Acting in a Sustainable and Responsible Way

“Sustainability is not just a legitimate expectation of our customers and increasingly also a legal requirement, but a clear goal for our operations as well.” That is how the Country Chair of Shell Hungary, Andrea Istenes Solti explains her company’s commitment to a more sustainable future of Planet Earth.

“Shell is one of the largest energy companies in the world and we are well aware of our responsibility toward this planet and its inhabitants. We aim to provide more and cleaner energy solutions in a responsible manner, balancing short- and long-term interests with economic, environmental and social considerations taken into account,” the Country Chair points out.
She believes there is no other way but to proactively shape our future, not just adapting to the circumstances. “Energy transition is a real challenge for everyone and Shell, as one of the leading energy companies on the planet, takes full responsibility for providing more and cleaner energy in a responsible manner – in a way that balances short- and long-term interests, and that integrates economic, environmental and social considerations. The world is changing, and the future belongs to those who can adapt to it and adaptation means environmental-friendly business operations driven by emission reduction.”

Reduction of carbon footprints
Shell’s main initiatives and actions in Hungary are focused on finding paths to run its retail business in a sustainable and responsible way, looking after reduction of carbon footprints of its sites and helping its customers decarbonize their journey.
Achieving sustainability requires common efforts made by the whole society, including companies, regulators, governments and individuals. There is no single actor, even the largest one, who can achieve these goals alone. We, as a company, must work closely with our customers. In our strategy, we clearly drew up our ambition to become a net-zero emission energy business by 2050 in step with society. This could only be achieved by joint efforts,” the Country Chair points out.
Becoming a net-zero emissions energy business means in the case of Shell means that the company is reducing emissions from its operations, and from the fuels and other energy products it sells to its customers. It also means capturing and storing any remaining emissions using technology or balancing them with offsets. “We are transforming our business and finding new opportunities and I am pleased, that one of our key decarbonization initiatives is now also visible in Hungary,” she adds.

Accelerating towards net-zero emission
Shell set itself the target of becoming a net-zero emission company by 2050 and the company is committed to achieving this ambitious goal. It has a pathway to become a net-zero emissions business, a detailed strategy to get there and actions that show that the company is on the right way. Shell is working with its customers and across sectors to accelerate its transition to net-zero emissions. A number of those steps are also undertaken in Hungary – from powering vast majority of our service stations by electricity generated from renewable sources to introducing EV-charging posts and offering carbon neutral lubricants and carbon offsets.

Carbon Compensation Program
One of the ways to achieve the net-zero emission sustainability target is a new initiative, the Carbon Compensation Program. Shell offers the option to its customers to offset the carbon dioxide emissions from their fuel purchases at all of its service stations in Hungary. Customers can participate in the Program for an additional HUF 6 per liter of gasoline, diesel or LPG when refueling at any of Shell’s 190 service stations in Hungary. The Country Chair finds it important to make it clear: “it is up to the customers; they are the ones who can decide to participate and pay a small additional fee to compensate their carbon dioxide emission footprints.” Using this money, Shell will offset CO2 emissions by purchasing carbon credits from nature-based projects, such as the Cordillera Azul National Park Project in Peru and Katingan Peatland Restoration and Conservation Project in Indonesia. The company sources carbon credits from projects that are certified under credible, high-quality and independent standards. Every carbon credit represents the avoidance or removal of 1 ton of CO2.
This scheme is also available to corporate customers. Businesses can pay extra HUF 4.5 plus VAT per liter if they decide to compensate their carbon footprints. “Businesses like transport and logistic companies are using lots of fuel and have large vehicle parks and therefore they can make a big step forward in supporting our common goal of compensation of CO2 emission. We are partnering with all our customers as they make changes in sectors that are difficult to decarbonize like road freight,” she adds.

Hungary takes its share
Last year, Hungary became a pilot market in Central and Eastern Europe for the launch of e-mobility solutions at Shell service stations. The company opened its first high-powered charging stations in the region in partnership with charging network operator IONITY to make longer-distance journeys by electric vehicles easier. Furthermore, last year, Hungary became the fifth market for Shell in Europe where Shell Recharge, the company’s own electric vehicle charging brand, was introduced. Other energy efficient operations at the service stations include LED lighting and appliances consuming less energy. The vast majority of stations are powered by electricity coming from renewable sources. “We work on more sustainable packaging including reducing plastics at the forecourt and in the shop. Besides the Carbon Compensation Program, we also introduced carbon neutral lubricants across a range of products for passenger cars, heavy duty diesel engines and industrial applications. We take our mission towards sustainable business very seriously in Hungary,” Andrea Istenes Solti concludes.