The Prince’s accounting for sustainability project

CIMA is a member of the Accounting Bodies Network, established by the Prince’s accounting for sustainability project (A4S) to bring together the largest accounting bodies from across the globe. The purpose of the network is to help minimise the duplication of initiatives undertaken in isolation and achieve a common approach to accounting for sustainability.  

Established by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in 2004, the project develops practical guidance and tools to enable environmental and social performance to be better connected with strategy and financial performance, and thereby embedded into day to day operations and decision making. As HRH said at its launch, the aim is to ‘ensure that we are not battling to meet 21st century challenges with, at best, 20th century decision making and reporting systems.’

Sustainability guidance

A4S has released the connected reporting ‘how to’ guide, which incorporates three industry examples and includes an online interactive version containing examples of real life reporting.

It has also launched a book of case studies, Accounting for sustainability: practical insights, which presents examples of how several leading public and private sector organisations have used accounting for sustainability tools and principles to embed sustainability into their mainstream decision making and reporting.

A4S has collaborated with the global reporting initiative (GRI), International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and other global organisations to establish an International Integrated Reporting Committee (IIRC).

Looking ahead

In 2011 A4S will launch a community website in collaboration with the International Federation of Accountants. This will be a vibrant community for anyone with an interest in accounting for sustainability to discuss and share ideas.

Find out more

Please see more information on how to get involved with the Prince’s accounting for sustainability project (A4S), or visit A4S’ LinkedIn page.