To Curb Climate Change, Efforts Must be Multiplied – Climate Protection Maturity Survey of Hungarian Companies

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.