Race to zero Archívum - Page 3 of 4

Lagging companies take a serious risk – ‘What is the next step after COP26?’

The vast majority of the world wants and is ready for the energy transition. The voices protecting the status quo are weakening and it is a financial risk if a company doesn’t join to this train on time. While in the media we heard mostly about the 400 private jets and the closing document, there are further key take-aways what should be highlighted. While COP 26 didn’t ensure yet the decrease to the 1.5 °C with all the commitment and pledges, yet we are going to right direction with a speed we have never experienced before.

‘What is the next step after COP 26?’ working group meeting, our guest speaker, Prof. Dr. Diána Ürge-Vorsatz, climate researcher and professor of CEU shared her firsthand experience and takeaways from the COP26 global event, highlighting the import role of the business leaders as they are the ones, who are actively working on the implementation of the energy transition.

Three weeks ago, 2/3 of the global emission was covered by net zero targets, today it is 90%. A clear message for all the companies as laws are getting introduced. NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) were mostly increased, having India and China joining in is considered one of the key achievements of the event, while there are some disappointing contributors as Switzerland, Australia or Brazil who stepped back and became less ambitious than before. Big loopholes got closed but some smaller ones remained open regarding the Paris Agreement’s article 6 on carbon trading. 80 bln USD fund was created for the developing countries but without global financial facility behind to ensure transparency. Individual sectoral pledges were introduced, a final document and “Coalition of the willing” shaped on coal phase out, greening finance, ending deforestation, methane pledge and electric vehicles – these are only meaningful if they come in addition to NDCs, but many has still key countries and payers missing. – commented Diána.

Could have all these been achieved via Zoom? – the answer is clearly no. COP events are becoming more as a climate jamboree with 50.000+ participants, attracting all type of voices to deliver their messages while the delegates are locked-away for the negotiation phase. The question is raised again… do we need so many people to be present every year? Possibly don’t. Companies yet again have the opportunity to shape a trend, simply by shifting intra-European business travel to train to set an exemplary travel pattern.

What all business leaders need to keep on mind:

the world is ready and you have the opportunity to join the train early and lead the change,
any financing / investment related to fossil fuels or related infrastructure is associated with substantially increased risks,
there is an increased drive for identifying and separating greenwashing from meaningful action,
in addition to CO2, other climate forcers are gaining attention.

In 2015, ahead of the Paris Agreement, the CAT estimated a warming of 3.6 °C based on the 2015 policies, and the submitted targets would lead to 2.7 °C. Six years later the warming of current policies has now come down to 2.7 °C and if governments achieve their 2030 NDC targets, temperature increase could be limited to 2.1 °C. We came this far together, and we won’t stop here.

16.11.2021

MIT is also counting on companies to become carbon neutral – a unique CEO consultation on “Fit for 55”

News

Budapest, October 25, 2021: At the request of the Net Zero Advisory Board, established in January, the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH), together with the British Embassy, held a unique ‘Fit for 55’ CEO consultation. Company leaders and business sector representatives were able to meet and consult with Dr. Barbara Botos, Deputy Minister of State of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology (MIT). Discussions touched on the plans of the Hungarian government and the position of the business sector in relation to achieving the EU’s ambitious climate goals in Hungary. 31% of leading companies already have a net zero commitment.

At the British Ambassador’s residence, the Deputy Head of Mission of the British Embassy, Richard Shackleton – representing the host country of the COP26 climate change conference that starts on November 1 in Glasgow – hosted BCSDH member company executives, members of the Net Zero Advisory Board, and Dr. Barbara Botos, Deputy Minister of State on behalf of MIT, for a CEO consultation..

“The UN Climate Summit will start in a few days. We are all in the same boat. For climate neutrality by 2050, it is essential that everyone acts – companies, governments and individuals. We cannot delay any longer,” Richard Shackleton pointed out.

In July this year, the European Commission adopted a package of proposals for helping make EU climate, energy, land use, transport, and taxation policies capable of contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to the level of 1990. This more stringent target is necessary for achieving the EU’s 2050 net-zero-emission target. To this end, the European Commission has revised its climate and energy policies and transportation-related legislation to align with the 2030 target and the road that leads to it.

“Hungary wants to be a net climate-neutral country by 2050, and we have also committed to a 55 percent national reduction by 2030, but it is extremely important that all this is achieved with the support of society. In the recently adopted National Clean Development Strategy, the government is exploring potential ways to achieve climate neutrality, as enshrined in law” said Dr. Barbara Botos, ITM Deputy State Secretary.

“It is also important that we place the business sector at the forefront of our goals, so it is essential to know the position of companies: what are the challenges they see, and what are the opportunities they need to overcome to make the green transition economically viable” – she added.

Climate change is already happening. A drastic acceleration of ambition and action is essential for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. To do this, we need to make our economy carbon neutral by 2050. Companies play a key role in this process. But even for them, low-carbon emissions alone cannot be the goal: climate-neutral operations must be achieved as soon as possible. This requires new technological solutions at all levels and a rapid change in consumption patterns. A supportive legal and regulatory environment is also essential.

“The BCSDH aims to generate changes in models and business solutions in Hungary that have a real impact on climate change and can generate real responses to domestic challenges due to their take up by other companies. An important step has been the establishment of the Net Zero Advisory Board that has the aim of placing greater focus on economic, governmental, and social factors in the transition to a carbon-neutral economy” – said Márta Irén, Managing Director of BCSDH. “Such consultations are crucial for speeding up the process,” she added.

26.10.2021

More and more companies are already making climate commitments for a carbon neutral economy – BCSDH Climate Talks CEO Roundtable Series

News

The measures taken so far need to improve to achieve a climate-neutral economy, drastic steps and commitments are needed, which was agreed upon during the BCSDH Climate Talks, a series of three business roundtables where companies presented their existing climate commitments and discussed what steps are needed to accelerate the process.

The contribution of the business sector is essential to tackle climate change. They also have a lion’s share to play in times of the pandemic and in restarting the economy at a more sustainable level. Systemic change is needed in value chains, business models, technological innovation, cross-sectoral collaboration and in shaping mind-sets, “business as usual” is no longer acceptable.

The April and May CEO roundtables, organised by BCSDH with the participation of 42 of top executives, presented the results and findings of the Towards Net Zero survey, conducted for the first time in Hungary, on the carbon neutral activities of the domestic business sector. Participating companies shared their climate change mitigation and adaptation commitments, their outstanding business solutions and discussed which leverage measures can help accelerate progress towards carbon neutrality.

Business leaders agreed that carbon neutrality targets can be achieved through targeted action plans based on sound measurement, sharing of existing business solutions and innovation. Avoiding further emissions, minimising current emissions and offsetting were also mentioned as current directions, but increasing transparency, new financing options and working with regulators were also mentioned as further steps.

“Last year showed us the vulnerability of many systems and how interconnected our world is. How health, the environment and the economy are interconnected. We need a more broad, systematic approach to make our world healthier, more resilient and more sustainable. We are seeing sustainability being embedded in more and more companies’ strategies, but we need to focus on key priorities such as ending the climate crisis, halting further loss of natural diversity and tackling dramatically rising inequalities. We must accept that businesses have a key responsibility to lead and drive change to improve our society. Lead with action and collaboratively, in partnership with academia, policy makers, institutions and NGOs,” said Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH, CEO of Alteo Group.

BCSDH aims to showcase what the business sector can do on climate change and adaptation, how companies can make a real impact, and present exemplary commitments and business solutions that can be easily adapted by other companies at its annual business lunch on 7 October and in a publication to mark the occasion.

18.05.2021

Not enough for a carbon-neutral economy. Can the business sector make a greater effort? – Towards Net Nero Survey results

News

Budapest, 23 March 2021: For the first time, research has been conducted on the status quo of the Hungarian business sector in relation to carbon-neutral operations. The picture is not so bright – although 31% of leading companies already have net zero emissions targets, this figure is below the international benchmarks and below the level required for real change, according to the Towards Net Zero research of the Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH), with the professional support of Deloitte.

Achieving net zero emissions is a major challenge of our time, and the research presented at the Net Zero Ambitions Forum, co-organized by BCSDH and the British Embassy, can create a basis for the next steps. At this event, seven of Hungary’s leading companies also presented their related commitments.

“This is the first time in Hungary that a survey has been conducted about the carbon neutrality aspirations and challenges of companies. The results of such timely and valuable research serve as an important guide to defining the most urgent tasks, such as the recognition of the opportunities created by financing, and of reducing and measuring greenhouse gases. Provides guidance on how the transition between the current situation and achieving the desired net zero operations can be accelerated with existing tools” said Irén Márta, Director of BCSDH, in her introduction” said Irén Márta, Director of BCSDH, in her introduction.

Sixty percent of the companies that were surveyed have emission reduction policies, and 30% plan to have one in the next five years. Only 10% said they did not even plan such measures. But only 50% of companies have a specific target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“It’s good to see that BCSDH member companies are at the forefront of setting climate-related goals, but our job is to mobilize a wider business community. Every company is affected by climate change, and every company has the opportunity to positively influence it. The goal is no longer just reducing greenhouse gas emissions but achieving net zero emissions. Research has shown that there is a high level of uncertainty, a lack of knowledge, and often an inadequate allocation of resources within companies. By presenting opportunities and good examples in this area, BCSDH can support its member companies and the wider business environment” – said Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH. “Accelerating the transition to net zero operations requires a broader partnership that includes government and legislative support, and the Net Zero Advisory Board we launched in January can help with this,” he added.

Research has also shown that in order for companies to set real net zero targets, they need to take big steps in terms of measuring emissions and introducing an internal price for carbon. For those who are just starting the process, reducing waste, investing in energy efficiency, switching to renewable energy, and increasing resource efficiency can be the first steps. But it is important to emphasize that we need to go much further than this to create a real net zero-emission economy in Hungary by 2050.

Efforts to achieve the Paris climate targets need to be significantly increased in Hungary and around the world. One of the goals of COP 26 in November is to set targets for achieving net zero in a uniform and scientifically sound way.

“As hosts of the COP26, the UK is working with businesses, governments, and civil society to drive action across key sectors of the economy to reduce emissions, adapt to the effects of climate change and strengthen resilience, while also striving to “build back better” as we recover from the Covid19 pandemic”– highlighted Paul Fox British ambassador, member of the Net Zero Advisory Board.

Seven of the leading companies included in the research presented their specific commitments:

Daikin aims to achieve zero net emissions by 2050. To this end, it is using more energy-efficient, less environmentally damaging technology to create products with longer life cycles. As an important player, Daikin wants to implement the reuse and recycling of refrigerants throughout the industry.

By 2030, all of E.On’s buildings will be carbon neutral, and its fleet will be electric. It undertakes to reduce its carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieve a 50% reduction in terms of customers’ emissions.

Grundfos aims to reduce its own CO₂ emissions and its water consumption by 50% by 2025, and the company aspires to become “climate positive” by 2030. By 2030, they will have contributed to providing safely managed drinking water to 300 million people in need. In addition, through water efficiency and water treatment, they will have saved 50 billion m³ of fresh water

K&H Group undertakes to operate in a climate-neutral manner from 2021, and to reduce greenhouse gases by 80% and to switch to 100% green electricity by 2030.

LeasePlan will already be implementing its green fleet by 2021 and aims to further reduce its environmental impact through a number of customer and consumer-oriented measures by 2030.

Nestlé aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. It will reduce its emissions by 30% by 2025, and by 50% by 2030. It aims to achieve this target, among other ways, through the use of renewable energy, an electric car fleet, and the introduction of new technologies, packaging materials, and recipes.

SIÓ-Eckes (Eckes-Granini Group) undertakes by 2030 to set Science-Based Targets to help achieve the 1.5^o target. It is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, and switching to the use of 100% R-PET by 2030.

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Race to Zero

The Race to Zero is the UN-led campaign for a zero-carbon world. Close to 1,400 businesses, including the likes of Facebook, Tesco, LafargeHolcim and Magyar Telekom, and 74 of the biggest investors have joined the global Race to Zero campaign, along with over 454 cities, 23 regions, and 569 universities. Businesses of all sizes and across all sectors have a clear role to play in climate action, in line with the Paris Agreement and in the lead-up to the COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.

Over the coming years, every sector in every market will be transformed as the transition to a low-carbon economy is underway. Committing to the Race to Zero goals of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is also taking the steps necessary to protect and grow your business by reducing costs, by enhancing access to investor capital, by staying ahead of policies and regulations to limit GHG emissions, by increasing your business’ preparedness to external shocks, and by leading on tomorrow’s innovation and transformation.

For more information on the Race to Zero campaign prior to the event, please turn to the campaign’s global website, which provides information on the paths available for joining the campaign, including the Science Based Targets initiative, and the SME Climate Hub.

24.03.2021

“The time has come for stakeholder capitalism – a global economy for progress, for people, and for the planet” – Peter Bakker, President-CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, in an inspiring speech to corporate leaders.

News

Budapest, February 23, 2021: Following last year’s regional consultation, the General Assembly of the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) hosted Peter Bakker, President-CEO of WBCSD, as guest speaker, who gave a presentation on “Making stakeholder capitalism real and rewarding” to nearly 100 CEOs.

BCSDH, which now has 102 leading member companies, has defined the goals for 2021 of supporting its members and the business sector to achieve climate-neutral operations, to meet biodiversity restoration objectives, to promote inclusion, equality and diversity, and to create a corporate culture and way of operating that maximizes respect for business human rights and involves the highest levels of transparency.

“2020 was marked by the dynamic development of BCSDH, and the membership of important financial players continued to increase the strength of the organization. In 2021, we need to find ways to create more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. We must step up the fight for climate protection and adaptation, we must achieve carbon neutrality, and we must give priority to creating a net zero-emission economy and a net zero-emission Hungary” – explained Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH.

In light of this, the focus of BCSDH’s professional program in 2021 will be the Race to Zero program, the primary goal of which is to facilitate and accelerate the process by which the Hungarian economy can become carbon-neutral by 2050, thus taking an important step towards stopping climate change. To facilitate this, BCSDH has established the Net Zero Advisory Board. The aim of the Board is to enable wide-ranging cooperation, help coordinate programs, to scale up impact, and accelerate the related processes. This can be achieved because the program also includes scientific, regulatory, and economic actors.

“The members of the Board are renowned professionals who, through their expertise and recognition in their respective fields, can make a real impact together. This special cross-sectoral partnership aims to give greater impetus to the transition to a carbon-neutral economy by exploiting synergies” – said Irén Márta, Director of BCSDH.

“We have less than ten years to get the pathways of transformation on track for a net-zero and nature-positive economy. Moreover, the pandemic and growing social unrest around the world have made it clear that this vision can only be realized if we put people and communities at the center of our thinking and actions. Leaders will be the key differentiators for success or failure” – highlighted Peter Bakker.

To support fundamental system-level transformation, WBCSD will present an updated version of Vision 2050 on March 25 that defines a roadmap for priorities for the next critical decade. In 2020, at the initiation of BCSDH, Hungary was able to host the WBCSD Central and Eastern European Regional Consultation, at which business leaders, regional leaders, and leaders of professional organizations discussed the role of companies in the implementation of Vision 2050. In line with the results of this work, Peter Bakker, President-CEO of the WBCSD, gave a presentation at the organization’s general meeting.

“Sustainability is no longer an ancillary factor, but it is placed squarely at the heart of meetings with stakeholders. We need to act faster, together, to lead the critical transformations in the coming decade. Business plays a central role in driving and delivering the actions, innovations, products and services that are required to transform our economic systems”- highlighted Peter Bakker.

The general Assembly has approved the organization’s 2020 professional and financial report and 2021 plans. The leaders of the newly joined companies also introduced themselves.

Peter Bakker

President and CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD

Mr Bakker has led WBCSD since 2012. WBCSD is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. WBCSD member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing a combined revenue of more than USD $8.5 trillion and with 19 million employees.

Mr Bakker is a distinguished business leader who, until June 2011, served as CFO and then CEO of TNT NV, the global transport and logistics company. He has been recipient of the Clinton Global Citizen Award (2009) and the Sustainability Leadership Award (2010). Mr Bakker serves as a member of several corporate sustainability advisory boards. He received the royal order Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2018, in recognition of his long-lasting commitment to engaging business in tackling global sustainability issues.

24.02.2021

The Net Zero Advisory Board for the carbon-neutral Hungarian economy was established with the involvement of renowned experts

News

Budapest, January 18, 2021: The Net Zero Advisory Board has been formed in a uniquely wide collaboration with renowned experts, the primary goal of which is to promote and accelerate the process by which the Hungarian economy can become carbon neutral by 2050, thus taking an important step to stop climate change.

The Advisory Board is a cross-sectoral collaboration, consisting of representatives of Hungarian industry and business leaders, chambers of commerce and associations, was set up as the initiative of the British Embassy and the Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH).

Members of the Net Zero Advisory Board:

Zsombor Barta (HUGBC – Hungary Green Building Council)

Dr. Gábor Bartus (NCSD – National Council for Sustainable Development)

Attila Chikán Jr. (BCSDH – Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary)

Paul Fox (British ambassador)

Anikó Juhász (Ministry of Agriculture)

Csaba Kőrösi (Directorate for Environmental Sustainability of the Office of the President)

Marcell Kovács (MLBKT – Hungarian Association of Logistics, Purchasing and Inventory Management)

Prof. Dr. Diána Ürge-Vorsatz (IPCC –Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, HUPCC- Hungarian Panel on Climate Change)

The aim of the alliance is to increase the focus on the transition to a carbon-neutral economy among economic, governmental and social actors. To help with the process, a decision was made to conduct a research to map the current state, and to organise a Race to Zero Forum to present the results.

On 1 November the United Nations’ 26th Climate Change Conference will open in Glasgow, hosted by the UK in partnership with Italy. This remaining year of preparation for COP26 must also take on board the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At COP26, we must unite the world on a path to a zero carbon economy as we build back greener from COVID-19”– highlighted Paul Fox British ambassador, who is one of the few initiating the board.

“All companies are affected by climate change and all companies have the opportunity to influence it positively. Stabilizing global warming under 2, but preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius requires the radical reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible. Transitioning our economy first to low-carbon, then carbon-neutral by 2050 is the way to achieve this objective. Businesses will play a key role in this process. Is there a better time to start it than now?” – added Attila Chikán Jr., president of BCSDH, founder and member of the Advisory Board.

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Race to Zero

The Race to Zero is the UN-led campaign for a zero-carbon world. 1,128 businesses including the likes of Facebook, Tesco, LafargeHolcim and Magyar Telekom, and 45 of the biggest investors have joined the global Race to Zero campaign, along with over 450 cities and 550 universities. Businesses of all sizes and across all sectors have a clear role to play in climate action, in line with the Paris Agreement and in the lead-up to the COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.

Over the coming years, every sector in every market will be transformed as the transition to a low-carbon economy is underway. Committing to the Race to Zero goals of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 is also taking the steps necessary to protect and grow your business by reducing costs, by enhancing access to investor capital, by staying ahead of policies and regulations to limit GHG emissions, by increasing your business’ preparedness to external shocks, and by leading on tomorrow’s innovation and transformation.

For more information on the Race to Zero campaign prior to the event, please turn to the campaign’s global website, which provides information on the paths available for joining the campaign, including the Science Based Targets initiative, and the SME Climate Hub.

20.01.2021

How can we achieve the Net Zero target by 2050? Unique collaboration for a carbon-neutral economy in Hungary

News

Budapest, 3 December 2020 ̶ In a unique collaboration, the embassies of six countries and the Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH) have teamed up with the support of the Ministry of Innovation and Technology to help accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral economy in Hungary by 2050, thus taking an important step to tackle climate change.

At the online Race to Zero Business Ambitions Forum held on 3 December, leading domestic companies from several industries demonstrated their good examples and commitments, thereby encouraging domestic companies to make similar ambitious commitments towards a carbon-neutral economy.

The purpose of the event, organized by the Business Council for Sustainable Development in Hungary (BCSDH) and the British Embassy, in partnership with the Italian Embassy, and in collaboration with the Embassies of France, Germany, Canada and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was to encourage the domestic business sector to shift to a more sustainable, carbon-neutral economy after the pandemic. The event built momentum for the United Nations’ “Race to Zero” campaign and the COP26, the UN’s Climate Change Conference hosted by the UK in November 2021 with the aim of raising ambitions on decreasing global greenhouse gas emissions.

“In 333 days, the United Nations’ 26th Climate Change Conference will open in Glasgow, hosted by the UK in partnership with Italy. This remaining year of preparation for COP26 must also take on board the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. At COP26, we must unite the world on a path to a zero carbon economy as we build back greener from COVID-19” ̶ said British Ambassador to Hungary Paul Fox in his opening remarks.

“Italy is a front runner in the Race to Zero campaign to completely decarbonise the global production system and foster inclusive and sustainable growth. To reach our goal by 2050, we need to act now!” – Italian Ambassador to Hungary Massimo Rustico said in his keynote address.

In her opening remarks, Barbara Botos, Deputy State Secretary for Climate Policy of the Ministry for Innovation and Technology, spoke about the climate protection law recently passed by parliament, according to which Hungary has committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050, thus balancing the emissions and sinks of greenhouse gases. To meet the 2030 targets also defined by the law, namely to achieve 40% emissions reduction by 2030 and that the ratio of renewable energy sources in Hungary should reach 21% by 2030, the government will introduce measures including support for the energy-related development of domestic companies and the issuance of Green Bonds.

The Race to Zero is the UN-led campaign for a zero-carbon world. 1,128 businesses including the likes of Facebook, Tesco, LafargeHolcim and Magyar Telekom, and 45 of the biggest investors have joined the global Race to Zero campaign, along with over 450 cities and 550 universities. Businesses of all sizes and across all sectors have a clear role to play in climate action, in line with the Paris Agreement and in the lead-up to the COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.

Jen Austin, Director of Policy and Strategy, COP26 High Level Climate Champions team, gave an insight into the goals of the Race to Zero initiative, and a global overview in the run up to COP26.

Then Kaya Axelsson, Net Zero Policy Engagement Fellow, Oxford University Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment and the Environmental Change Institute, presented the practical steps for companies to set and achieve net zero targets.

“All companies are affected by climate change and all companies have the opportunity to influence it positively. Stabilizing global warming under 2, but preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius requires the radical reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible. Transitioning our economy first to low-carbon, then carbon-neutral by 2050 is the way to achieve this objective. Businesses will play a key role in this process. Is there a better time to start it than now?” – Attila Chikán Jr., President of BCSDH said at the event.

“Five years ago, by adopting the Paris Agreement, our countries committed to decreasing their greenhouse gas emissions but it was only the beginning. The urgency remains and it’s up to us, governments, private companies and citizens to turn these commitments into reality. This is our shared responsibility!” – French Ambassador Pascale Andréani said in her closing remarks.

“Fighting climate change, climate protection is teamwork. Our common goal is to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, where all contributions count. Renewables are taking over in the power sector in Europe. Next steps in energy transition: replace fossil fuels in transport, industry and heating. Hydrogen will play a crucial role” – German Ambassador Johannes Haindl said. Germany holds the rotating presidency of the European Union from 1 July 2020 which sets the standard for achieving climate neutrality.

“We are proud to be collaborating with the British Embassy and our other partners on the Race to Zero Business Ambitions Forum and working for a carbon neutral world by 2050. Climate change is a global problem and it will take a coordinated response to find global solutions. Canada continues its work to reduce emissions and build resilient communities and a low carbon economy, knowing the strong connection such efforts have with long-term health and financial well-being.” – Canadian Ambassador Caroline Charette said in her closing remarks.

“The Netherlands deems climate actions very timely and important that is why it will host the Climate Adaptation Summit on 25 January 2021, focusing on how we can adapt globally to the changing climate and what solutions need to be scaled up further. Please, join this on-line event which will mobilise governments, companies, organisations and citizens worldwide in order to set out a roadmap towards a climate-resilient future by 2030!” – Dutch Ambassador René van Hell said.

“Half of our member companies already have strategic climate protection goals, commitments and programs. But it is important that as many players in the business sector as possible set ambitious carbon reduction targets, draw up an action plan for this and regularly analyse the results and measure their carbon footprint. This is included in the climate recommendations of the BCSDH Action2020 Hungary program. The purpose of today’s Race to Zero Business Ambitions Forum is that leading domestic companies from several industries demonstrate their best practices and commitments, thereby encouraging domestic companies to make similar ambitious commitments towards a carbon-neutral economy” – Irén Márta, Managing Director of BCSDH said in her closing speech.

Speakers of the ‘Race to Zero Business Ambitions Forum’ event included Péter Éliás, Head of Environmental Management of Audi Hungaria; dr. Rolf Schnitzler, CEO of Budapest Airport; Zsuzsanna Friedl, Chief People Officer of Magyar Telekom; Alastair Teare, Risk Advisory Business Leader of Deloitte Hungary; Andrew Higgins, Regional Managing Director CEE of FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles; Tibor Bodor, CEO of ING Wholesale Banking Hungary; László Károlyi, CEO of Legrand Hungary; and Zsolt Pártos, Managing Director of TESCO Hungary, who all shared their experiences about the specific climate-protection commitments and steps taken by their companies to foster carbon neutral operations.

03.12.2020

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