The solar panel system installed at the INTERSPAR hypermarket in Pécs, with an investment of around 80 million HUF, saves a month’s worth of energy annually.
“For SPAR, environmental sustainability is extremely important, and as a major energy consumer, our priority is to achieve the most efficient use of energy possible. The largest share, more than 60 percent, is the electricity consumption of our stores, logistics centres, food production plants and offices. With the investments in improving energy-efficiency, in 2023, the company’s total energy consumption was cut by more than 5.5% compared to the year before. And last year, we have already installed solar systems in our stores in Szeged, Dorog, Pécs and Göd,” explained Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.
SPAR Hungary’s annual renewable electricity production in 2023 was 779 GJ (216 419 kWh) which came from the production of solar systems installed in the stores. This amount is roughly equivalent to the total electricity consumption of 70 average residential houses. In the case of each investment, the company assesses the possibility of effectively operating a solar panel system to help serve the electricity needs of the unit.
As part of a pilot project with a 80 million HUF investment in the INTERSPAR hypermarket in Pécs, a solar power system and battery storage with smart control to reduce the simultaneous power consumption from the grid has been installed. This solution allows the stored electricity to be used when peak consumption is detected. There are several advantages to using this system: on the one hand, the building only needs less power supply from the grid, and on the other hand, the monthly charges for the generated power are also saved. Experience over the last almost two years has shown that the peak period is in July, with the lowest production of the system detected in January. A comparison of actual production and consumption data shows that the hypermarket saves 1 month of its 12 monthly energy consumption with the system installed.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-07-02 11:27:112024-10-17 22:16:41Efficiently operating solar panels in the Pécs INTERSPAR hypermarket
In line with two strategic objectives as “Partner for sustainable finance” and “Responsible company” MBH Bank’s vision is to be a key player in the creation of sustainable banking in the domestic financial market.
Initiatives and decarbonisation efforts of the member banks to date, environmental risks, management expectations for transparency, and employee well-being are the basic pillars of their ESG strategy. The Bank’s ESG unit has been set up to coordinate the tasks defined based on the objectives, with performance indicators.
Their Net Zero efforts are based on the PCAF methodology, their Sustainability Report is based on GRI standards.
As a part of their corporate social responsibility programme they believe it is important to contribute to community development and the well-being of those affected by the natural and social environment, within their economic means. Their priority issues are: supporting the socially disadvantaged through inclusion, developing financial awareness and digital literacy supporting Hungarian arts and culture.
To improve the well-being of their workplace communities, they plan to launch various programmes to raise awareness, knowledge and attitudes among their employees. These programmes will cover the whole spectrum of the employee lifecycle, focusing on the specific needs of each employee lifecycle, such as trainees, early career, pregnant and returning mothers and support for workers over 60.
They have joined our membership to contribute to creating a sustainable future in BCSDH’s community of forward-thinking companies and leaders.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/mbh_logo_1_portrait_CMYK_2023.jpg432566Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-06-25 12:22:142024-06-25 12:22:14Our new member company: MBH Bank
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
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-06-24 11:42:452024-10-17 22:15:39SPAR is building the sustainable future in the present
SPAR Hungary has launched a number of initiatives aimed at environmental awareness, responsible waste management and optimised energy management in its toGo food bars, during the recent years. It is good news that the volume of cooking oil used was successfully reduced and plastic-free packaging and compostable cutlery have been introduced.
“For SPAR, environmental sustainability is a strategic goal at the company level, including the lowest possible energy consumption and responsible waste management. This also applies to our SPAR toGo units. Today, we have 37 restaurants operating throughout the country, selling more than 9 million products last year, and customer feedback confirms that there is a demand for proper quality and good value dining, often combined with shopping. Our company has launched important initiatives in the recent years to ensure the sustainable operation of our toGo units, and we have further plans for the future, such as introducing plastic-free and biodegradable packaging materials and further reducing energy costs and waste,” explained Márk Maczelka, head of communications at SPAR Hungary.
As Mr. Maczelka has confirmed, one of the biggest challenges for the company is the disposal of used cooking oil. The combined use of all SPAR toGo units is 9000 litres per month. Used cooking oil is a pollutant but can be recycled using modern technology, which is then transported, settled and heated to produce biodiesel fuel. SPAR has made further savings throughout the recent years by introducing a different type of cooking oil in its restaurants. The new oil is also suitable for heavy duty applications, doubling the life cycle of the oil and halving necessary amount. According to the data from March 2024, oil consumption was more than 1300 litres less than in the previous year.
90% of SPAR toGo’s product range is cooked in hot air-frier ovens, and the main use of deep fryers is for breaded meat, cheese and vegetables prepared on the spot. The company has recently reviewed its energy use and optimised the available frying capacity in the toGo units, reducing both energy and frying oil consumption.
SPAR has also achieved further savings by reviewing the capacity of the raw material refrigerators in the toGo unit food preparation areas. Restaurant utensils are cleaned using energy-saving dishwashers, allowing for optimised water use.
In terms of food waste management, the restaurants have a proven solution: they transport the waste from the stores and donate the remaining usable food to animal shelters.
In response to customer demand, SPAR has introduced paper plates, boxes and cups carrying the toGo logo in its external units, together with biodegradable, compostable cutlery. All new packaging materials are produced in Hungary, further reducing the ecological footprint of the SPAR toGo restaurants. Based on the feedback received, shoppers are very happy with the plastic-free solutions, and these are provided free of charge for on-site consumption.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/spar.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-06-19 11:46:482024-10-17 22:15:09SPAR toGo food bars on the way to environmental awareness
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)
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Meijer-and-Co_webre_v2.png114451Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-29 21:40:472024-05-29 21:40:47Meijer &Co is organising a 24-hour walk in Varosliget, raising funds to regreen the planet!
A good relationship builder is always and everywhere open to conversation and always carries a business card with him, says our sales and business development director Ferenc Márton.
Ferenc Márton is working to make Mielemed MPM a major domestic player in sustainable construction technologies with the Nuxon brand. He claims that many people can be grateful for two important things: for the knowledge passed on, and because they allowed him to learn from the mistakes they made. And he likes to learn a lot, he also planned to learn one or two new skills. His knowledge and experience to date are also of great use in the Sustainability Entrepreneurs Community of the National Association of Entrepreneurs and Employers BPVRSZ. Csaba Szerdahelyi asked our colleague.
– What do you consider to be the peak of your career so far?
– Several times during my career, I felt that I had reached a kind of peak in my current situation or position. These were certainly top of the mountain at the time, and I don’t mean to discount them in the light of time. The fact is that it always turns out: from the reached peak, other possible peaks that can be conquered are visible. I fondly remember when, as a development engineer, I created something with my colleagues that went into production and was used by the customer for many years. My appointment as technical director and 15 years of work in that position was also a career peak at the time.
– What distance do you plan for?
– I typically have a daily-weekly-monthly planning cycle, but this is obviously operational in nature. The year is divided into two main blocks of summer vacations and year-end holidays, so my strategic plans appear here. And of course I have a plan for where I want to be in 5 or even 20 years. The latter is already a dream category, but I am convinced that we need dreams.
– What is on your professional bucket list?
– On the one hand, I want to bring Nuxon to the level that is included in the corporate vision, i.e. to become a significant domestic player in sustainable construction technologies. On the other hand, since I love learning and getting to know new things, I still “have it in me” to learn one or more new skills, even in graduate training.
– From whom have you learned the most so far?
– This is a difficult question because I am grateful to many people for two important things: for the knowledge passed on, and because they allowed me to learn from the mistakes they made. My father’s age I would single out Ferenc Márton first, because he was an exemplary value not only as a parent, but also as a professional, engineer, manager and businessman. I mention my first manager at my first job, János Gazsi, because he gave me life-long guidance in terms of the leadership approach and the importance of professional development.
– How do you motivate your colleagues?
– I think the most important thing is the continuous provision of an understandable and livable vision of the future, which also includes financial goals and personal development prospects. Leading by example and continuous high-quality communication are the other two basic things that, according to my experience, are successful motivating factors.
– In which profession would you like to try yourself?
– Aviation and space technology have always interested me. As a remote UAV pilot, I have already come a little closer to the former, but there is still endless development potential ahead of me.
– How do you build your business relationships?
– What I learned from this is that a good relationship builder is always and everywhere open to conversation and always carries a business card with him. He is always looking for an opportunity to get to know and help the other person better, and this is based on attention and interest. I work along these lines in real life, I find that it works great, and I try to transfer this to the virtual space, to online professional interfaces, which I really like anyway.
– What do you regret wasting your time on?
– Best for aimless and unnecessary discussion about ego, and this should not be confused with constructive discussion.
– What can you do to annoy me?
– Perhaps best with selfishness, which is at the expense of a community, be it a private or professional community, or even road traffic.
– What kind of volunteer work would you do?
– Even on weekdays, I try to do something for the narrower and larger communities to which I and my children belong, but what interests me is helping people who are left behind in terms of learning opportunities and living conditions.
– Why don’t you regret the money?
– For anything that represents real value to my family and me, among these I would highlight health, experience and books.
– What’s the best way to turn it off?
– Recently, hiking trips and gardening have entered this role.
We are proud of our colleague’s commitment and authentic personality, we appreciate his ownership attitude and we are grateful that we can work together for a more sustainable world, for the protection of the environment, for the preservation of the health of our society, for cleaner air – for our common dreams!
Photo: Szakács Paul
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mielemed-logo.png8992000Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-29 20:49:332024-05-29 20:49:33Ferenc Márton – I am convinced that we need dreams
ALTEO Group is constantly working to keep pace with the ever-changing market environment and to respond flexibly to new challenges. This is summarised in the Integrated Report 2023, which shows how ALTEO continues to actively contribute to solve economic, social and environmental challenges through its professional and social partnerships.
Through its various memberships, the company not only shares its experience, but also contributes to initiatives to build the sustainable future envisioned by ALTEO by expanding its network of contacts.
ALTEO’s experts work with partners and professional communities to address sustainability challenges even more effectively and promote positive change for society and the environment.
In our Integrated Report 2023, we report a strong financial performance in 2023 compared to the previous year, a further improvement in our ESG rating, the expansion of our Regulatory Centre and portfolio, and a steady stream of new energy investments and developments. We focused on developing our CSR strategy and continued to work with NGOs. An important part of the report is the analysis of the economic and financial performance and the indirect economic impacts of ALTEO, which is committed to operating responsibly and transparently not only as an employer but also as an active part of local communities.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Alteo.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-29 13:39:152024-05-29 13:39:15ALTEO published its Integrated Report 2023
Electric cars can only become the mobility solution of the future if the manufacturing process is also sustainable. That’s why E.ON has partnered with BMW, which is building an electric car factory in Debrecen, to provide a unique solution within Europe.
E.ON is building the largest solar park in the entire BMW Group on the site of the auto manufacturer’s e-car facility being built in Debrecen. On 10 April, representatives of BMW Manufacturing Hungary Kft. and E.ON Hungária Group agreed the construction of a solar park on an area of more than 50 hectares. Thanks to the solar park, production at the plant will be entirely fossil-free. A total of around 70 football pitch-sized solar panels will be installed on the roofs on the buildings and in surrounding areas. The scale of the project is also illustrated by another comparative figure: the system would be sufficient to serve 20,000 households – one in five homes in Debrecen. The clean energy plant is at the forefront of similar investments by the E.ON Group in Europe, both in terms of size and technology.
The Debrecen project is based on E.ON and BMW’s shared commitment to sustainability and clean and smart solutions. The investment is based on the pillars of efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation, in line with BMW’s iFACTORY approach. In order to minimise the factory’s carbon footprint, by the end of 2025 E.ON Hungária Group will build a solar farm with a rated capacity of 43 MW on the factory site. The solar park of 510,000 square metres will be installed entirely on the buildings and other areas of the BMW Group Factory Debrecen. The total capacity of the solar panels will be nearly 45 gigawatt hours.
On the occasion of signing of the construction contract, Hans-Peter Kemser, President and CEO of BMW Group Factory Debrecen, pointed out that the solar power plant to be built will also stand out within the group due to its size. László Papp, Mayor of Debrecen, said he found it inspiring to welcome an investment that pays special attention to sustainability from the very beginning. Zsolt Jamniczky, Deputy CEO of the E.ON Hungária Group, observed that such a green energy solution shows others how real steps can be taken to create a sustainable future.
The companies’ bilateral commitment is long-term: E.ON will also be responsible for the design, construction and operation of the solar power plant. The solar power plant and the cooperation to ensure the long-term energy supply for the e-car plant will certainly serve as a model for other market players in the national and European economy.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/eon-1.png170450Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-29 00:25:142024-05-29 00:31:26E-mobility is even greener: solar energy to power the BMW factory in Debrecen
8G ENERGY has been an outstanding performer in the market for renewable energy technologies, but it is expanding its portfolio further in the spirit of sustainability. Among their services, they will continue to focus more on wind power and electromobility projects from planning to permitting to implementation, as well as advising on tenders for the agricultural sector.
In Hungary, the most widespread renewable energy generation plants are undoubtedly solar PV systems. However, it is important to have a diversified energy production portfolio. Therefore, besides harnessing solar energy, it’s worth considering wind energy, which can be utilized through wind turbines. These devices convert the kinetic energy of the wind into rotary motion, which is then used by a generator to produce 3-phase electricity. Due to favorable regulatory changes last year, installing wind turbines could be a realistic alternative for corporate clients. A well-installed and maintained wind turbine can provide its owner with sustainable green electricity from renewable energy sources for up to 20-30 years. If you are considering installing a wind turbine, feel free to contact 8G ENERGY. They have extensive expertise and can handle all necessary measurements, planning, permitting, and implementation tasks for wind turbines.
To promote the development of electromobility, in some cases, the installation of electric vehicle chargers is mandatory. Stakeholders affected by regulations include stores/ shopping malls selling daily consumer goods, as well as non-residential buildings. Information about various obligations and deadlines can be found in Section 42(10) of Government Decree 253/1997 (XII. 20.) and Annex 8 of TNM Decree 7/2006 (V. 24.). In addition to the legal obligations, the purchase of battery- or hybrid-powered cars is becoming more and more common in Hungary, and it is worthwhile to install a charging device for these cars as a private person, so that owners can charge their electric cars at any time, independently of other users. From planning to implementation, 8G ENERGY offers turnkey installation of car chargers, whether in a private home or in a company car park.
This year, several draft Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) tenders have been released, targeting companies and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. The final Calls for Proposals have not yet been published, but are expected to be published at the end of May or beginning of June. Among others, such as the food and processing industries, ornamental horticulture and livestock farms, which can benefit from aid intensities of up to 70% for green investments: activities to reduce energy consumption, use of renewable energy technologies. 8G ENERGY provide a comprehensive range of services, from project planning and writing of grant applications to potential project management following successful funding acquisition.
8G ENERGY has a prominent position in the renewable energy market, working with qualified and experienced professionals and subcontractors. The aim of the activities mentioned in the article is to promote sustainability, increase awareness among Hungarian businesses regarding energy management, and reduce their ecological footprint.
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 Mariann2024-05-28 21:15:532024-05-28 21:15:538G ENERGY expands its sustainability portfolio
TeSzedd! is the largest voluntary action for clean Hungary. TeSzedd! volunteers are working all around the country as part of the trash collection campaign.
The core value of Mielemed MPM is to protect our environment – to create clean air and environment is our mission. Our products also under the NUXON brand greatly contribute to reducing the operational carbon footprint of buildings and to generating as little waste as possible.
We participated in this campaign and collected trash on Népsziget with great enthusiasm and in an excellent atmosphere, and we hope that you will join us next time!
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mielemed-logo.png8992000Balasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariannhttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngBalasfalvi-Lukacsi Mariann2024-05-28 20:54:572024-05-29 21:07:46TeSzedd! – We collected it too
