https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/988703.jpg533800Galambosne Dudas Zsofiahttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngGalambosne Dudas Zsofia2024-03-29 10:35:512024-05-27 10:55:32Sustainable health is essential to meet the challenges of tomorrow
A third of the world’s workforce earns less than is necessary for their living. Eliminating the living wage gap could positively impact $4.5 trillion of global GDP. “Reducing inequality requires coordinated action from all stakeholders, including companies. Initiating change requires the recognition of humans as assets in the value-creation processes of companies,” – emphasised Sonja van Lieshout, President of the World Employment Confederation Europe and Global Head of Public Affairs at Randstad, at the Business Breakfast and Professional Forum of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) held on March 26, which focused on Human Value. The participants were welcomed by Holczinger Norbert, Head of the Sustainable Finance Division at the National Bank of Hungary, the host of the day.
In addition to climate change and biodiversity loss, growing inequalities are our world’s most urgent sustainability challenge. Growing inequalities have become systemic risks globally, threatening not only individual communities or companies but entire economies and societies.
“Inequalities are an obstacleto social and economic progress, which also affects the performance of companies. At the same time, inequalities are also a consequence of our systems, which we can change. However, this requires the highest level of commitment, immediate action, and systemic change. We believe that the business sector must play a leading role in achieving this desired rapid change,” – said Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH, in his opening speech.
“Companies can do most to reduce inequalities through their employees. Social innovation is key to moving forward, which means the holistic implementation of new solutions for working, learning and social protection for the benefit of workers, employers and society in general. This will lead to future-proof labour markets that work for all,” — emphasised Sonja van Lieshout, who was invited to speak by Randstad Hungary’s professional support.
In a closed professional forum following the presentation, business leaders and corporate, academic and civil experts discussed the current state of play and challenges associated with Human Value, such as the risk to business created by polarisation and loss of trust, creating value by valuing human capital, and the links between physical and mental health and efficiency, and explored several business best practices and solutions. These three main topics were led by Attila Kelemen, CEO of ProSelf Zrt, Sándor Baja, Managing Director of Randstad Hungary and Gréta Nagy, Managing Director of Dandelion Kft.
The insights from the professional forum, including the challenges and enabling factors that were identified, will be further processed during executive roundtable discussions in May. Our goal is to provide recommendations for companies on the topic of human value, which will be presented at the BCSDH Business Lunch in October. It is important to encourage companies to act in this area and assist them in taking the most important steps.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC_9224.jpg9281392eszter.chikankovacshttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngeszter.chikankovacs2024-03-26 22:02:042024-03-27 10:59:19No business without people – social innovations for a future-proof labour market – Sonja van Lieshout at the BCSDH Business Breakfast
The highly-attended Race to Zero Working Group on 7 March, hosted by the Bay Zoltán Research Centre, raised a number of exciting questions.
First, Dr Barbara Botos, Ambassador at Large for Climate of Energy Ministry, reported on the COP28 Climate Summit, which she of course attended. She confirmed that a historic agreement has indeed been reached with the decision on transition away from fossil fuels, but that much remains to be done to really achieve climate neutrality. Her presentation gave participants an overview of the achievements and challenges ahead.
On behalf of the Bay Zoltán Research Centre, Péter Chrabák, Head of the Circular Economy Research Unit, first presented the company’s unique research activities focused on sustainability, ranging from materials science, agriculture and energy to waste.
Dr. Ádám Vida, the company’s division director, presented projects that specifically enable the reduction of carbon emissions, including synthetic fuels, green steel and a new generation of materials for battery cells.
Afterwards, Andrea Nagy, BCSDH‘s Race to Zero project manager, spoke about this year’s programme plan and presented the newly published “CEO Guide to Climate-Related Corporate Performance and Accountability System (CPAS)“, a publication developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, which is the missing link between the financial system and business transformation on climate change.
The event was chaired and moderated by Irén Márta, Director of BCSDH.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240307_140806-scaled.jpg19202560Nagy Andreahttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngNagy Andrea2024-03-11 21:45:412024-03-11 21:45:41Was it really a historic agreement at the COP28 climate summit? And what will help companies meet their climate targets?
Participants of the Circular Economy Platform’s off-site working group meeting explored the Tesco Sustainability Trail at the company’s Budaörs store.
At the event, Nóra Hevesi, Communication Lead, and Rita Frang, Head of Real Estate Services in Hungary, presented the participants the results of their sustainability efforts across six different areas. These areas included climate protection and energy efficiency, reuse and recycling, packaging, healthy choices, and more. The results of the collaboration for food rescue were presented by András Nagygyörgy, Director of External Relations at the Hungarian Food Bank Association, and Kirill Perepelica, Co-founder of Munch.
A WWF report titled “The Plate of Change – A diet for human health and the future of the planet” was recently completed, with key findings presented by Rita Rezneki, expert at WWF Hungary.
As closing, Irén Márta, Director of BCSDH presented the Circular Economy Platform’s program planned for 2024, which includes a significant focus on introducing international experiences to Hungary.
Additionally, participants had the opportunity to share their own experiences on the topic with each other.
Thanks to the sponsors of the Circular Economy Platform in 2024:
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Tesco_bcsdh_016.jpg10001500Takacs Ivetthttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngTakacs Ivett2024-03-11 16:12:252024-03-11 16:14:11How can a retail chain contribute to circular economy in practice? – Unconventional Circular Economy Working Group Meeting
Budapest, 27 February 2024: The Business Council for Sustainable Development Hungary (BCSDH), representing over 140 leading executives of responsible companies, is ready to take the lead in promoting systemic change during challenging times. At the BCSDH General Assembly, held in Hungary’s Railway History Park, Csaba Kőrösi, until recently president of the UN General Assembly, spoke about the beginning of a new era that involves creating solutions to pressing challenges.
“We have entered an era of wars as we strive to make the turn towards sustainable development. But there is hope because science can provide much more accurate diagnoses than ever before, communities’ demand for security and balanced development is growing stronger, and an increasing number of economic players see that sustainable development, material and energy efficiency, a reduced environmental footprint, and social responsibility have become competitive factors. The time for solutions has come,” – said Csaba Kőrösi.
“EU and domestic ESG regulations impose data collection and measurement requirements on companies, which – if we go beyond mere compliance – can reveal significant areas for development. Used as a well-formulated management tool, companies have the opportunity to move to a higher level and fully capitalize on the possibilities of sustainable development. This could be a very good basis for a paradigm shift whereby the evaluation of companies is based not only on economic indicators but also on their sustainability performance,“ – added Irén Márta, the organization’s executive director, following the acceptance of the 2023 annual report.
BCSDH has set its goals for 2024 as supporting member companies and the business sector in achieving climate-neutral operations, promoting biodiversity restoration targets, fostering an inclusive, equality-supporting, diverse corporate culture and operations, and ensuring the highest level of transparency while fully respecting business human rights.
“We are living in an era of polycrisis, yet our community, consisting of more than 140 member companies, believes that we are capable of fundamentally transforming our current systems and that business plays a crucial role in this. The goal of BCSDH is to facilitate immediate paradigm shifts and foster business solutions in Hungary that have a real impact on both domestic and global challenges: not only addressing climate change and biodiversity loss but also tackling issues such as growing social inequalities. These challenges, alongside their social and political implications, directly influence the effectiveness of companies and can undermine our collective ability to achieve sustainable development. Solutions must be found; now is the time for action,” – stated Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH.
The BCSDH’s long-term and annual professional work supports this, where in the year 2024, the focus is humans value. The Time to Transform 2030 framework program, which defines the decade, was designed to accelerate system-level transformations, including the Race to Zero initiative that will assist Hungary to achieve climate neutrality by 2050; the Circular Economy Platform, created to expedite the transition to a circular economic model; and the ESG Working Group, which is preparing member companies for anticipated stricter regulations through knowledge-sharing. The Future Leaders’ Talent Program continues to be an essential initiative by supporting a wider audience and more corporate leaders to understand our “Sustainable Corporate Governance Guidelines” and integrate them into everyday corporate operations.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DSC_8793.jpg9281392eszter.chikankovacshttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngeszter.chikankovacs2024-02-28 11:46:262024-02-28 11:52:30The time for solutions has come – the world stands at the beginning of a new era.
The Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH), with its membership spanning across sectors and including more than 140 companies, facilitates effective promotion of partnerships for carbon-neutral operations and the acceleration of systemic changes. The organization hosted its Sustainability Matchmaking for member companies for the third time on January 23, 2024. Balázs Tóth, President and CEO of UniCredit Bank, welcomed the participants at the event.
In the event organized under the Race to Zero program, 27 companies showcased their sustainability products and services, including unique and innovative solutions such as psychosocial risk assessment, innovative solutions to increase the efficiency of solar panels, a digital platform to support sustainability issues, or a methodology for sustainable event planning. Alongside opportunities supporting climate goals, there were also numerous solutions aiding biodiversity.
“Collaboration is the only way to lead the systemic change that the world needs for climate protection and adaptation. Only together can we achieve what no single company could do alone.” – emphasized Irén Márta, Director of BCSDH.
Following the brief presentations, informal discussions took place where the large number of interested companies seeking sustainability solutions could find potential collaborative partners.
The BCSDH 2024 focus themes also emerged during the presentation, covering areas related to human value, social inequalities, services related to employee well-being, appreciation of human capital, social exposure, mental health, and efficiency.
At the BCSDH business lunch on October 12, graduates of the ‘Future Leaders’ Talent Program for the year 2023 received their certificates. Alongside this year’s 35 participants, the Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH) has seen over 300 young leaders graduate from the program’s previous 10 years.
“Our ‘Future Leaders’ Talent Program, celebrating its 10-year anniversary, has evolved significantly over time. Initially focused on recognizing and understanding issues, we now emphasize immediate action. I’m immensely proud that among our participants, numbering over three hundred, many have become business owners, CEOs, or board members. I trust that our graduates will become catalysts for change.“ – shared Márta Irén, Director of BCSDH.
The participants of the tenth edition, much like in previous years, come from various fields within the member companies of BCSDH.
Throughout the program, participants learn not only from recognized experts but also from practicing leaders about ethics, strategy, and sustainability within a diverse group. They also get acquainted with the mentor companies. Each year, over eighty mentors, including business leaders, experts from civil society and academia, support the participants in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities in the business sphere from multiple perspectives.
“Since this program deals with the future and leadership, it will always remain relevant. The more complex the world becomes, the more exciting it is to see how future challenges can be tackled with present tools. It stays relevant because it constantly evolves. The project work related to biodiversity this year brought forth several solutions that hold the potential for new practices applicable to our member companies.” – stated Zita Szederkényi, the Lead of Program.
In recent days, the BCSDH has been exploring each point of the “Sustainable Corporate Management Guidelines” delving into their theoretical backgrounds and corporate practices (Strategic Approach, Responsible Corporate Governance, Respect for Core Values, Environmental Responsibility, Partnership with Stakeholders, Ethical and Transparent Operations, and, for the past three years, the introduction of Sustainable Products, Services, and Innovation). The 35 graduates of the 2023 edition received their certificates at the BCSDH business lunch on October 12. Together with this year’s graduates, the program now encompasses 10 editions and over 300 young leaders, forming the ‘Future Leaders’ Talent Program Alumni organization.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/DSC_5862.jpg7291391eszter.chikankovacshttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngeszter.chikankovacs2023-12-05 12:45:452023-12-05 12:45:45The need exists to transform our systems and ourselves.” – participants of ‘Future Leaders’ Talent Program 2023 received their certificates.
How can an international company engage local suppliers? Does every company have a role in biodiversity? Are there domestic biodiversity projects? How can investing in soil-regenerative agriculture be a long-term climate solution for everyone? And what role does communication have in this? – The BCSDH communication working group, hosted by HEINEKEN, addressed these and similar questions on September 26th.
Eszter Varga-Nagy, Corporate Affairs and Communication Director at HEINEKEN Hungária Brewery Ltd., greeted the participants and talked about HEINEKEN’s global and domestic sustainability efforts and initiatives. She highlighted the Domestic Hop project, which supports short supply chains, local producers, and the local community simultaneously.
The rapid decline of biodiversity poses a greater threat than climate change. At several points, we’ve reached tipping points from which there is no return.
Every company is impacted and can influence biodiversity through its suppliers. ESG expectations and achieving net-zero goals are impossible without investments in nature and nature-positive ventures. These were the points discussed by Eszter Chikán-Kovács, BCSDH’s Communications Manager and leader of the working group, offering a preview of BCSDH’s annual publication coming out on October 12th.
Currently, there are few nature-positive projects in Hungary that could serve as tools for agricultural supplier partnerships or external companies to achieve net-zero goals.
This is why initiatives like NESTLÉ’s local LENs program are important and set a good example
Nestlé Purina’s factory in Bükk provides approximately 140,000 tons of raw materials, with 60% sourced from Hungarian farmers. This led the sector to initiate the introduction of the Landscape Enterprise Networks (LENs) program in Hungary, first in the region, adapted from the successful model developed by the consultancy firm 3Keel in the United Kingdom. This initiative aims not only to preserve the natural values of the region but also to ensure the long-term security of its suppliers and the ecosystem’s services. The program is supported by the Ministry of Agriculture in Hungary.
Noémi Csóka, Nestlé’s Corporate Communications and Shared Value Creation Manager, discussed Nestlé’s goal to source one-fifth of its key raw materials by 2025, and half by five years later, from areas managed using soil-regenerative methods. Through regenerative agriculture, the food industry can lessen its environmental impact during raw material production and contribute to the renewal of entire landscapes.
“A result of these interventions is the increased water retention and carbon sequestration capacity of the soil, enhanced biodiversity, improved water quality, reduced soil erosion, and carbon emissions from cultivation. Within the framework of the LENs Hungary program, we also support the establishment of a network of farms to facilitate direct sharing of experiences and knowledge related to soil-regenerative agriculture,” – stated Bálint Lukács, the Project Manager of the LENs project at Preferred by Nature in Hungary, during his presentation.
This is a well-trackable system that provides CO2 and Net Zero metrics, turning it into a genuine nature-positive climate solution.
And what is the role of communication in this matter? Genuine solutions can avoid greenwashing, and every area of a company can act as a catalyst for systemic changes.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20230926_141652-scaled.jpg14422560eszter.chikankovacshttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngeszter.chikankovacs2023-12-05 07:45:322023-12-05 07:45:32What should a company do about biodiversity? – Report on the BCSDH Communication Working Group meeting
Budapest, 13 November 2023 – Nine out of ten companies expect to see business benefits from ESG reporting within five years, and more than half of the BCSDH member companies surveyed report regularly. The social and governance leg of ESG is at the forefront of importance, with companies preferring to systematically collect and process this type of data. Biodiversity, on the other hand, is barely represented within the environmental dimensions, and strengthening this could be a priority for companies. There are several factors slowing down the integration of ESG aspects in companies, the main barriers being too many standards and the difficulty of producing data/KPIs of sufficient quality.
In 2023, the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) conducted its second ESG survey among its member companies, with KPMG as its professional partner. In the survey, 70 companies from 14 industries shared their experiences along 22 questions, in which the respondents covered, among other things, their ESG reporting and data collection habits, the main motivating and limiting factors related to ESG, and the role of ESG in the life of their organisations.
90 percent of survey respondents believe that ESG-based reporting could benefit their business in the next 5 years, and six out of ten companies (61 percent) already regularly produce ESG reports, most often at the international or parent company level and based on the GRI standard. Many have also come across the upcoming legislative requirement for ESRS standards under the CSRD, but their uptake is still low. A similar proportion of companies that already prepare ESG reports and those that are planning to do so prefer a standalone (34 percent) or integrated (33 percent) reporting format for the disclosure of their ESG data. The main drivers for ESG reporting include enhancing reputation, meeting shareholder expectations, and meeting regulatory requirements.
61 percent of companies believe they are prepared for reporting under the CSRD, and have a practice of reporting, while 84 percent publicly disclose information about their company’s performance.
In contrast to the 2021 survey, when companies rated the environmental dimension of ESG as the most important for their operations, this year there is a greater emphasis on social and governance issues, and this is reflected in their data collection and management practices. 85% of the companies surveyed collect some form of ESG data, most commonly in the areas of health and safety, employee information such as education, and carbon emissions. For at least one ESG topic, 78 percent of responding companies set targets, but this proportion will certainly become more robust in the future along the lines of CSRD expectations. These targets are discussed occasionally in management meetings by less than half of the member companies.
However, the picture is different when looking at the dimensions included in ESG reports. In this respect, environmental areas (such as carbon emissions, and energy consumption) continue to stand out. Biodiversity is the area where the least data is collected: six out of ten companies surveyed (62%) do not collect any data at all, although biodiversity has become a key sustainability issue this year and in the coming period, and is an area where progress is needed.
37 percent of responding member companies have already requested data from their stakeholders on carbon emissions, ethical operations, circular economy, and alternative energy and efficiency, while half of their customers (54 percent) are requesting data along environmental and governance dimensions. From the financing side, one in four companies is still asked to show progress on carbon emissions, alternative energy and efficiency, waste management, and health and safety.
In terms of organizational functioning, 72% of the companies surveyed have a dedicated ESG manager at the decision-making level. Half of companies have a dedicated ESG specialist in their sustainability department, a significant shift from two years ago.
Lack of sufficient detail in the legal requirements, too many standards, and insufficient quality of data/KPIs were the main constraints to incorporating ESG considerations in companies, as highlighted by respondents.
https://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ESG-a-fenntarthatosagi-keretrendszer-1.png6281200Galambosne Dudas Zsofiahttps://bcsdh.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bcsdh-logo.pngGalambosne Dudas Zsofia2023-11-30 15:40:202023-11-30 15:40:20An overwhelming majority of companies say ESG reporting is a business advantage – BCSDH’s second ESG survey