In this episode, we sit down with Jan Bebbington, Professor of Sustainability in Business, to discuss the evolving landscape of social and environmental accounting. We explore sustainability accounting in helping organisations contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She emphasises the need for organisations to navigate the complexities of achieving multiple SDGs simultaneously and the importance of collaboration and partnership. Bebbington acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to a sustainable economy and the need for innovative solutions and collective action. The conversation explores the challenges of integrating sustainability into financial and operational practices. It discusses the misconception that organisations need to maximise profits and highlights the importance of nuanced business purposes. The conversation also delves into the complexities of decision-making in a non-linear ecological context and the need for traceability in supply chains. It explores the emergence of import bans on materials associated with deforestation and the implications for businesses. The future of sustainability accounting is discussed, including the mainstreaming of environmental and social reporting and the challenges of audit and assurance. The conversation concludes with a focus on the changing domains of responsibility and the need for businesses to align with the spirit of sustainability regulations.
Takeaways
- Sustainability accounting involves using accounting technologies to create organisational control and accountability for sustainable development.
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for organisations to contribute to sustainable development.
- Achieving the SDGs requires navigating the complexities of multiple goals and collaborating with various stakeholders.
- Transitioning to a sustainable economy is a complex task that requires innovation, experimentation, and collective action.
- Organisations do not need to maximise profits; their purposes are often more nuanced and focused on returns that support the well-being of stakeholders.
- Decision-making in a non-linear ecological context is complex and requires accounting for impacts and dependencies.
- Traceability in supply chains is crucial as organisations are increasingly held responsible for the actions of their suppliers.
- Import bans on materials associated with deforestation are emerging as a form of governance, creating challenges for businesses in terms of traceability and market access.
- The future of sustainability accounting involves mainstreaming environmental and social reporting, as well as addressing the complexities of audit and assurance.
- Businesses need to align with the spirit of sustainability regulations and focus on the purpose and impact of their operations.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
