5700 trees for cleaner air

The Magyar Nemzeti Bank in its role as the central bank is actively promoting the green transition of the domestic financial/business sector, including environmental aspects, by making a number of recommendations:

The renovation of its own headquarters will also prioritise green technologies.

Our poor air quality is more dangerous than we think

Hungary's geographical conditions are not favourable for protecting air quality: it is characterised by weak air currents. In winter, the country's air pollution levels are sometimes below those of major cities in China and India. Although the problem is multifaceted, it can be said that in Hungary it is primarily due to outdated heating systems and low-quality fuels, and in larger cities it is also exacerbated by traffic. Preventing the situation from worsening is critical, as the phenomenon is also reflected in health indicators.

Green investment in Magyar Nemzeti Bank

The MNB is committed to promoting green solutions and places great emphasis on environmental protection in its own operations.

The renovation of the central bank's headquarters in Szabadság Square, which started in 2021, will focus on creating a modern, energy-efficient office building that will also help the central bank reduce its carbon footprint.

Sustainability has therefore played an important role in the construction process. A key element of this is the building's mesh roof, which has the air purifying effect of 5,700 trees working together to improve air quality in the city centre.

The Pureti and what's behind it

The Pureti technology has a history of around half a century: it has been the subject of more than 9 000 patents and more than 40 000 scientific articles. The method involves coating the mesh material with special nanoparticles, including titanium dioxide. In the presence of artificial or natural light, the treated surface then acts as a catalyst for photochemical reactions and is able to filter pollutants such as nitrogen oxides from the air.

These particles are a major component of oxidising, Los Angeles-type smog, which can occur with increased frequency in cities such as Budapest. In addition to water molecules and particulate matter in the air, the building envelope can also trap other pollutants that are harmful to human health in higher concentrations.

Through the lens of science

Marwa Hassan, professor at LSU University in the United States, studied the heterogeneous, water-based surface treatment approach of Pureti for many years. The professor also conducted a life cycle assessment of the technology, which examines its potential environmental impact throughout the product's entire life cycle.