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ACCA publishes agenda for sustainability and corporate social responsibility

06 Aug 2008

In announcing the publication of its Sustainability Agenda for Action, ACCA has declared that the 'business as usual' approach to sustainability is no longer an option for companies globally.

Commenting on the launch of the agenda, entitled Going Concern?, Allen Blewitt, ACCA's chief executive, said: 'Our commitment to the sustainability agenda sets a benchmark to which all professional bodies and associations should aspire. Going Concern? challenges influential stakeholders to acknowledge the growing societal and environmental burdens and make the change.

'In increasingly difficult economic circumstances, sustainability reporting may seem like a luxury to be postponed for better times, but the reality of climate change and the magnitude of the challenges it provides for all of humanity means that we cannot delay. Sustainability reporting need not be excessively costly, but it sends very positive signals to employees, customers and suppliers.'

Going Concern? calls for related regulation to be fair and proportionate, so that all businesses will be able to continue operating in the commercial environment. The report also offers eight key policy areas to be addressed, from corporate governance to audit and assurance. On a more practical level, the report suggests a series of recommendations for business, government and the accountancy profession to consider.

Download a copy of Going Concern?