Green Future Conference. This recognition further solidifies our dedication to building a greener and more sustainable future.

We take pride in contributing to sustainability goals through the strength of our community and are grateful for our partners’ support as we work together for future generations.

What next after the Omnibus package and the changes to the ESG law? – ESG working group meeting at Colas

The ESG legislative framework in Europe and in Hungary (CSRD, CSDDD, Hungarian ESG Act) is going through a turbulent period. What changes are expected? How will this affect the preparation of companies?” – we sought the answers on 15 April together with more than 40 of our member companies at the BCSDH ESG working group meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mátyás Bellaagh, CEO of Colas Hungária Zrt. IIR welcomed the guests. He emphasized that we have witnessed significant changes in the field of sustainability reporting in recent years, especially in this significantly changing environment.

On 3 April 2025, the European Parliament and on 14 April the EU Council voted in favour of the European Commission’s “stop-the-clock” proposal, which delays the implementation deadlines for the most important sustainability regulations – the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Zsófia Reizinger, ESG Consultant and Ákos Veisz, Managing Director of BDO Hungary ESG Consulting Ltd. They confirmed that it is worth continuing to prepare and to pay attention to strategic initiatives. They also gave a brief presentation on the planned amendments to the Hungarian ESG Act.


Although less publicised, the VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs), which can support companies in voluntary reporting, was finalised in December 2024. Julianna Nagy, Senior Manager at KPMG, pointed out that for companies that will no longer be covered by the CSRD, the Commission will adopt a voluntary reporting standard based on the VSME developed by EFRAG through a delegated act.

The presentations were followed by small group discussions where participants could directly share their experiences. Thank you to the working group members Julianna Nagy, Nora Stancsics and Ákos Veisz for moderating!

Thanks to our sponsors!

 

Collaboration and meaningful action are the keys to successful and timely climate adaptation – the Net Zero Advisory Board convened

Is action on the net-zero targets already visible in companies? Where are there improvements and challenges? Is climate adaptation really as important as climate protection? What collaborations and solutions can help to achieve meaningful progress and systemic change? What is the roadmap for the Hungarian construction industry to become carbon neutral and what are the tools to help achieve this? On 15 April, the Net Zero Advisory Board, set up to promote the carbon neutrality of the Hungarian economy, met again.

Hosting the event at the British Ambassador’s residence, Paul Fox, the UK Ambassador to Hungary, welcomed the participants and emphasized in his speech that they remain committed to meaningfully promoting climate-neutral actions in Hungary, and highlighted the need to give climate adaptation a more prominent role.

Attila Chikán Jr., President of the Business Council for Sustainable Development of Hungary (BCSDH), in his welcome speech at the multi-stakeholder platform, stressed that as global and European trends have the effect of softening sustainability goals and expectations for decisive action, this situation requires even more effort and cooperation from committed companies and other actors.

Irén Márta, Director of the BCSDH, stressed that whatever happens to climate targets, the consequences of climate change are already having a serious impact on the performance of companies. And this will only increase, at an accelerating rate. For this reason, the need for climate action is not an issue. Every company needs to assess where changes may present a business risk or even a new opportunity. The BCSDH’s Towards Net Zero survey published in January 2025 found that 91% of companies are feeling the effects of climate change, but only 16% have a climate adaptation action plan.

Andrea Nagy, Project Manager of the BCSDH Race to Zero programme, presented the further results of the research. 66 percent of Hungarian companies committed to a sustainable transition have specific climate change targets, and the number of companies measuring their emissions along the entire value chain has doubled. According to the survey, 26 percent of the leading companies in Hungary have scientific emission reduction targets that meet the 1.5 degree target. While this is higher than the global average, it is still far below what is needed to achieve it.

Gábor Szarvas, President of the Hungary Green Building Association (HuGBC), gave an insight into the work and achievements of his organisation. He presented their roadmap for the decarbonisation of the Hungarian construction industry and a guide to help them achieve this.

Board members participating in the event shared future goals and plans with other members, identifying numerous points of connection and joint collaboration opportunities in order to strengthen synergies and expand impact.

Participants of the Board meeting:

  • Zsombor Barta – Parlamentary Senior Counselor, National Council for Sustainable Development
  • Attila Chikán Jr – President, BCSDH
  • Paul Fox – Ambassador, British Embassy
  • Anikó Juhász  – Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture
  • Csaba Kandrács Dr.  – Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Hungary
  • András Kárpáti – President, Future Mobility Association
  • Kocsis Kriszti – Attache, Senior Policy Officer, British Embassy
  • Csaba Kőrösi  – Strategic Director, Blue Planet Foundation, former President of UN General Assembly
  • Irén Márta – Director, BCSDH
  • Andrea Nagy – Race to Zero Project Manager, BCSDH
  • Gábor Szarvas – President, Hungary Green Building Council (HuGBC)

For a photo gallery of the event CLICK here.

The Net Zero Advisory Board, a multi-stakeholder, cross-sectoral Advisory Board of Hungarian industry and business leaders, government and professional organisations, was established in January 2021 at the initiative of the British Embassy and BCSDH.

E.ON and Duna-Ipoly National Park flock together to protect birds

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The two organisations announced their joint bird protection efforts, including working  together to increase nest- and utility pole safety, at a press conference near the Fényes Tanösvény in Tata.

  • E.ON Hungária Group and the Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate have signed an agreement on bird conservation.
  • The energy firm, which operates the Transdanubia, Pest County and Budapest electricity grids, has pledged to develop safe and bird-friendly grids.
  • E.ON is providing support to the National Park for the installation and maintenance of stork nesting installations, tagging of birds in summer, and the emergency rescue of protected birds.
  • E.ON has spent HUF 1 billion on bird-friendly developments over the past two years.

E.ON Hungária Group has made the power grid near the Fényes Tanösvény in Tata safe for birds. In a meadow near this nature trail, power poles have been redesigned so that they do not pose a danger to birds flying over them. E.ON Hungária Group has also signed an agreement with the Danube-Ipoly National Park Directorate to protect bird habitat.

Having renewed its cooperation with the Duna-Ipoly National Park, the utility is undertaking the maintenance of stork nests it installs and maintains, managing overgrown and dangerous nests, and the installation of new nests, bird perches or bird decoys. The energy company has pledged its support, including a bucket lift truck and technicians, for tagging young storks, kestrels and falcons, and to assist in emergency situations, such as rescuing abandoned or fallen nestlings, or providing immediate intervention after a storm.

Each year, the National Park’s nature conservation officers identify points along the network where E.ON will carry out bird-friendly modifications to ensure safe habitats. Interventions involving protected species are always carried out under the professional supervision of the National Park.

Within its jurisdiction, E.ON has installed and maintains 3200 stork nests, two-thirds of which were utilised for breeding last year. The company has so far installed more than 170  bird-of-prey nesting boxes on its high-voltage poles in the Transdanubia region, and plans to install new ones later this year. Wildlife cameras are also to be placed at some nests from spring to autumn to help experts monitor the development of the chicks and inform any necessary feeding. Moreover, E.ON will give priority to all requests for wildlife conservation assistance.

E.ON Hungária Group and the national parks located in its grid coverage area have been working together for more than two decades. Presently, E.ON is renewing its bird protection contract with those organisations. In addition to that with the Duna-Ipoly National Park, agreements with the Duna-Dráva, Balaton-Felvidék, Őrség, Kiskunság and Fertő-Hanság National Parks will also be reaffirmed.

A Climate-Adapted Lifestyle Must Also Be Sustainable – Report from the BCSDH Communications Working Group Meeting

How willing are consumers to change their habits for a 1.5-degree lifestyle? Would people be more likely to give up meat or their car? Are there values strong enough to drive a shift in attitudes? How is the current difficult economic situation affecting the market for sustainable consumer goods? Can we achieve our goals without a sustainable lifestyle and individual action? Are climate adaptation and sustainable living compatible?

Following her presentation on the results of the 1.5-Degree Lifestyle Project, Edina Vadovics, Executive Director of the GreenDependent Institute, engaged in a discussion with Márk Maczelka, Head of Communications at SPAR Hungary, and Zsuzsa Károlyi, Head of Brand and Marketing at E.ON, moderated by Irén Márta. The conversation explored the above questions, as well as the topic of sustainable and resilient lifestyles, their challenges, the current situation, and the road ahead. At the working group meeting held on March 12, 2025, participants were welcomed by Olivér Martin, Group Head of Internal Audit and Compliance at Szentkirályi Hungary, who acted as host. Nikolett Van der Wildt, Sustainability and PR Manager, gave a presentation on the company’s sustainability achievements.

Research from the 1.5-Degree Lifestyle Project reveals that if the top 10% of earners in society were to take visible steps toward a more sustainable lifestyle, mitigating climate change could become a realistic goal. The decarbonization of industry alone will not be sufficient — individual and household-level action, as well as systemic change, are also necessary.Technological investments and lifestyle changes that require only minor adjustments are generally more accepted. However, much more drastic action is needed to achieve meaningful climate impact.
There is also potential for shifts in attitudes.

The roundtable discussion and the informal dialogue that followed revealed that existential concerns often override sustainable purchasing decisions — but we must not give up. An individual — or even a company — can act as a nano-scale catalyst that steers processes in the right direction. It is a Sisyphean task, but if everyone moves in the same direction, progress will come. We are halfway to 2050. Much has been done, but even more lies ahead. We must find the right answers. We need to decide where to allocate our resources — where they can have the greatest impact. We must view our products and services through the lens of how they support, or could support, individuals on the path to a sustainable lifestyle.

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