Environmental and financial reporting

Traditional financial reporting has over the past decades been supplemented by environmental reporting, and, subsequently, comprehensive sustainability reporting. In 2011, this was taken a step further by the global initiative for integrated reporting. Financial and environmental reporting often do not yet seem to sufficiently recognise the business implications of environmental information or issues. This hampers integrated reporting as well as integration of environmental issues in core business. In order to contribute to the development of guidance for a more integrated way of reporting, this study examined the current practice of relating environmental reporting to financial reporting in selected South African mining companies. The study found that cross-referencing between environmental reporting and financial reporting is very limited, consistency in where and how to disclose information often lacking, and alignment of information in the two reports often inadequate. Apart from some topical issues, little was disclosed on the business implications of environmental information. Recommendations are suggested on how integrated reporting on environmental issues may be enhanced.

Autorentext

Seakle Godschalk is an environmental scientist cum accountant, and specialises in all aspects of sustainability accounting, including training and consulting on sustainability and integrated reporting. His special interest is integration of sustainability reporting and financial reporting, as well as environmental cost modeling.