Environmental Management Accounting: Current Practice and Future Trends in Argentina

Abstract

This paper considers environmental management accounting (EMA) techniques in projects carried out in Argentina, South America, in which the focus is on reflecting environmental factors in order to make a substantial contribution to both business success and sustainable development. The adoption of a Cleaner Production strategy in combination with EMA adds value for assessing environmental impacts which become a significant cost issue for business. It is considered that although environmental issues are a considerable challenge to business performance, they also offer a significant opportunity for the region. In the developing World, the introduction of cleaner technology will drive for new product concepts, new production processes and logistic solutions. The interim results of the projects on Cleaner Production, cleaner technology substitution assessments and EMAi carried out with the support of the government are also discussed. This study describes and analyses the efforts of the Cleaner Production and the EMA group to integrate economic, social and environmental issues with business strategy and operations; outlines the main characteristics of the projects; and evaluates the preliminary conclusions. Key consideration is given to the benefits and barriers of co-operation between local government and the private sector. As final reflections, it recommends focusing efforts on integration where value is created in the organisation