Sustainability Accounting and Accountability

Sustainability accounting and accountability is fundamental in the pursuit of low-carbon and less unsustainable societies. Highlighting that accounting, organisations and economic systems are intertwined with sustainability, this leading text discusses how sustainability accounting and accountability broaden the spectrum of information used in organisational decision-making and in evaluating organisational success. The authors show how sustainability accounting can prove to be transformative, but only if critical questions are sufficiently addressed. Drawing on the most recent research and topical practical insights, this fourth edition has been updated to reflect the contemporary developments in the area, especially topics relating to sustainability reporting and development in the financial markets. This book also highlights the role accounting plays in key sustainability issues through dedicated chapters on climate, water, biodiversity, human rights and economic inequality. Each chapter is supplemented with practical examples and academic reading lists to allow in-depth engagement. Sustainability Accounting and Accountability walks the reader through a spectrum of themes which are essential for all accountants and organisations. It helps the reader to understand why our traditional accounting techniques and systems are not sufficient for navigating the contemporary sustainability challenges our societies are facing. This key book will serve as an essential resource for undergraduate and postgraduate instructors and students, providing an entry point to sustainability accounting and accountability, and will also be a vital book for researchers.

Matias Laine is Professor of Accounting at Tampere University, Finland. Helen Tregidga is Professor of Accounting at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.

1. Introduction to Sustainability Accounting and Accountability Part I: Setting the Context 2. Background and Global Context 3. Accountability, Stakeholders, Materiality and Externalities: Examining Key Concepts Part II: Accounting for Sustainability 4. Sustainability Management Accounting and Control 5. Sustainability Reporting: History, Frameworks and Regulation 6. The Sustainability Reporting Process: Key Influences, Debates and Discussions 7. ESG and Financial Markets 8. Counter Accounting Part III: Issues in Accounting for Sustainability 9. Accounting for Climate 10. Accounting for Water 11. Accounting for Biodiversity 12. Accounting for Human Rights 13. Accounting for Economic Inequality Part IV: Conclusion 14. Closing Remarks