You can’t do it alone – BCSDH Sustainability Partner Search event to achieve net zero goals

The world faces three critical challenges: the climate emergency, the loss of natural diversity and growing social inequalities. Systemic changes are needed instead of isolated measures, which requires deep and comprehensive cooperation across sectors, but also between economic actors.

(Photo: BCSDH)

The Hungarian Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSDH), recognizing the opportunities inherent in synergy and partnership, which its membership of 132 leading companies can provide, organized its private Sustainability Partner Search for the second time on January 24, 2023, in order to speed up carbon-neutral operations and system-level processes. , which was hosted by UniCredit Bank. Joining the Race to Zero initiative, at the event organized in cooperation with the British Embassy, 20 companies presented their sustainability products and services, and then they could meet in informal discussions with the 30 companies that were looking for sustainability solutions to meet the goals of net zero. On behalf of UniCredit Bank, the participants were welcomed by Giacomo Volpi, Deputy President and Chief Executive Officer.

Paul Fox, ambassador of the United Kingdom to Hungary

“I am happy to be a part of this event organized by companies, for companies. This proves that net zero goals make business sense and that businesses can play a role in driving the clean energy and economic transition.” – pointed out Paul Fox, the ambassador of the United Kingdom to Hungary, in his opening speech.

The most popular topics were energy efficiency, green energy, and circular economy solutions, but carbon footprint calculation and digital and financial solutions helping to achieve carbon neutrality were not far behind.

Irén Márta, executive director of the BCSDH

“The program clearly shows what the most pressing challenges are for companies. Significant progress has been made in setting net zero goals even in one year, as our latest Towards Net Zero research conducted together with Deloitte shows that the number of companies committing to carbon neutrality has doubled. At the same time, carbon neutrality goals often do not include actual, measurable, scientific GHG emission reduction commitments, so there is still a long way to go.” – said Irén Márta, the executive director of the BCSDH, in her welcome speech. – “The research also pointed out that there is still a lot of uncertainty, a lack of knowledge is typical and often the allocation of resources within companies is not appropriate. The main incentives for companies to reduce emissions are maintaining or increasing competitiveness and complying with regulations. By presenting opportunities and good examples in this area, BCSDH can best help its member companies and the wider business environment.” – added Irén Márta.

It is an important step forward that the BCSDH’s 2023 focus topic, the protection of biodiversity, as well as services related to regenerative agriculture, nature-based carbon neutralization and sustainable water management have already appeared this year.

More than half of the world’s GDP depends on nature and its services. In other words, it affects all actors and companies, so everyone has a responsibility and an opportunity to act.