Budapest, February 25, 2025 – The Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) elected its leadership for another three-year term at its renewal General Assembly. Attila Chikán Jr. has led the four-member Board for nine years, during which time nearly 90 new companies joined the organization. Today, BCSDH represents 150 companies that generate nearly 40% of Hungary’s GDP, making it a key player in the field of sustainability. The newly re-elected president will work alongside an expanded five-member Board. The re-elected members include Zsolt Jamniczky, Deputy CEO of E.ON Hungária, Zoltán Gazsi, Manager of Eisberg Hungary, and Gréta Nagy, Managing Director of Dandelion Ltd. The newly elected members are Balázs Báthory, Deputy CEO of Market Építő Zrt., and Tímea Pesti, CEO of Ayvens. István Salgó continues to actively support the leadership as Honorary President.

Irén Márta will continue to serve as BCSDH’s Executive Director. After nine years of dedicated work, Dr. Ágnes Fábián, Managing Director of Henkel Hungary, is stepping down from the Board of BCSDH.

The re-elected members of the Supervisory Board are Orsolya Pallaghy, Dr. Orsolya Fazekas, and János Kocsány, CEO of Graphisoft Park SE. Their mandate, like that of the presidency, lasts for three years.

“The current geopolitical and policy landscape presents significant challenges for both sustainability and businesses. As climate change accelerates, the negative impacts are also intensifying—we cannot bury our heads in the sand. The level of mitigation we achieve, the conditions we must adapt to, and the costs and damages we face all matter greatly. Immediate action is required. If no one else takes the lead, companies must spearhead systemic change and take the necessary steps. At BCSDH, we are acting accordingly,” said Attila Chikán Jr., BCSDH’s newly re-elected president, in his review of the past three years. “Our organization is on the right path—BCSDH has become an essential player in the business world when it comes to sustainability. Not only has our recognition grown significantly, but our activities also have an increasingly widespread impact. Over the past years, our organization has gained significant visibility and recognition among the public and policymakers due to our professional activities and successful communication.”

BCSDH aims to introduce more companies to sustainable business practices and encourage action. Over the past decade, it has hosted nearly 500 professional events, engaged nearly 300 corporate leaders in its initiatives, and showcased nearly 200 business practices that provide real solutions to sustainability challenges. The Circular Economy Platform reached 102 members last year and has been doing invaluable work. Additionally, the Net Zero Advisory Board, established in 2021, brings together outstanding representatives from regulatory, scientific, and business sectors committed to sustainability, helping to accelerate Hungary’s transition to carbon neutrality by 2050.

“It is a great honor for us that our ‘Future Leaders’ program received the national award in the ‘Encouraging the Sustainable Transition’ category of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) in 2024,” added Irén Márta, Executive Director of BCSDH. “So far, 348 talented leaders have participated in our ‘Future Leaders’ program, while more than 290 experts from civil, scientific, and corporate sectors have joined our Action 2020 and Time to Transform 2030 Hungary programs.” For the eighth time, the Sustainable Future Award—established in 2017—was presented, recognizing outstanding corporate, leadership, and personal achievements in sustainability.

While the ESG working group and new ESG training programs help member companies understand environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) information, BCSDH also showcases corporate sustainability initiatives as a permanent invitee to the National Council for Sustainable Development (NFFT). These efforts now extend far beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions—the Hungarian business sector is increasingly focused on sustainability challenges such as biodiversity conservation and reducing social inequalities, recognizing that there is no business or future without nature and people.

“Looking ahead, we must shift our ambitions and actions into a higher gear at both the corporate and national levels. We cannot afford to let geopolitical tensions divert our focus. At BCSDH, we are committed to continuing and strengthening our work with the same determination in the coming years,” emphasized Attila Chikán Jr. “We are in the era of action. Our goal is to further reinforce BCSDH’s leadership role as the voice of responsible and proactive businesses. We will continue supporting our member companies in achieving their ambitious, science-based sustainability goals. Together with them, our shared objective is to deliver measurable results by 2030.”

Both the newly elected Board and Supervisory Board members expressed their strong commitment to supporting BCSDH with their expertise, insights, and efforts, helping companies take the necessary steps in sustainability, accelerate systemic change, and initiate truly value-creating processes—whether these concern ESG, climate goals, and adaptation, or the circular economy.

 

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The New Board of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH)

 

Attila Chikán Jr. – President
CEO
ALTEO Energy Services Plc 

An economist by training, Attila Chikán Jr. has decades of professional and leadership experience in the energy industry, heading a company that has prioritized sustainability as its core principle since its inception.

ALTEO Group, now a key Hungarian-owned player in the energy market, focuses its strategy on scaling up and regional expansion. To achieve this, the company has developed and continues to enhance an energy production portfolio that includes both alternative and renewable energy sources, as well as highly efficient hydrocarbon-fueled cogeneration systems. Based on this diversified mix, ALTEO provides customer-centric and flexible energy trading and services while operating and developing its own balancing center. The importance of this center has grown significantly due to the increasing unpredictability in electricity markets caused by the expansion of renewable energy sources, making balancing energy and scheduling more valuable each day.

Listed on the Budapest Stock Exchange since 2010, ALTEO views sustainability as the defining trend of the 21st century, which is particularly reflected in its commitment to renewable energy and the circular economy.

As a father of two, Attila Chikán Jr. is personally committed to sustainability. As an opinion leader on the topic, he runs a sustainability blog called Chikansplanet. Since 2016, he has played an active role in BCSDH’s work as its president.

He is also a board member of the Sustainability Section of the Hungarian Economic Association, a supervisory board member of the Blue Planet Climate Protection Investment Fund Management Ltd., and a member of the Presidential Committee on Sustainable Development of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

 

Balázs Báthory
Deputy CEO for Innovations and Strategic Developments
Market Építő Zrt.

With over 30 years of leadership experience across various industries, Balázs Báthory has served as Deputy CEO of Market Építő Zrt. since 2019. Over the past six years, he has elevated sustainability thinking to a strategic level within the organization, established the necessary framework for its implementation, and pioneered the first Sustainability Report in the Hungarian construction industry—published three times to date.

Under his leadership, numerous efficiency- and sustainability-focused projects have been successfully executed. These include incubating new organizational units (BIM; BI – data analytics; LEAN-Construction; Sustainability), implementing innovative digital solutions (DigMa – ERP system; HRMS – HR management system), founding new companies and initiatives (Tudásépítő-Team vocational training center, Prebeton Zrt. precast manufacturing plant, Market 6.0 headquarters), and environmental sustainability projects (ESG reporting, solar panel and energy storage investments, and a Biodiversity Program). Additionally, he has overseen the development of over 50 other innovations.

Báthory also plays a key role in shaping Market’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, spearheading initiatives such as the Migration Aid transport project in collaboration with BOLT, university partnerships (BME, MOME, and Corvinus), the foundation of the Tudásépítő-Team Sectoral Training Center, and supporting the Járókelő Association.

As a member of the management team, he has prioritized transparent governance structures and played a major role in formulating Market Group’s current five-year strategy—and is continuing to be instrumental in its execution. Sustainability, particularly transparency, is an integral part of this strategy.

Zoltán Gazsi
Managing Director
Eisberg Hungary Kft.

Since 2007, Zoltán Gazsi has been the Managing Director of Eisberg Hungary Kft., a company that has been part of the Swiss Bell Food Group since 2016. Eisberg, employing nearly 200 dedicated staff members, successfully navigated the challenges of the pandemic through strong supplier partnerships.

Food safety is a top priority for the company, reflected in their outstanding audit results—scoring over 95% on BRC, SQMS, HACCP, TFMS, IFS, Bio, and ISO 14001 environmental audits. Additionally, they have acquired Social Compliance (ethical) certifications. Eisberg is a ten-time “Superbrands” and four-time “Business Superbrands” award winner.

For the past decade, the company has been optimizing processes using Lean methodology. In 2021, they built their own solar park, which now supplies 25% of their total electricity needs. Despite global warming and domestic agricultural challenges, Eisberg still sources approximately 50% of its raw materials from Hungary. The biggest challenge they face is reducing plastic packaging, but they are actively exploring environmentally friendly alternatives—for example, the company is already transitioning its salad bowls to PET plastic.

Eisberg is a signatory of the Diversity Charter and has been recognized as an “Edisonplatform Cool Company” for its support of children’s education since 2019.

Gazsi strongly believes that his leadership success is rooted in his team’s efforts and a supportive company culture based on diversity and mutual respect. He personally invests significant energy into supporting social causes and frequently advocates for corporate social responsibility and individual sustainability.

He serves as a board member of the Swiss Chamber (SWISSCHAM) and an ambassador for Responsible Businesses. Additionally, he is on the Presidential Advisory Board of ISOFORUM 9000, Hungary’s largest quality management organization, and acts as an ambassador for the Kórházsuli Foundation. For his contributions to university education, he was awarded the Pro Facultate prize by Corvinus University.

 

Zsolt Jamniczky
Board Member
E.ON Hungária Zrt.

Since 2007, Zsolt Jamniczky has been responsible for corporate affairs at E.ON Hungária Group, overseeing regulatory affairs, government relations, corporate communications, legal matters, and innovation & strategy. In 2016, he joined the board of directors, taking on additional responsibilities in business development. Since December 15, 2021, as Deputy CEO, he has led the Customer Solutions Division across the group.

After completing his studies at Budapest University of Economic Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, he started his career as an advisor at the Foreign Relations Office of the Hungarian Parliament. In 1996, he became Director of Corporate Affairs at Reemtsma Hungary in Debrecen. He later held the same position at Philip Morris Hungary until 2005, followed by a role at Philip Morris International’s Brussels office in 2006-2007, where he was responsible for EU governmental relations.

His key areas of interest include corporate sustainability, social responsibility in a constantly evolving economic and social environment, and industry innovation. As a corporate executive, he actively contributes to building a more sustainable, socially, ecologically, and economically viable future for future generations.

He serves as President of the Hungarian Chapter of Eurelectric and is a board member of the Brussels-based organization. Since 2013, he has been a board member of BCSDH (Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development), and since May 2019, he has been the Director of the Hungarian Business Leaders Forum (HBLF). He is also a board member of the Joint Venture Association and the Future Mobility Association.

For his professional contributions, he was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary in 2016 and received the “Manager of the Year for an Environmentally Conscious Economy” special award from the National Association of Managers in 2023.

 

Gréta Nagy
Managing Director
DANDELION Kft.

Gréta Nagy has a degree in environmental engineering, later earning an MBA and a qualification as a certified economist. In 2006, she founded DANDELION Kft., where she has served as Managing Director ever since. Her company provides EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) consulting to medium and large enterprises across various industries. In addition to leading the company, she remains actively involved in an advisory capacity, process optimization projects, and ESG implementation.

Over the past 12 years, she and her colleagues have developed several innovative solutions, including corporate-level ecological footprint calculations, GreenLex® software for regulatory compliance self-assessment,  and WorkStressMeter, a tool designed to measure organizational and employee stress levels.

She firmly believes that resilient communities are essential for driving meaningful change, which includes long-term environmental commitments. This principle applies both at a macro level and within organizations. Recognizing this, she has expanded her focus beyond environmental sustainability to include social sustainability, particularly addressing psychosocial risks in the workplace and developing interventions to mitigate them.

Her goal is to leverage her practical and strategic expertise in environmental protection, sustainability, occupational safety, and psychosocial risk assessment to support BCSDH members as a working group leader and board member. She has been a BCSDH Board Member since 2019.

 

Tímea Pesti
CEO
AYVENS.

Tímea Pesti has worked at LeasePlan Hungária Zrt.—now operating under the AYVENS brand—since 2011. She has led the market-leading company as CEO for over eight years. Before joining the mobility sector, she spent 6.5 years in the pharmaceutical industry and 9 years in marketing communications, holding senior leadership roles such as Managing Director and Regional Director.

Under her leadership, AYVENS manages nearly 34,000 vehicles in Hungary, where she strives to drive a shift in mindset regarding fleet management and sustainable mobility. In 2017, her company was the first in the market to transition to a fully green license-plate fleet. More recently, they have introduced a usage-based fleet policy instead of a hierarchy-based one, setting an example for the industry.

She is a leader who not only talks about change but actively implements it, inspiring others to take action alongside her. Since 2018, she has been an active member of BCSDH, leading the Race to Zero initiative, serving as a lecturer for the “Leaders of the Future” program, and participating as a jury member in the scholarship selection process. Her company has also been a long-time supporter of BCSDH’s carbon-conscious events.

 

The reelected Advisory Board of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH)

 

Orsolya Pallaghy – Chair of the Supervisory Board, BCSDH
Strategic Consultant

Orsolya Pallaghy is a senior strategic consultant and executive with over 20 years of international and corporate experience, particularly in the energy and water utility sectors. Her key strengths include designing, leading, and successfully implementing large-scale strategic and innovative programs, systems, and new portfolio elements.

She views sustainability as a defining concept and vision, integrating it into her work and strategic programs. She believes that long-term thinking and stakeholder dialogue are essential for building an economically and socially viable business environment.

Orsolya has been actively involved with BCSDH since its inception—initially as a representative of MOL’s CEO and later as an individual member. As a Supervisory Board member and now Chair, she has closely monitored the organization’s development and financial stability for over a decade.

 

Dr. Orsolya Fazekas
Lawyer

Dr. Iur. Orsolya Fazekas is a specialist in nuclear law. She obtained her law degree in 1999 from the Faculty of Law at Eötvös Loránd University. In 2002, she earned an LL.M. (Master of Laws in European and Comparative Law) from the Faculty of Law at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. In 2018, she received a D.U. (Diplôme d’Université in International Nuclear Law) from the University of Montpellier.

Until its dissolution, she served as an arbitrator at the Permanent Energy Arbitration Court.

Between 2012 and 2015, she taught energy law in the postgraduate energy law specialization program at the Faculty of Law at the University of Pécs. She is currently a guest lecturer in the postgraduate program on energy and natural resources law at the Faculty of Law at Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary.

Since 2005, she has been a practicing lawyer specializing in the energy sector. As of September 2023, she has been responsible for overseeing the legal department of Electron Holding Zrt.

She is the editor and co-author of several specialized books, including The Operation and Regulation of the Hungarian Electricity Sector I & II, The Operation and Regulation of the Hungarian Natural Gas Sector I & II, and The Operation and Regulation of the Hungarian Nuclear Energy Sector I. Additionally, she has contributed to several legal articles and co-authored books on European Union law.

Her first non-fiction book, Bring Only Coat Hangers!, was published in April 2014. Her sports history book, Ice Cubes in Sync – Skate to Be Happy!, was released in December 2023.

She is currently a member of the Supervisory Board of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) and has been actively involved in BCSDH’s work since 2013. She is a member of the Social Capital 2050 working group and has been a mentor in the Future Leaders Talent Program since its inception.

 

János Kocsány
CEO, Graphisoft Park SE

After earning his degree in architecture, János Kocsány pursued further studies in economics, real estate management, and an MBA. He began his career in 1981, working across various sectors of the construction industry, primarily on construction sites. The most exciting challenge for him was the computer-assisted organization of on-site construction processes.

Following a diverse career in architecture, he transitioned into real estate investment in 1994, focusing on the management of full-scale development projects.

In 1996, he joined Graphisoft R&D Rt., where he took charge of the development, leasing, and operational management of the office park. In 2006, Graphisoft Park SE became an independent, publicly traded real estate development company, and he has served as its CEO since its inception.

For nearly 30 years, he has led the development of Graphisoft Park, ensuring that sustainability has been a key focus from the very beginning. The human-centered approach to development has resulted in over 60% of the area being dedicated to green spaces, with vegetation planted and habitats created to support biodiversity, including spaces for birds. In the modernization of buildings, a top priority is the reduction of energy consumption and carbon

Budapest, 29 January 2025 – According to the latest survey by the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH), conducted with professional support from Deloitte, 66% of Hungarian companies committed to a sustainable transition have defined specific climate protection goals. Additionally, the number of companies measuring emissions across their entire value chain has doubled.

The BCSDH survey reveals a significant improvement in data collection concerning companies’ own operations and purchased energy. Additionally, data collection has commenced along supply chains, driven in part by the introduction of EU regulations.

“We have been working for nearly 20 years to help the business sector operate more sustainably. An important result is that 66 percent of respondent companies already have a specific emission reduction target,” said Irén Márta, director of BCSDH, at the press conference. “However, actions still fall short of what is necessary. Ninety-one percent of respondents feel the effects of climate change, but only 16 percent of companies have climate adaptation action plans. In our changing world, climate adaptation is just as important as climate protection. We need systemic changes and a multiplication of efforts in both areas.”

 

We would need to limit global greenhouse gas emissions to 2 tonnes per capita per year to achieve the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Hungary’s current annual emissions are 5.6 tonnes per capita.

The survey shows that 26% of Hungary’s leading companies have set science-based emission reduction targets aligned with the 1.5-degree goal. While this is above the global average, it remains far from sufficient. Although the 1.5-degree target is not yet out of reach, 2024 marked the first year global warming exceeded this threshold.

“Hungary’s emissions dropped by 43% between 1990 and 2023, achieving the previous 2030 target several years ahead of schedule. In response, the revised National Energy and Climate Plan now aims for a 50% reduction by the start of the next decade. Global emissions must peak now, and with sustained reductions, we need to achieve global net zero by 2050 to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by century’s end,” said Barbara Botos, Ambassador at Large for Climate at the Ministry of Energy. “Everyone has a role to play. It’s encouraging to see more companies setting science-based net-zero targets. Renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency improvements are leading the way, supported by various domestic incentives and tenders to help companies realize their ambitions.”

According to the BCSDH survey, companies plan to reduce emissions in key areas: 84% aim to improve energy efficiency, 78% plan to use renewable energy, and 66% see value in mapping and implementing circular solutions within their value chains.

“The survey results reveal that 68% of companies are now measuring emissions from their own operations and procured energy. Notably, 43% of respondents have begun tracking greenhouse gas data across their value chains—an impressive increase from just 20% in the 2022 study. This significant progress highlights how stricter regulations and rising investor expectations are shifting the focus beyond companies’ own operations to a broader value chain perspective,” said Flora Borek, Senior Manager at Deloitte’s Sustainability and Climate Change Advisory team, during the press event presenting the findings.

 

 

“As a fleet manager, Ayvens plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions across the entire value chain. In addition to making our own operations more sustainable, it is crucial for us to raise customer awareness and develop sustainable solutions and services for them,” said Tímea Pesti, CEO of Ayvens, the mobility service provider created by the merger of ALD Automotive and LeasePlan, which hosted the press event. “This goes beyond simply electrifying fleets or revising mobility strategies. Entire systems need to be transformed. To operate in a carbon-conscious way, we must view the fleet as a tool tailored to life situations rather than a symbol of status or a business card, requiring a shift in corporate thinking.”

Ayvens received EcoVadis’ prestigious Platinum certification in 2024, which ranks the company in the top one percent of globally rated companies.

Experts agree that immediate and bold action is required to reduce emissions and foster climate adaptation. Encouragingly, significant progress has been made with emissions measurement, with companies recognizing that effective management starts with accurate data. However, many still fail to substantiate their reduction targets with reliable measurements, particularly across their value chains. Despite progress, domestic companies face growing pressure to meet the ambitious climate goals of the key markets they serve, like Germany and their international parent companies. Leading-edge companies are setting an example by making their operations fully sustainable and honoring their commitments — but more companies like the latter and far greater efforts are urgently needed.

 

About BCSDH’s climate survey

The survey data collection period ended at the end of 2024. The results were published on 29 January 2025.

The questionnaire that was sent to nearly 150 BCSDH member companies was completed by 76 respondents, 25 of whom are included in the HVG TOP200 list.

What is Biohacking and How Does It Relate to Well-Being? How can we optimize our external and internal environments, and how can companies support their employees in this? How significant are sustainability considerations when purchasing intimate hygiene products, and what impact can period poverty have on employees? These were among the questions discussed as members of the Social Capital Working Group gathered at the Generali Headquarters for an inspiring and insightful afternoon.

The meeting was opened by Éva Gerendás, Head of Talent Management & Transformation at Generali, who delivered a warm welcome. This was followed by a a speech from Attila Kelemen, CEO of ProSelf and Chair of the Working Group, who emphasized the importance of individual well-being and mental health. He also highlighted the disparities technology can create for certain groups and the severe barriers others face in meeting their basic needs.

One of the event’s central themes, biohacking, was introduced by Éva Gerendás. In her presentation, she outlined how technology and data-driven solutions can support health preservation and daily well-being. She emphasized a shift in perspective: visiting a doctor not because you’re sick and want to get better but because you’re well and want to stay that way—or even enhance your well-being for the long term. The goal is to optimize both external and internal environments, leveraging every tool available, whether technology, data, psychology, sports, nutrition, or meditation.

On the topic of corporate social responsibility, Nóra Hevesi, Communications and Campaign Manager at Tesco, spoke about the importance of combating period poverty and introduced their initiative, which won the BCSDH Sustainable Future Award in the “Human Value” category. Research related to the initiative revealed that sustainability factors account for only 8% of purchasing decisions for intimate hygiene products. It also found that women spend an average of HUF 4,200 monthly on menstrual products—a significant financial burden, especially for low-income families.

Zita Szederkényi, program leader, provided a brief overview of the outcomes from the “Future Leaders” program. The event concluded with a presentation by the MAN-Co project team (Boronkay Fanny, DSM, Halmai-Serfőző Petra, Fe Group, Varga-Kisteleki Kata, Nestlé, Kovács Ildikó, Mazak, Dr. Molnár Beáta, Progress Étteremhálózat), who shared corporate solutions aimed at mental health and burnout prevention. This successful project was presented with the intention of setting a tradition, inspiring innovative corporate programs in the future.

The meeting fostered vibrant discussions among committed participants, creating excellent opportunities for knowledge sharing and strengthening collaboration. The presentations and projects showcased during the program served as inspiration for further efforts in sustainability and corporate well-being development.