The study period, which began in 2023 and spans three full years, has its first-year results released by SolServices Ltd., the operator of Lumen Park Szolnok. Ecological experts assessed the area’s wildlife before the construction and after the first year of the solar park’s operation. According to the ecological monitoring results, both plant species diversity and bird species diversity have increased, with positive changes observed in the number of nesting and area-using species.

In the first year of operation, species richness has already increased in the surveyed area according to the latest results of the biodiversity survey

The study period, which began in 2023 and spans three full years, has its first-year results released by SolServices Ltd., the operator of Lumen Park Szolnok. Ecological experts assessed the area’s wildlife before the construction and after the first year of the solar park’s operation. According to the ecological monitoring results, both plant species diversity and bird species diversity have increased, with positive changes observed in the number of nesting and area-using species.

Lumen Park Szolnok is the first nature-friendly solar park not only in Hungary but also globally, implemented using the most modern sustainable methods, focusing on plant and animal-friendly approaches and the revitalization of soil depleted by decades of agricultural utilization. The ecological research, which provides insights over several years, has produced guiding results for environmental and sustainability authorities. The company has opened its professional database for academic research, resulting in the first scientific paper based on this data.

The results show that in 2023, the number of plant species increased significantly compared to the initial state, and the total coverage of regenerating vegetation is also substantial. The coverage of valuable species has increased, and the Shannon diversity index has also improved in the areas. The area, previously used for large-scale agriculture, now features a near-natural habitat, indicating the spontaneous formation of natural plant cover. Rare plants like the Sea Arrowgrass (Triglochin maritimum) and the protected Saltmarsh Buttercup (Ranunculus lateriflorus) have appeared. Despite the presence of higher naturalness species post-construction, to combat the significant coverage of agricultural weeds and invasive species, a special seed mix sown in 2023 promote further natural habitat formation, increasing species richness and diversity while naturally suppressing undesirable and invasive species.

figure1. Comparison of nesting species population data observed during the baseline survey and the 2023 survey (number of nesting pairs)

The bird diversity also increased post-construction compared to the baseline and control area surveys, partly due to the solar park’s function as a feeding ground compared to large-scale agricultural habitats. Certain species like the Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) and Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) have started nesting in fewer numbers, while others like the Eurasian Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) showed no population change. New nesting species such as the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Crested Lark (Galerida cristata), and others have appeared in the solar park. The total bird population observed in 2023 included 23 species and 697 individuals, with new area-using species like the Bluethroat, Lesser Grey Shrike, and Tree Pipit, Common Linnet. The survey also highlighted that the nesting success of Eastern Imperial Eagle and Saker Falcon was not affected by the solar park’, while the occurrence of the Common Buzzard and Kestrel increased significantly.

Insect community studies show that the solar park significantly did not alter the area’s insect fauna composition, with major taxonomic groups’ dominance structures remaining similar. Polarotactic taxa individuals were evenly distributed inside and outside the solar park, their proportion in the total caught insect material was only 0.15%,  indicating that these insects are not attracted en masse to solar parks. Similar to 2020, the taxa caught in the largest numbers were flies (Diptera, 51.79%), hymenopterans (Hymenoptera, 22.54%), beetles (Coleoptera, 17.29%), and true bugs (Hemiptera, 5.98%). Overall, it can be concluded that the number of insects in the area has increased compared to the baseline condition.

Among renewable energy sources, solar energy is one of our most significant sustainable resources, making it increasingly important in domestic energy production. Additionally, solar parks can effectively protect wildlife and enhance biodiversity. Properly planned and minimally managed solar parks provide undisturbed habitats for plants and animals for two to three decades, promoting biological diversity. These areas are not used for agriculture, plowed, sown, or sprayed with various chemicals. As a result, the flora and fauna flourish and diversify over the years. The creation of nature-friendly, new-generation solar parks must follow well-established principles and practices. SolServices Ltd. has developed a detailed professional guide in collaboration with experts and organizations, enabling other solar park developers to establish nature-friendly solar parks. “It’s important to emphasize that we’ve achieved all this with a highly diverse team of different professional backgrounds and nationalities, always aiming for concrete solutions and actual implementation, staying a step ahead of the market,” added Dr. Gábor Farkas, CEO of SolServices Ltd., when presenting the first-year research results of the ecological survey.

DS Smith is present as a provider of sustainable packaging solutions, paper products and recycling services in more than thirty countries worldwide. The company plays a central role in the value chain across sectors including e-commerce, fast moving consumer goods, food and beverage, and industrials. DS Smith is committed to sustainability and transition to a circular economy. They launched their Now & Next Sustainability Strategy in 2020 by set ambitious near and long-term targets that confirmed their commitment to the Circular Economy and their Purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World.

Their goal is to reach Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050. On the way to this, many objectives have been settled. Their goals to be achieved by 2025: measure and improve biodiversity in their forests and assess their dependencies on nature, launche biodiversity programmes in place at each of their paper mills, 100% paper mills and packaging sites to have water management plans, optimise fibre for individual supply chains in 100% of new packaging solutions, help their customers take 1 billion pieces of problem plastics off supermarket shelves, test up to 5 reuse pilots and continue to manufacture 100% recyclable or reusable packaging. Their objectives to be achieved by 2030: reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 46% compared to 2019, 10% reduction in water-withdrawal intensity at paper mills at risk of water stress compared to 2019., optimise every fibre for every supply chain, send zero waste to landfill.  In addition their aim is for all their packaging to be recycled or reused.

They have a range of policies, including on social and governance issues. DS Smith operates as a safe, diverse and inclusive workplace and playing an active role in their communities. They set an aspiration of other protected characteristics and aim to to improve gender diversity towards 40% women in senior leadership by 2030. They aim is to engage 100% of their people on the circular economy by 2025 and by 2030 By 2030, engage ten million people on circular economy and circular lifestyles.

Their ESG ratings: the annual MSCI assessment since 2012 (Current rating AA); the annual EcoVadis assessment since 2014 (Current rating – Gold), Circulytics -Rated A-, the annual CDP submission since 2010 (Current rating: Climate Change A; Forests A-; Water Security A-), S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (DJSI) – Rated 73, LSE Green Economy mark – Awarded by the London Stock Exchange’s (LSE) new green economy mark accreditation, AB Sedex members since 2014, the annual Sustainalytics ESG assessment (Current rating 12.9 ‘Low Risk’), Member of the UN Global Compact since 2013, the annual WWF Environmental Paper Company Index (EPCI) since 2015.

DS Smith has published a sustainability report since 2014 at a group level.

The company considers it is key wherever it operates, to do everything possible to achieve sustainability and transition to a circular economy, so it looks to BCSDH as a startegic partner. The council offers a valuable opportunity to cooperate and build relationships with several companies and experts sharing best practices and learning from each other.

Environmental awareness, social responsibility, the appreciation of staff members, food safety and the promotion of health-consciousness are important parts of the corporate philosophy of SPAR Hungary. The company has launched future-proof programmes under this approach during the past year, which are presented in its latest sustainability report.

“Sustainability is the biggest issue and challenge of our modern age, with our future at stake, and as a responsible company we must also focus on these questions. Our environmental awareness is emphasised throughout the entire corporate system, including the areas of energy efficiency, professional waste management or the conservation of natural resources. As part of our social responsibility initiatives, we also support people in need and donate to animal welfare organisations and various social programmes. And we also care about our staff members who work day in, day out for our mutual success. We are proud to see that SPAR Hungary has been ranked 14th on the joint list of the HVG weekly magazine and the Planet Fanatics’ Network, which ranks large Hungarian corporations based on environmental sustainability, social responsibility and corporate governance (ESG) aspects.  We are carrying on with these initiatives in 2024 and we are committed to sustainability,” emphasised president and CEO Gabriella Heiszler who also oversees the SPAR sustainability strategy.

In 2019, SPAR Hungary has organised its sustainability efforts under the single umbrella brand “SPAR – for a sustainable future”, linking its priority areas relevant to sustainable development. Core values of the SPAR Group (modern, customer-focused, sustainably operating) define the day-to-day commercial activities and the way the organisation operates. Aspects of sustainability have always been definitive for the entire SPAR Group, shaping the very foundations of its business strategy.

Environmental awareness in all areas

SPAR has been conducting its trading activities with environmental impacts in mind since its establishment. Environmental awareness is reflected in the store network, logistics centres, food production facilities and at the company headquarters. The company also aims to strive for energy efficiency, professional waste management and the conservation of natural resources. In 2023, the company’s total energy consumption was cut by more than 5.5% compared to the year before. The volume of generated waste decreased by more than 1600 tonnes (i.e. 5%) compared to 2022. With the introduction of reusable rolling rack blankets in logistics, SPAR Hungary saves more than 70 tonnes of packaging material each year. Also, through partnership with Munch, customers can buy discounted food packages, reducing food waste.

Only ingredients from reliable sources are used in the SPAR system

The company lays strong emphasis on food safety across its entire range of products, ensuring that only verified products from trusted sources are available on store shelves. The retail chain complies with the requirements of international quality management standards that guarantee the highest levels of food safety.

More and more health-conscious products

SPAR is committed to promoting healthy diets. For this reason, it has launched the SPAR Lifestyle (SPAR Életmód) programme, is continuously expanding its range of products to support a healthy lifestyle, raises awareness of quality food and helps people with dietary intolerances. Surveys show that only 4% of the Hungarian population regularly takes part in sporting activities, it SPAR also promoting sports and healthy lifestyle. In this spirit, the two-day SPAR Budapest Marathon Festival has been organised again in 2013, and the company has been the brand name main sponsor of the event since 2009.

8.7 billion HUF spent on raising wages

SPAR Hungary is one of the largest employers in Hungary and the company highlights the importance of continuous professional training and remuneration of the employees. The corporation spent 8.7 billion HUF on salary increases last year. Training hours per employee increased by more than 20 percent by 2023. In 2023, SPAR Hungary was awarded the title “Reliable Employer 2023/24” by the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DUIHK) for its exemplary and reliable care for the working and living conditions of its employees.

Focus area of supporting social causes

SPAR highlights the importance of supporting communities and organisations that work for social welfare causes. The company spent more than 200 million HUF on charitable causes in 2023.

The “Joy to Give!” (Adni Öröm!) Christmas fundraising campaign – which SPAR organised for the 27th time in cooperation with the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service – made the holidays of 25 000 families more joyful.  At the end of August, in the “Joy to Give!” school supplies donation campaign, shoppers also supported the school supplies collection initiative of the Charity Service of the Hungarian Order of Malta and SPAR Hungary by purchasing more than 62 000 pieces of school supplies and donation cards worth nearly 2.2 million HUF, thus contributing to the start of the school year of around 1600 pupils in need.

The partners event at the 2023 Budapest Wine Festival was organised by SPAR with the lowest possible carbon footprint: SPAR voluntarily compensated for the emissions generated by the organisation, energy consumption, travel and meals of guests by planting 392 native fruit trees.

The “Paw in Trouble!” (Mancs a bajban!) pet food donation campaign was organised in May 2023 with volunteers of more than 30 animal welfare organisations. More than 9000 kg dry pet food and 4500 pieces of canned food for dogs, as well as more than 1000 kg of dry pet food, nearly 2500 pieces of canned food, 5000 trays of food and 1355 kg of cat litter has been collected.

The objectives and results of the sustainability activities of SPAR Hungary are publicly available on the following website: www.sparafenntarthatojovoert.hu

What began as a ‘crazy’ idea in 2021, with four friends attempting to walk non-stop for 24 hours in Amsterdam to raise funds for fighting global climate change, has evolved into a global movement. This year, we’re thrilled to welcome Budapest as a new location for 24 The Planet alongside Amsterdam and New York.

The concept is straightforward: participants, backed by friends and family, walk continuously for 24 hours in a park to raise funds and awareness for the battle against global climate change. All proceeds are donated to Justdiggit, an NGO dedicated to regreening dry and degraded land in Africa to cool down the planet.

24 The Planet is not a race; walkers determine their own pace. Our “slowest” walker covered 52 KM, while our “fastest” walker completed 116 KM. The commitment is to walk for 24 hours, with short breaks permitted.

Since its inception in 2021, 24 The Planet has grown exponentially, increasing by thirteenfold. Last year, fifty-five 24-hour walkers completed the 24-hour challenge, while over 400 individuals showed their support. Over the past three years, we’ve raised over EUR 125,000, enabling us to regreen an area twice the size of Central Park in Africa!

We are looking for walkers who are joining us as individuals and raising money with their friends and family (via the platform). Companies can buy Sponsor packages or buy tickets for their employees in the form of a teambuilding activity.

To make the 24-hour walk more engaging, in Amsterdam they host mini-events every two to three hours. Featuring keynote speakers, conducting breathwork sessions, offering guided meditation hours, hosting a silent disco, organising a dog-walking session, inviting a marching band to perform, and celebrating the halfway mark with a 12-hour event. Additionally, providing family-style meals, and in the final hours, a mobile DJ booth plays uplifting beats to keep motivation. (for the Budapest event we are still finalising the final list of mini-events, any suggestions are welcome)

Find more information at: https://linktr.ee/meijerandco or write to us for a quote via: Planet24@meijerandco.com