High energy consumption, poor insulation, outdated systems — many of the structures we live and work in today were built long before the importance of ‘being green’ was ever truly realized. Thankfully, András is looking for ways to adapt these buildings to ensure they’re more energy efficient.
Going back and righting the wrongs of the past represents a massive task, but András is confident that change is possible. “There are millions of buildings globally that require much more energy than they should,” he says. “But it’s never too late to change our way of thinking about buildings and energy consumption because we can still do a lot. They can be refurbished and we can drastically reduce their consumption.”
Old buildings, new foundations
Having worked at the company since 1998, András is one of the longest-serving members of Siemens Hungary. With so much experience, he knows that adapting buildings to become more efficient is the right thing to do. However, it’s now also a requirement under the Europe 2020 program, which is part of the EU’s strategy to boost growth and jobs.
The ambitious plan not only calls for at least a 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels but also a 20% boost in energy efficiency. In addition, 20% of energy must also come from renewables — if achieved, it will represent the equivalent of switching off 400 power stations.
András and the Division Building Technologies team in Hungary are working on this development together to bring the country’s buildings into the future. But the problem is not only restricted to public buildings and it’s also essential that people think about their own houses.
“Many family homes consume way too much energy and it could be reduced if people realized they could actually do something about it. There are very easy solutions that can have a significant impact on the future,” says András. As a result, he works with a network of trained partners that offer homeowners advice on how to adapt their residences to make them as green as possible.
The key to success
In a job that’s as important as his, how can András remain at the top of his game? Having worked with the company since 1998, he’s one of the longest-serving members of Siemens Hungary, and his experience speaks volumes.
In the early days of his career, András worked as a Sales Engineer and the role saw him regularly travel abroad — something that strengthened his ability to build relationships. Years later he continues to foster these relationships by keeping on top of trends and sharing them with colleagues and customers.
“There are a lot of customers who I still keep in touch with personally, and it often happens they contact me when there are any issues,” he says. “I like it because it gives me the opportunity to practice and, in addition to strategic concerns, helps maintain my technical knowledge and keep up with innovation and the development of our products.”
No ‘I’ in team
Despite his professional successes, András relies on his team to ensure the department delivers to the very best of its ability. His philosophy is to maintain a good atmosphere where staff members can work well with each other. “If people feel good and can work in a positive environment, they will make progress by themselves,” he says. “Our current results prove that we are a successful team.” Knowing that each project is a team achievement, he is a firm believer in ownership culture.
András has also learned a lot from previous leaders, which helps him to guide his own team to success. “I have had the opportunity to work with several managers from whom I was always able to learn and we have established a very good relationship,” he says. “I am trying to do the same things I admired in them as leaders.”
For András, the Siemens’ motto: ‘Ingenuity for life’ are words to live by not only within the team but also the company more generally. “It contains the life of engineering since this is a technology company with an innovative background,” he says. “It contains the uniqueness that makes us special, and ‘for life’ suggests long-term thinking — something that we are bringing to the building industry.”
András Medveczky is Head of Division Building Technologies based in Budapest, Hungary. His career has followed a classic path, starting out as a Sales Engineer before being appointed Manager and then joining his current role. Find out more about working at Siemens.
Illustration: Rachel Fingleton
