Sustainable transport: From high carbon to carbon neutral

Purpose – This paper seeks to explore the transition and process of migrating from high dependence on internal combustion engine (ICE), to one that is a sustainable carbon neutral fleet. Design/Methodology/Approach – Comparative studies will be completed for commercial vehicles with combustion engines and carbon-neutral alternative vehicles. Findings – This paper provides informed decision for people who may wish to consider alternative sustainable carbon neutral propulsion systems. Practical implications – Historically, modes of transportation rely on the conversion of chemical (stored) energy to motion via the use of internal combustion engine (ICE). However, with more awareness, rise in “Green” consumers, and government policies, businesses are open to exploring sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint contribution to the environment. This study suggests that there will be some level of trade-off discussions needed to make such decisions based on the different requirements, industries, geographical locations, and the environment in which such businesses operate. Some companies will be able to justify the need to be more carbon neutral, though some may not, or off-set the capital outlay required to transition and remain carbon neutral, without some form of external help.

Promoting responsible thinking and behaviour at Swiss universities

Switzerland is in the top five most sustainable countries based on the Sustainable Competitiveness Rankings 2019; where Hungary has the 31st place. In order to learn some practices from Switzerland, the approach of Swiss universities to sustainability is examined to provide Hungarian universities with practical examples. The findings of the research lead to the conclusion that Swiss universities engage in several activities to raise awareness of sustainability and promote diversity and equality at their institutions. The research gives practical examples how Swiss universities integrate sustainability practices into the everyday life of their communities.

Financial and return aspects of solar power stations in Hungary

Electricity production is one of the major sources of global gas house gas (GHG) emission and is therefore responsible for climate change. In this context, renewable energy sources may have a significant role. Our research analyses the financial return of solar power stations in Hungary. Lowcapacity (0.3-1.0 MW) solar power stations were examined to highlight differences between the former (mandatory take-over tariff, KÁT) and present (renewable energy subsidising scheme, METÁR) renewable energy take-over schemes regarding financial return. Our results show that both analysed projects have a positive financial return. However, the KÁT project has an excessive return rate, therefore the phasing out of the scheme can be considered justified.

The importance of environmental and sustainability education in tourism based on the opinion of students at Budapest Business School

In this study, the relationship between sustainable universities and environmental edu-cation is analysed from the aspect of tourism as seen by students. The research showed why green universities are important and what green applications were implemented at Budapest Business School. 1050 people participated in thesurvey examining the con-nections between green universities and environmentally conscious modes of living. All respondents were students of Budapest Business School and data was collected from the 18-22 years age group.We started out with the assumption that the students at Budapest Business School are aiming at becoming responsible citizens of tertiary education and as they will be senior and junior level managers they could exert great influence on the green develop-ment of the economy in the future.The authors consider it a success, that a green university will lead the ranking of universities which will become the winners of the 4th industrial revolution. Mastering sustainable subjects improve comprehensive and cohesive thinking. Energy and cost reduction is not the only goal in higher education; integrating sustainable subjects into courses and putting them into practice are also important. The courses in sustainable tourism significantly re-evaluate students’ commitment to sustainable development. The research emphasizes the importance of the sustainabilitys issue with regards to educational institutions and green universities, and it inspires us to take some action at the same time.

New Measurement System for Sustainability : MNB’s Sustainability Report and Index

Our study explains why it is important to implement the aspects of sustainability in order to successfully converge and break out of the trap of medium development, and presents the main findings of the MNB Sustainability Report and Index based on a self-developed quantification-purpose methodology. The socio-economic system of a country is considered sustainable if its environmental, social, financial and real economy resources are used in a sustainable way to achieve and maintain longterm prosperity. The MNB’s Sustainability Index ranks Hungary 15th among the 27 EU member states in 2021, which is slightly better than the average ranking of the Visegrád countries, but slightly behind the EU average. There is room for improvement in all four priority areas, with the identification of the greatest scope for convergence in the financial and social sustainability dimensions. In line with the frameworks of international organisations (UN, OECD) with a strong track record in sustainability, the MNB report helps to identify key areas of potential sustainability strengths and reserves, thus supporting, on the one hand, long-term, strategic policy-making, specialised research in the field of sustainability and, on the other hand, sustainable convergence.

Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Jordan: Application of the CAMELS Model

The study aims to analyse and rank the financial performance of Jordanian commercial banks using the elements of the CAMELS model. The study relies on a sample of 12 Jordanian commercial banks listed on the Amman Stock Exchange during the period 2016–2020. The study used variables included in the CAMELS model, namely: capital adequacy, asset quality, management efficiency, profitability, liquidity, and sensitivity to market risks. The research results indicate that Jordanian commercial banks enjoy high Capital Adequacy Ratios that exceed the minimum required by the Central Bank of Jordan and the Basel Committee. Jordanian banks have a strong sensitivity to market risks; therefore, they can control market risks and face any risk to which they may be exposed as well as the variety of the securities invested in these banks. Jordanian commercial banks are also characterized by a good earning ability. On the other hand, Jordanian commercial banks have a weak asset quality, and they also maintain weak and insufficient liquidity ratios to meet any unforeseen needs. These banks also show weak management efficacy, and this rating reflects weak management in expense controls.

Responsible fashion SMEs in Hungary

The fashion industry has been extensively attacked in recent years due to its severe environmental and social impact, to which large and multinational corporations have responded and come up with new initiatives. The aim of the current research is to seek answers to how small and medium-sized enterprises in the fashion industry having fewer resources are able to operate responsibly on the domestic market. After analysing three Hungarian and an Upper-Hungarian fashion industry SMEs with similar business profiles using the qualitative in-depth interview method, the research concluded that their strength lies mainly in their unique and sustainable products, and they consider opportunities for further development through partnerships and collaborations. The nature of the research is explorative and intends to provide a framework for a further analysis on sustainability and responsibility.

Sustainable development of the transportation system and infrastructure in Budapest

The increasing number of citizens and rising number of tourists in Budapest contribute to the excessive use of the transport system. However, we should emphasize, that the number of tourists and citizens are growing year after year in the agglomerations of Budapest which have also impacted the sustainability of the transport system in Budapest (just think about daily commuters for example). The aim of this paper is to assess the opinion of the citizens of Budapest about what they think the most disturbing aspects of the increasing traffic are and what kind measures would be required in the interest of a more sustainable transport system in our capital.

Attitude survey in the ESG investment fund market

Nowadays the so-called ESG investment funds are becoming increasingly popular in the world. There was a huge increase in the number of sustainable funds managed in Hungary too in 2020, so in the present paper I will examine the attitude of the Hungarian population toward this financial instrument. My goal is to explore the main obstacles and the potential drivers in the development of the market and to compare the results with relevant studies. I will use a decision tree and hierarchical clustering algorithms in order to find the characteristics of the target market. As a result, I will shed light on the fact that the main restraining factors are the lack of information and recommendations from financial providers. According to my research Hungarians are sensitive to environmental factors and the good performance of ESG funds compared to traditional ones can be an important aspect in their investment decisions. In defining the target group, the individual’s demographics proved to be less influential, rather the basic attitude and perceptions toward ESG investments are the important factors.

Integrated reporting in the public sector – case study

The paper aims to discuss IR adoption by some public and state-owned entities and identify steps that must be taken by (BKV Zrt.) in the IR implementation process. A fundamental lesson emerging from the case studies is that, as it stands, the IR Framework does not provide sufficient support for public sector entities. Thus, further effort should be made to interpret the peculiarity of public sector organizations. Also, how IR can be applied within Budapesti Közlekedési Zrt. with the expected benefits that may accrue, in addition, the costs that organizations incur in implementing IR must be considered.