SolServices Ltd., one of Hungary’s pioneers in sustainable energy production, has taken an important step toward environmentally conscious education for the next generation. In collaboration with the Szolnok City Animal Shelter Foundation and local educational institutions, the company has implemented an educational program that simultaneously promotes environmental sustainability and a commitment to animal welfare.

The central venue for the initiative was the Lumen Park Szolnok—a new-generation solar park developed, implemented, and operated by SolServices—where, so far this year, more than 800 preschool and school-aged children have participated in experiential learning sessions. The main goal of the program was to introduce children in a playful manner to the basics of renewable energy production, the importance of biodiversity, and the significance of habitat protection.

Partnership for the Community, for the Future

SolServices Ltd. has supported the Szolnok City Animal Shelter for several years—not only financially but also by providing infrastructure to assist in the care of rescued animals. This latest joint project has elevated the cooperation to a new level: in addition to animal welfare, green energy and responsible ecology have also come into focus. The company and the foundation share the belief that sustainability begins with younger generations. Therefore, the children participating in the program were introduced to the principles of sustainable living in a comprehensive and hands-on manner.

Lumen Park Szolnok – More Than Energy Production

As one of the most advanced—and Hungary’s first next-generation—solar parks, Lumen Park Szolnok stands out not only for generating clean energy. In line with SolServices Ltd.’s new-generation solar park program, the park was designed and is operated to deliver ecological added value as well. Educational trails, complex habitats, insect hotels, birdhouses, and native grassland restoration all contribute to enhancing local biodiversity. Within just the first year of operation, an increase in species richness was already measurable in the area.

In addition to these biodiversity-boosting measures, the clean energy produced by the park annually covers nearly half of the county’s residential energy demand—thereby preventing the emission of approximately 39,000 tons of carbon dioxide. This is especially important in relation to SolServices’ long-term strategy, according to which renewable energy production must go hand in hand with social and environmental responsibility—not just technology.

Multi-Generational Impact – Award-Winning Guide to Share Best Practices

SolServices Ltd. places great emphasis on ensuring that the insights gained from the program are not confined to local achievements. To support this goal, an open-access professional guide was published as part of the project, detailing every step of how solar parks can be operated to generate not only clean energy but also environmental and social value. The aim of this document is to inspire actors across the sector: sustainability is not only about reducing emissions—it also involves active engagement with communities and taking responsibility for nature conservation.

This guide—together with the outstanding biodiversity survey results of the Lumen Park Szolnok—was awarded shared first place in the “Biodiversity” category of the BCSDH Sustainability Award last year!

We are delighted to welcome the UBM Group, one of Hungary’s leading feed ingredient trading and manufacturing companies, as a member. Founded in 1996 and employing more than 400 people, the company’s three main business areas – protein, grain, and feed trading – contribute to the development of the domestic agricultural economy with a balanced business portfolio.
The company, led by CEO Péter Horváth, treats sustainability as a strategic priority. It organizes its operations in line with ESG principles: quarterly reporting, a dedicated ESG officer, and a code of ethics and conduct ensure transparent and responsible corporate operations.
Their key project is product-level carbon footprint calculation, which enables the identification and mitigation of the environmental impact of feed production. This is complemented by practical measures such as the operation of a 4 MW solar power plant, energy efficiency investments, and regular improvements aimed at reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
UBM takes a comprehensive approach based on the three pillars of sustainability: environmental responsibility, social value creation, and economic stability.

They place particular emphasis on actively involving employees through educational programs, internal campaigns, and feedback channels. They also play an active role in supporting local communities.
Their first ESG report was prepared voluntarily, while the second report was prepared in accordance with the GRI standard. They are currently working on the 2024/2025 report.
By joining BCSDH, their goal is to leverage their professional knowledge, practical experience, and long-term commitment in a value-based business community that represents the forefront of sustainable economic development, with a particular focus on the current challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector.

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.