{"id":4928,"date":"2025-03-24T16:21:24","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T16:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gtk.bme.hu\/en\/?page_id=4928"},"modified":"2025-03-24T16:28:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-24T16:28:02","slug":"project-pilot-action-blogpost-5-activation-of-users-for-circular-lifestyles-review-of-the-bme-pilot-action","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gtk.bme.hu\/en\/research\/from-niche-to-centre-city-centres-as-places-of-circular-lifestyles-nice\/project-pilot-action-blogposts\/project-pilot-action-blogpost-5-activation-of-users-for-circular-lifestyles-review-of-the-bme-pilot-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Project pilot action blogpost 5. \u2013 Activation of users for circular lifestyles \u2013 review of the BME pilot action"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Project pilot action blogpost 5. \u2013 Activation of users for<\/strong> circular lifestyles \u2013 review of the BME pilot action<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/h1>\n
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[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Implementation of the pilot action “Co-creation for more circular cities at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics” related to the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE NiCE project of the Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability of BME, Part 5: Activation of users for circular lifestyles \u2013 review of the BME pilot action<\/em><\/p>\n

Within the framework of the NiCE project, the BME Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability is working together with the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) to develop solutions that help consumers integrate circular economy principles into their everyday lives. The Tandem is working towards the idea of linking urban living with circular lifestyles with special attention to sustainable water consumption, e.g. through public events, education and experiments of circular water DIY pilots (i.e. hydroponics). The main research question of the Tandem is: What are the most effective ways for the activation of users to circular lifestyles especially in the field of circular water management? In general, transnational tandem partners will also closely work together during the implementation phase: They will review the other party\u2019s pilots, support each other with their knowledge and learn from one another.<\/p>\n

Within this framework, the Department has announced various workshops, including the European Researchers’ Night 2024 and the Intensive Seminar of the Master programs at the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences (GTK). Students from the Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Engineering (Industrial) Management, and Management and Leadership programs have applied for the Sustainable Business Model Design<\/strong> course in the spring semester of 2024\/2025, where they will collaborate with different organizations.<\/p>\n

The peer review of the BME pilot action<\/strong> was conducted by Emanuela De Marco<\/strong>, a researcher from the Department of Sustainability (SSPT), Section Integrated and Nature-based Solutions for Urban Regeneration<\/strong> at the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy, and Sustainable Economic Development<\/strong>. The review took place at the BME Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability<\/strong> in Budapest from March 10 to 12, 2025<\/strong>. During the visit, the reviewer met the core project team and university students, as well as visited pilot action partners (Ligeti Package-Free Shop<\/strong> and one of the FKF Educational and Reuse Centers<\/strong>).<\/p>\n

On the first day, Emanuela De Marco (ENEA)<\/strong> met the core members of the NiCE BME Team<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n

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  • Attila Buz\u00e1si<\/strong> \u2013 Head of Department, Associate Professor<\/li>\n
  • Fruzsina Bozsoki<\/strong> \u2013 PhD Student, Research Fellow<\/li>\n
  • \u00c1d\u00e1m Csuv\u00e1r<\/strong> \u2013 Assistant Professor<\/li>\n
  • Mariann Szab\u00f3<\/strong> \u2013 Assistant Professor and Scientific Coordinator of the NiCE project at BME<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The meeting was followed by a peer-to-peer consultation<\/strong> between Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szab\u00f3<\/strong> on the implementation status of BME\u2019s pilot action. Prior to the meeting, BME colleagues had published an implementation report<\/strong> outlining the project’s status quo. The discussion focused on stakeholder involvement, needs analysis, results, challenges, and feedback from beneficiaries<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    The BME pilot action<\/strong> engages a variety of stakeholders, including Hungarian and international university students, academic staff, businesses, and Budapest citizens. Mariann Szab\u00f3<\/strong> emphasized that the core activity of the Sustainable Business Model Design<\/strong> course has been complemented by initiatives that expand stakeholder engagement. Inspired by ENEA\u2019s approach, BME decided to organize a workshop at the European Researchers’ Night 2024 Programme<\/strong>. Additionally, two workshops were integrated into the Intensive Seminar of the GTK Master Programs<\/strong>, an initiative suggested by M\u00e1ria Szalm\u00e1n\u00e9 Csete<\/strong>, Associate Professor and Vice Dean for International Affairs, who is also a member of the Local Stakeholder Board<\/strong> of the BME pilot action.<\/p>\n

    The first day concluded with a social program<\/strong> at Bart\u00f3k B\u00e9la Boulevard<\/strong>, a relatively new urban redevelopment and placemaking initiative<\/strong> in Budapest\u2019s XI. District.<\/p>\n

    Second Day \u2013 Site Visits with Project Partners<\/strong><\/p>\n

    The second day focused on meeting the project partners<\/strong> collaborating with university students in the Sustainable Business Model Design<\/strong> course.<\/p>\n

    Site Visit 1: Ligeti Package-Free Shop<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szab\u00f3 visited the Ligeti Package-Free Shop<\/strong>, where Erika Szab\u00f3<\/strong>, owner of the shop and a Local Stakeholder Board<\/strong> member, introduced the store\u2019s history, business model, and its role in promoting sustainable consumption and lifestyles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    This visit was particularly insightful as it included a tour of both the shop and its storage area<\/strong>. The shop offers a wide range of packaging-free goods<\/strong> and collaborates with many local producers<\/strong>. Erika highlighted the store\u2019s value retention<\/strong> practices, such as collecting used glass jars from customers and returning them to producers for reuse<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Despite economic challenges following COVID-19, the energy crisis, and inflation<\/strong>, the shop continues to operate successfully in a location well-connected by public transport<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Following the visit, the team had a business lunch<\/strong>, during which Emanuela De Marco expressed her enthusiasm<\/strong> for experiencing a package-free shop<\/strong> for the first time. Discussions during lunch covered the importance of local production and networks<\/strong> and the differences between Italy and Hungary<\/strong> in this regard.<\/p>\n

    Site Visit 2: FKF Education and Reuse Center (XVIII. District)<\/strong><\/p>\n

    In the afternoon, Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szab\u00f3 visited the FKF Education and Reuse Center<\/strong>, where they met:<\/p>\n

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    • Andr\u00e1s Heged\u0171s<\/strong>, Senior PR & Communication Manager at BKM Budapest Public Utilities Nonprofit Private Limited Company<\/strong> and member of the Local Stakeholder Board<\/strong><\/li>\n
    • University students<\/strong> participating in the Sustainable Business Model Design<\/strong> course<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Budapest currently operates two Education and Reuse Centers<\/strong>, where consumers can donate reusable goods, which are then sold at affordable prices. These centers also play a key role in awareness-raising and educational initiatives<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      During the peer review visit<\/strong>, Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szab\u00f3 observed how students and project partners exchanged ideas and discussed the business model and challenges of Budapest\u2019s waste management system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      The second day concluded with a social gathering<\/strong> at the BME Department of Environmental Economics and Sustainability<\/strong>, attended by the reviewer, the NiCE BME team, and a university student<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Third Day \u2013 Final Reflections & Next Steps<\/strong><\/p>\n

      On the third day, the peer review wrapped up with a final meeting at a unique local spot (a milk bar)<\/strong>, where Emanuela De Marco and Mariann Szab\u00f3<\/strong> reflected on the visit\u2019s key takeaways and future activities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Regarding the Tandem approach<\/strong>, they noted that both pilot actions focus on engaging diverse stakeholder groups to promote sustainable lifestyles through participatory methods, particularly the Living Lab approach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      Additionally, Emanuela De Marco suggested that students in the Sustainable Business Model Design course should be encouraged to develop future scenarios comparing business-as-usual and sustainable business model options for specific sectors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      The peer review provided valuable insights and strengthened the collaboration between BME and ENEA. The discussions and site visits highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange, and sustainable business models in driving positive environmental change<\/strong>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”4930,4931,4932,4933,4934,4935,4936,4937,4938,4939,4929″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”3744″ img_size=”942×400″ alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-globe-asia” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.interreg-central.eu%2Fprojects%2Fnice%2F|target:_blank”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fab fa-facebook-f” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNiCE.project.Interreg|target:_blank”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fab fa-instagram” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fprojectnice_%2F|target:_blank”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=”fab fa-linkedin-in” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fniceproject|target:_blank”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][\/vc_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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