The ESG Summary Report is an extract from ALTEO’s Integrated Report, published for the eighth time this year, providing a comprehensive insight into the company’s power plant operations, the development of its electromobility business and its achievements in waste management.
The 2023 ESG Summary Report demonstrates ALTEO’s commitment to sustainability and the efforts it is making to be responsible for the environment, society and the company itself.
In 2023, ALTEO also created its own CSR Strategy, with a special focus on educating employees on sustainability issues, strengthening their social responsibility, organising employee and management volunteering days with local communities, and awareness-raising programmes and donations to civic causes.
The creation of ALTEO’s Renewable Regulatory Centre, new investments and developments, and the installation of charging equipment all embody the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Read the full ESG Summary Report here.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alteo.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-17 13:39:312024-05-29 13:41:04ALTEO 2023 ESG Summary published
“One of the primary goals of iData Ltd. is the creation of ecofriendly telematics services. This led to the creation of the iTrack Green Services package, a unique collection of iTrack products and services with a special focus on environmental protection and human life preservation. Telematics generally refers to the integration of information technology and telecommunication technologies, especially for devices that collect and transmit data in real time. The ecofriendly aspect here means that the services aim to improve energy efficiency, reduce harmful emissions, and minimize the environmental footprint overall.
What are these services and how do they support sustainability?
Online tracking – Enhanced with transportation information, real-time online tracking allows continuous control over your fleet’s cost-effective and green operation.
Optimized routes – Efficient route planning can minimize unnecessary travel and reduce fuel consumption, thereby reducing greenhouse gas CO2 emissions and toxic nitrogen dioxide emissions.
Driving style analysis – Train drivers on ecofriendly driving techniques, provide feedback through reports on excessive acceleration, cornering, sudden braking, or even non-proactive driving. Help them achieve their company’s ESG emission and accident prevention goals.
Fuel consumption monitoring – With our fuel control service, using probes and CAN, you can authentically monitor fuel usage and thereby CO2 emissions, which we share with you in regular reports.
Key-based car booking system – Our solutions regularly monitor the size and composition of your fleet to avoid maintaining unnecessary vehicles, which can lead to unnecessary costs and environmental burdens.
Service monitoring – Regular maintenance and inspection can ensure that vehicles operate in optimal condition. Well-maintained vehicles have lower harmful emissions and greater fuel and cost efficiency.
The iTrack Green Services can help a company operate its vehicle fleet more sustainably, thereby reducing its ecological footprint and helping to achieve environmental goals.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/idata_logo_450x250.png250450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-15 13:32:262024-05-29 13:33:27Ecofriendly telematics services from iData Ltd.
The Regional Waste Management Centre in Pusztazámor is a veritable stork colony, with more than 20 pairs of storks nesting there this year. Now, the site is safer for the birds after E.ON’s replacing of the overhead lines there with underground cables. The investment also benefits the large-bodied guests of the special feeding and nesting site, the protected white storks and other birds.
Seagulls, crows, bee-eaters, kestrels, sand martins as well as numerous white storks feed and nest at the Pusztazámor Waste Treatment Plant, the country’s largest landfill. The 55-hectare facility on the outskirts of Budapest has been a harbour for birds since it opened, offering them a banquet all year long. Even the particularly rare black stork is seen occasionally there, showing how this secure food source is even more attractive than their original home in the undisturbed floodplain forests, especially during drought periods.
The landfill site’s natural characteristics were apparent from the first stork nests that appeared in its first year of operation. Today, the extensive meadows and wetlands, fish ponds and the proximity of the Danube and several canals make the Zámor deposit a unique habitat within Europe, rich in species. Last year, 24 pairs of white storks nested on the tops of utility poles and compost heaps, resulting in more than 60 chicks being raised by the pairs. The national park’s experts tag the hatchlings each summer. During the flocking period before the autumn migration, up to 200 storks stay on the site at a time, and some even spend the winter in Pusztazámor. As for the other bird species, sometimes 2-3,000 black-headed gulls feed in the area at the same time, and large flocks of rooks and jackdaws also arrive in autumn and winter.
Medium-voltage power lines there were the only thing that prevented larger birds from flying in and out. Following E.ON’s investment this spring, only underground cables are now present in the area with the greatest level of bird activity.
E.ON experts, in cooperation with the Danube-Ipoly National Park Directorate, paid special attention to the interests of birds during construction. The power lines’ cross supports were left in place to serve as nesting and perching sites for the storks. The gesture of deliberately clearing out the wires in March (before nesting) seems to have been appreciated, as the cross supports, now a safe place to brood and raise young, have been invariably occupied by pairs of storks. The development also benefits people living in the area, who will no longer experience frequent power cuts caused by the nesting activity of storks, due to branches falling on the power lines. The supply of power to the area will be more stable and reliable, also a boon for the landfill’s operation.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/eon-1.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-15 00:27:552024-05-29 00:28:38More than 20 white stork pairs can nest safely at Pest County’s largest landfill
SPAR Hungary is installing comfortable and secure bicycle racks at newly opened stores, also focusing on this feature when modernising existing stores. Based on recommendations of the Hungarian Cyclist Club (Magyar Kerékpárosklub) on bicycle-parking facilities, 17 SPAR stores are already using the easy-to-install solution.
“SPAR Hungary implements significant investments every year, opening new stores and renewing existing ones. When planning each of the developments, we take into account a very wide range of factors, from the design of the stores to their accessibility. In recent years, we’ve seen more and more people coming shopping by bicycle. We would like to offer them a convenient and secure way to park their bikes. The Hungarian Cyclist Club contributed greatly with recommendations that we have taken into account in the design of the bicycle racks in the parking lots of stores and next to the buildings,” explained Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.
The Hungarian Cyclist Club was founded in 2002 as a non-governmental organisation and it now has more than 2000 members nationwide. Their main goal is to promote cycling in Hungary and to create a culture of bicycle use. The organisation is an important stakeholder in public life, providing professional assistance in the preparation of relevant government decisions and contributing to design works and the implementation of plans. Its working group on transport development, cycling infrastructure planning and cycle storage facilities includes transport and civil engineers with design qualifications.
“It is clear that SPAR cares about customers arriving on bicycle, as it has installed the bicycle racks at its stores and provided a systemic response to our feedback by switching to more practical and convenient, lockable supports. It is an important goal of our organisation to make our towns and cities suitable for cycling, and for this not only access but also storage is an important condition”, explained Gábor Kürti, president of the Hungarian Cyclist Club.
SPAR Hungary staff initiated an exchange of experience with experts of the Club last August. As a result of the consultation and discussions, the recommendations of the NGO were fully accepted by the company. Since then, the number of SPAR stores where customers arriving with their bicycles can find bicycle racks complying with the recommendations is steadily increasing. There are already 17 SPAR stores with the recommended bike support, and this number is going to continue to increase in the future.
The most proven rack type, recommended by cycling organisations, is the so-called support frame, also referred to professionally as the “Sheffield stand”. It is simple to install, inexpensive, yet perfectly suited to the purpose, allowing the bicycle to be quickly and conveniently positioned and securely fixed to either the frame or the wheels, and it is also supports bikes with a basket or child seat.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-06 18:59:202024-05-28 19:45:56More bicycle racks at SPAR stores following recommendations from cycling experts
FGSZ, employing ~700 people, owns and operates the Hungarian high-pressure natural gas pipeline system servicing gas distribution companies, power plants, and large industrial consumers.
The company aims to contribute to the EU and national climate change targets. Thus, they have launched several strategic actions, such as emission reduction activities related to natural gas transmission, assessment and development of tasks related to the transport of renewable gases, as well as ESG reporting. In 2021, they voluntarily joined the international association OGMP (Oil and Gas Methane Partnership), and defined their methane emission goals according to the organisation’s framework system (OGMP 2.0 methodology). In this context, they also operate an Emission Reduction Framework Programme and implement emission reduction projects as well as work organisation processes.
As part of their commitment to environmental responsibility, they have launched a Green Office Programme, provide regular environmental training and sustainable FGSZ Academy Internal Training to their employees, and operate a Green Idea Box. They have an Ethics Committee, Ethics Manual, Ethics hotline, and Equal Opportunities Plan as well.
They have joined BCSDH to foster further sustainability awareness, learn about useful best practices, increase their knowledge of the green energy industry, and share their knowledge.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FGSZ-Logo-EN_Kek-Monochrome-CMYK-masolata.jpg592513Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-06 11:19:512024-05-06 11:20:03Our new member, FGSZ Zrt.
On 25 April 2024, for the 11th time, the winners of the Randstad Award for Hungary were announced at a gala event in the Várkert Bazaar. LEGO was named the most attractive employer, while BT and Mercedes-Benz defended their second and third place positions from last year.
Libri, the Hungarian National Bank, MOL, Novartis, Accent Hotels, Coca-Cola, Szerencsejáték Zrt., Magyar Telekom, Wizz Air, Lufthansa Systems and KÉSZ Group won special awards in their respective sectors. The best known employer was Aldi.
What do Hungarian workers want most?
According to recent Employer Brand research by Randstad, attractive wages and benefits packages will remain the top priority for Hungarian employees in 2024 in terms of job choice preferences. They also put a high value on a pleasant work atmosphere, how they experience everyday life in the workplace environment, and how they relate to their colleagues and managers. The financial stability of the employer, where the job is long term, where there is no fear of redundancy and where there is the possibility of achieving a work-life balance, is also a major factor – the value of the latter has increased compared to two years ago.
Compared to last year, the top preferences of Hungarian workers and even their ranking remained the same, however, the survey also showed that the importance of these aspects is significantly higher among Hungarian workers compared to the European average. In particular, there is a striking difference in the degree of expectation for an attractive salary and benefits package, a pleasant working atmosphere and the financial stability of the employer.
“Unfortunately, all this shows that these motivators are still not self-evident in our country, and employees have to constantly reiterate what they want when setting their expectations,” said Sándor Baja, Managing Director of Randstad.
Different needs by gender and education level
The top 5 driving factors for choosing a job are the same for both sexes, but for reasons that go back to our social context, some attributes show significant differences between the expectations of women and men. Convenience and accessibility of the workplace and the possibility to remote work/home office are more important for women than for men, and equality of opportunities is also a priority for women.
To learn more about the expectations of employees, most attractive sectors and the mobility among Hungarian employees download the Randstad Employer Brand Research Country report:
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/randstad.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-04-28 19:05:212024-05-28 19:07:52The most attractive employers in Hungary in 2024
Budapest Airport has stepped up another level in environmentally conscious operation: it has achieved level 4+ “Transition” in Airports Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation program. Less than ten percent of the more than 550 airports participating in the assessment, only 52 airports, to be precise, have currently achieved this level, and Budapest Airport is the first airport in the Central European region to attain this certification.
Airport Carbon Accreditation, established by Airports Council International (ACI), is the only global, institutionally approved program that assesses the carbon emissions of the world’s airports, using a rigorous certification scheme, on a scale of one to five. Budapest Airport has moved up this certification scale by achieving a 4+ “Transition” rating. This upgrade confirms that the airport fully offsets the direct carbon emissions from its operations and is working with its partners to reduce emissions. In addition, Budapest Airport has set a long-term absolute emissions reduction target, developed a stakeholder partnership scheme and established a Carbon Management Plan, in line with the Paris Agreement targets, including a reduction pathway along which it will achieve these targets.
In order to achieve level 4+ “Transition” of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, Budapest Airport has in recent years added new elements to the measurement of indirect carbon emissions from the activities of companies operating at the airport, in addition to reducing its own emissions. During data collection, the airport operator has taken into account, among other things, information on the materials used for the de-icing of aircraft, roads, taxiways and aprons, the amount of fuel used by subcontractors during construction and development works, as well as the routes and the treatment of waste and waste water. Measurements also include the total amount of fuel supplied to airlines and mapping the commuting habits of airport staff. The resulting comprehensive analysis will help Budapest Airport to further reduce the environmental impacts of the airport, together with its partners, and achieve net zero emissions target set by ACI by 2035.
The criteria for level 4+ “Transition” are fulfilled by only 10% of the airports participating in the program, currently a total of 52 airports,1 with Ferenc Liszt International Airport being the first in the Central European region to achieve this certification.
Budapest Airport has been following a consistent strategy for years, working closely with its partners to reduce the environmental impacts of the airport. It is continuously expanding its fleet of electric vehicles and developing its e-charging infrastructure, thus also encouraging its partner companies to develop e-mobility. As a result, 96 charging points are available for electric vehicles and more than 130 electric ground service equipment are already performing their tasks at the airport on a daily basis. Electric vehicle charging is also available for passengers; there are already 35 charging points in public car parks. From January 2023, 100% of the airport’s total electricity consumption are covered by renewable energy sources, and work is underway to develop a 7.5 MW solar farm and to prepare the development of a geothermal heating system for the airport. Thanks to the measures implemented so far, the company has reduced its direct carbon emissions by more than 70% over the last ten years and has also performed exceptionally well in waste management, recycling 73% of its municipal and packaging waste in 2023, more than double the rate of the population. The company has also reduced its natural gas consumption by 22% in one year.
Olivier Jankovec, the director general of ACI EUROPE emphasized: “I have only praise for Budapest Airport’s latest achievement within Airport Carbon Accreditation. The Hungarian hub has reached another critical step in carbon management, as it has become certified at level 4+ Transition, which means it has fully aligned its carbon reduction pathway with the ambitious climate goals of the Paris Agreement. BUD is the first airport in Central Europe to reach this level of carbon management maturity, and with its target to achieve net zero emissions already by 2035 for CO2 emissions under its control, the airport is also clearly a leader in terms of climate action at global level. Hats off to the entire team for this significant achievement!”
“As a responsible airport operator, we are convinced that rapid action is needed to protect the environment and integrate sustainable practices into our daily operations,” said Kam Jandu, the CEO of Budapest Airport. He added: “Achieving level 4+ “Transition” confirms that with a consistent strategy, combined with a passionate and knowledgeable team, the airport is able to fulfil its essential operations in a more sustainable way. The next step will be to achieve ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation level 5, which will mean attaining net zero emissions, and we aim to realize this by 2035 at the latest.”
The main goal: Net zero emissions by 2035
In 2019, Budapest Airport joined ACI’s NetZero by 2050 initiative, which set the target of achieving net zero carbon emissions from the operation of participating organizations by 2050 at the latest. Budapest Airport, however, has set itself the ambitious target to reduce its carbon emissions to zero 15 years ahead of the deadline, by 2035 at the latest.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Budapest-Airport.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-04-22 20:11:552024-05-28 20:15:27BUD scores 4+ on a scale of 5: Budapest Airport becomes the first in Central Europe to achieve global carbon management certification
Founded in 2021, 8G Energy Solutions Zrt. aims to provide complex energy services to its corporate clients. For individual renewable energy projects, it has professional competencies covering the entire project life cycle: design, permitting, construction, operation of energy production and storage systems and e-mobility (electric car charging, carport system). It provides a wide range of energy consulting services from corporate energy strategy to tailor-made individual projects, and is also involved in writing professional content and proposals for green energy tenders. It serves residential customers primarily with solar PV systems.
In the company’s name, “8G” stands for the eight green and permanently renewable energy sources related to the company’s operation: solar, wind, air, geothermal, thermal water, water, hydrogen and biomass. The company constantly works on introduction of innovations and technological developments in the fields of energy, energy management and energy information technology. As a member of the Biggeorge Property group, they have a strong business background, many years of industry experience and extensive references.
They have a strong focus on sustainability and their strategic objectives are driven by sustainability:
to increase energy efficiency,
the use of renewable energy sources,
to ensure equal opportunities for employees,
and by further developing transparency and improving corporate processes.
In particular, they aim to contribute to a greater use of renewable energy through the installation of solar panels. Their sustainable long-term development goals include energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources to combat climate change and contribute to the restoration of biodiversity.
In addition to the use of green energy, they pay great attention to their employees, including gender equality, a non-discriminatory working environment and work-life balance. In addition, they provide continuous opportunities for professional and personal development and advancement. They see their employees as the key to their success.
Since 2022, the company has been included in the Group-wide Sustainability and ESG Report, and their objectives are to produce an independent ESG Report in 2024. In 2024, they plan to expand their corporate consulting activities to include ESG.
In line with the objectives of the BCSDH, the company has joined the council because it wants to be part of an organisation that will further promote sustainability and a greener future in Hungary: setting an example for companies that may not have adopted sustainable corporate governance policies yet.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/8G-logo_szines.jpg272437Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-04-19 11:09:102024-04-19 11:10:10Our new member company, 8G Energy Solutions Zrt.
Quality certifications guarantee food safety and product quality throughout the operation of SPAR Hungary, not only in the area of food production, but also in the logistics processes and the retail network.
“Serving our customers with quality products is at the forefront of the strategic objectives of SPAR Hungary. In this endeavour, we receive important feedback from the strict quality assurance systems that are regularly audited by independent professional bodies. We are proud that from food production to logistics and sales, SPAR continuously meets the expectations and strict requirements which guarantee that our stores always receive the best quality products that comply with the strictest food safety standards”, said Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.
SPAR Hungary uses standards that best mirror the unique expectations of each field of expertise to secure quality assurance processes. The operation of quality management systems that are monitored and certified by independent bodies means that customers can be assured that processes and products are under supervision.
SPAR’s own meat-processing plant in Bicske, the Regnum Meat Processing Plant and Training Centre has had its ISO certification since 2010, and currently the ISO 22000:2018 standard is applied. Similarly, to the previous standards, this audit is not compulsory to have, but the aim for the meat processing plant is to secure a high-quality process. The certification is valid for three years with a yearly supervisory audit, and after the three years have elapsed, the meat plant goes through a renewal audit. This certification is proof of the supervision over production processes, the compliance with hygiene and food safety standards, and includes continuous assessments and checks.
At the SPAR enjoy.convenience plant in Üllő, mayonnaise salads, sandwiches, sandwich spreads and ready-made dishes are produced. It is an outstanding achievement in the life of the company that since November 2022 the plant (operating since 2018) has been certified to the ISO 22000:2018 quality management standard, which means that SPAR meets the most stringent food safety requirements.
The IFS Logistics 2.3 standard guarantees logistical safety and quality from the point when the product arrives up to the stage when it is delivered to the stores not only for SPAR and INTERSPAR customers, but for the shoppers of the franchise stores as well. SPAR Hungary was the first food retail chain in Hungary to join the voluntary quality management and food safety standard in 2013. In 2023, the company obtained the certificate for the 10th time. Last year, the company’s two logistics centres also achieved “High level” certification in the audit conducted by Quality Austria, another independent certification body. Compared to the compliance rate of 95 percent required for the highest certification, the logistics centre in Bicske achieved 96.79 percent, while the logistics centre in Üllő achieved 96.22 percent. The standard includes 153 criteria items from the receipt of goods to the last moment of delivery. It covers aspects such as the responsibility of the senior management regarding processes and customer focused attitudes, the quality and food safety system, training, personal hygiene, assessments, analyses, improvement areas, and the protection of food products.
SPAR retail processes with regard to the stores have been monitored by SGS Hungária Kft. for more than 20 years. This February, the company again successfully complied with the requirements of the ISO 9001 quality management standard. As result of the week-long audit, the company’s auditors found that the processes comply with the standard and implement its main requirement: a customer-focused approach. SPAR Hungary has thus been awarded the ISO certification for its retail processes for another three years. By obtaining this certification, SPAR Hungary remains the only retail chain in Hungary to be ISO certified by an independent third-party audit regarding its retail trade processes.
“SPAR Hungary continues to have its various fields of expertise certified, because it is important for both the company and our customers that our products are of controlled quality and meet stringent standards,” added Márk Maczelka.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-04-17 18:53:472024-05-28 19:48:11International certifications guarantee product and service quality at SPAR
iData Kft. is one of Hungary’s leading GPS tracking companies. The company deals with fleet tracking, fuel control, vehicle protection, toll payment for trucks over 3.5 tons and buses, and has a strong international background with its Norwegian owner Norbit. Its main product is the iTrack GPS Tracking System, which is installed in 40,000 vehicles of 5,400 customers. As a complex telematics service provider, it contributes indirectly to supporting its customers’ environmental sustainability efforts.
Their sustainability strategy and objectives are defined at the Group level, with four main strands: Explore more sustainability opportunities; Delivering solutions adapted to the new reality of sustainability; Refinement of talents in an attractive place to work; Safe under pressure with ethical business conduct.
The ESG requirements framework plays a strategic role in the development of their services. Large companies, and SMEs in Scope 1, and Scope 3 are supported by the provision of real-time data and its analysis. With their specialised, customised, and fair VSE (Leadership Style Analysis) services, they help to achieve the climate goals (SBTi) of these companies and to establish a safe workplace.
The company was one of the first to win the Business Ethics Award. Human values are a priority in their business and management principles. In alignment with the parent company, they have established a Code of Ethics and Conduct, operate a Whistleblowing System, and have a three-year Equal Opportunities Plan. They have been members of the Equal Opportunities Charter since 2015 and have several measures in place to build a tolerant, cohesive, and loyal employee community. In 2023 they were awarded the title “Best Workplace for Women”, which was also helped by the fact that 50% of their management is women.
As an IT service provider, information security is essential to them, and the principles are set out in their IT Policy document. As part of their CSR activities, they have adopted a kindergarten and a home for the elderly.
They aim to continuously explore how they can contribute to solving sustainability challenges for their customers, partners, and society as a whole.
They publish their sustainability reports at the Group level.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/idata_logo_450x250.png250450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-04-16 11:13:572024-04-16 11:14:31Our new member company iData Kft.