Business is increasingly at the head of the drive to clean up the
environment, which means accountants are also having to take their
responsibilities seriously.
Indeed, Prince Charles recently became the first honorary member of the ICAEW
for work on his Accounting for Sustainability project; experts are working on a
new accounting standard for carbon emission, and the EU has its own project
looking at defining metrics to demonstrate the bottom line benefits of low
carbon emissions.
But how seriously is the profession taking these moves, and are they the
right way to go? Are accountants equipped to play such a large part? Can
accounting standards be a weapon for environmentalists?
Our 5 July issue will explore these issues and more, but if you want to take
part, fill in our online survey and you could be in with a chance winning £50 in
wine vouchers.
Are you aware of the business benefits of reducing the carbon intensity of your company?
Yes – fully aware
Yes – Partially, but need more information
No – no idea what the business benefits could be
Has government successfully demonstrated the benefits to business of going green?
Yes – There is more than enough information out there.
Yes – But we’ve had to find additional information elsewhere.
No – The government talks a good case but has provided little in the way of direction
No – There is no direct help from government on what steps we should take.
Should there be an accounting standard for carbon disclosure?
Yes – Yes, it should be mandatory
Yes - Yes, but it should be a voluntary measure
No – Accounting standards are not the means by which business will change their attitudes
Do you believe there are reputational risks in environmentally irresponsible supply chain practices?
Yes – It’s clear how that could harm a business
Yes – But the risks are only at the extreme, they won’t affect everyone
No – The risks only affect the very largest companies with reputations to protect
No – Don’t believe anyone pays attention to such issues in business
Should it be mandatory for businesses to report on their environmental performance in the Business Review?
No- Business reviews, mandatory or not, are unlikely to improve the environmental performance of business in any case
No – Business can be trusted to make its own judgement and already understands the importance of the environment
Yes – Businesses won't do it unless they are forced