top stories

Share

Sustainability reporting is emerging as mainstream as organisations realise they must address their social and environmental responsibilities, says the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The comment comes ahead of ACCA's annual Sustainability Reporting Awards and Conference on Tuesday 20 May 2008 at The Westin, Sydney which has received a 39% increase in reporting entrants compared to last year. The awards recognise organisational excellence in environmental, social and sustainability financial reporting. Companies are judged based on transparency in their reporting and how well they communicate their corporate performance.

"With the environment one of the hottest issues at the moment, many organisations are jumping on the bandwagon to claim 'green' and 'carbon neutral' tags," says Richard Francis head of Australia and New Zealand ACCA.

"Sustainability reporting is not just about the environment; it is about risk management and an ethical investment in your work practices. Transparent business reporting offers organisations long-term benefits as well as making it easier to be answerable on all levels not just financial results to shareholders," says Francis.

Speaking at the awards, Dr Tim Flannery, says "As we become increasingly aware of the impact business has on the environment, we need to move towards environmental regulation and sustainable practices. Sustainability reporting ensures organisations are being held accountable for their actions and practicing what they preach."

The ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards and Conference, sponsored by KPMG, will be held on Tuesday 20 May 2008 at The Westin, 1 Martin Place, Sydney

Media interviews are available with:

• Richard Francis, ACCA head of Australia and New Zealand
• Rob Hogarth, partner, KPMG
• Margaret Smylie, partner, KPMG
• Dr Ian Woods, head of SRI research AMP Capital
• Dr Tim Flannery, 2007 Australian of the Year
• Dr Turlough Guerin, Centre of Expertise in Health, Safety and Environment, Telstra
• Francis Grey, research manager SAM
• Tony Coleman, chief risk officer, IAG

To arrange a briefing in the lead-up to the event or to RSVP please contact: Amanda Long/Frances Dwyer, IMPACT Communications, 02 9519 5411 or 0410 647 596

According to the 2008 KPMG & Group of 100 (G100) Sustainability Reporting: A Guide, only 35% of Australia 's top 100 conduct sustainability reporting compared to 76% of the top 100 in the UK.

Despite falling short of reporting rates in other western economies, the ACCA says the number of Australian organisations reporting on their 'triple bottom line' is increasing. The upcoming annual Sustainability Reporting Awards recorded a 39% increase in entrants from last year.

The Awards are judged by a panel which includes Professor Carol Adams from La Trobe University, Prof Craig Deegan from RMIT, Dr Ian Woods from AMP Capital, Chris Shultz from Allens Arthur Robinson and Simon O'Connor from the Australian Conservation Foundation.

Award winners will be announced at 12.30pm on Tuesday 20 May 2008

For further information, to arrange a briefing with Richard Francis or to RSVP please contact:

• Frances Dwyer
  IMPACT Communications
  02 9519 5411/0402 382 447
• Amanda Long
  IMPACT Communications
  02 9519 5411/0410 647 596
• Natalie Causley
  KPMG
  02 9295 3851/0410 838 914

Note to journalists:

ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. We aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

We support our 122,000 members and 325,000 students throughout their careers, providing services through a network of 80 offices and centres. Our global infrastructure means that exams and support are delivered - and reputation and influence developed - at a local level, directly benefiting stakeholders wherever they are based, or plan to move to, in pursuit of new career opportunities. Our focus is on professional values, ethics, and governance, and we deliver value-added services through 50 global accountancy partnerships, working closely with multinational and small entities to promote global standards and support.

We use our expertise and experience to work with governments, donor agencies and professional bodies to develop the global accountancy profession and to advance the public interest. Our reputation is grounded in over 100 years of providing world-class accounting and finance qualifications. We champion opportunity, diversity and integrity, and our long traditions are complemented by modern thinking, backed by a diverse, global membership. By promoting our global standards, and supporting our members wherever they work, we aim to meet the current and future needs of international business.

---

For further information please contact: