Sustainability reporting is an important element of corporate disclosure, with an increasingly diverse range of stakeholders demanding information on the broader social and environmental aspects of organisational performance. Accounting plays a critical role, since information on a company’s sustainability activities requires accurate metrics and disclosures. As accounting for sustainability becomes increasingly central to corporate reporting, the accounting profession has begun to offer services similar to traditional financial accounting by producing verifiable sustainability information.

This course will explore issues associated with the development of sustainability accounting and the disclosure of sustainability-related activities. It will consider accounting metrics on a range of sustainability issues for internal and external reporting purposes. The implications of the need for accurate reliable information on audit assurance will also be examined. Students will also be introduced to the major difficulties and criticisms of accounting for sustainability and will gain awareness of current research into the value of disclosures to stakeholders. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of voluntary and mandatory sustainability reporting frameworks and how these initiatives aim to address climate change and sustainable development.
2. Evaluate and apply approaches to integrate sustainability metrics and processes within firms’ extant management accounting systems.
3. Apply metrics for disclosing accounting information to external stakeholders in relation to key sustainability issues.
4. Research and investigate the capital market impacts of sustainability accounting.
5. Critically evaluate sustainability accounting issues related to stakeholder versus stockholder focus.
6. Explain the trends in the assurance of sustainability.

Research-Led Teaching

This course will explore issues associated with the development of sustainability accounting and the disclosure of sustainability-related activities. Students will be introduced to the major debates surrounding - and criticisms of - accounting for sustainability. Students will be exposed to research investigating the impact and effectiveness of various forms of sustainability disclosure and their role in the socially-responsible allocation of capital. 

Required Resources

Required readings for the course are available online through the ANU library. Links to relevant articles will be provided each week on Wattle.

Recommended Resources

Adams, C.A., (ed) Handbook of Accounting and Sustainability, Elgar, 2022. (Adams)

Laine, M., Tregidga, H., and Unerman, J., (eds) Sustainability Accounting and Accountability, 3rd edition, Routledge, 2022. (Laine)

Rimmel, G., (ed) Accounting for sustainability, Routledge, 2021. (Rimmel)

Links to additional recommended resources will be provided each week on Wattle.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

·        Written comments on assessments.

·        Verbal comments during tutorials and consultation.

·        Feedback to the whole class via Wattle email.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

COMMUNICATION

Email and the Wattle Course Website

Email and the Wattle course website are the preferred ways of communication. If necessary, the lecturer and tutors for this course will contact students on their official ANU student email address. Students should use this email address when contacting staff as spam filters used by ANU may not allow other email addresses to be received.

Announcements

Students are expected to check the Wattle site for announcements about this course, e.g. changes to timetables or notifications of cancellations.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Introduction to sustainability accounting: topic overview and historical background.
2	Introduction to sustainability accounting: introduction to key theoretical foundations.
3	Sustainability accounting frameworks: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI); Integrated Reporting <IR>.
4	GRI In-depth: Presentation Week	In-class research presentations A (10%)
5	External sustainability frameworks: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards (Part I).
6	External sustainability frameworks: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards (Part II), Australian adoption of ISSB standards
7	Accounting for Climate and the Taskforce for Climate-Related Disclosures (TCFD)
8	Accounting for Biodiversity and the Taskforce for Nature-Related Disclosures (TNFD)
9	Accounting for Water	Research Assignment (25%) due
10	Science-Based Targets
11	Sustainability Reporting In-Depth: Presentation Week	In-class research presentations B (15%)
12	Sustainability audit and assurance.

Tutorial Registration

Workshops will be held weekly on campus (starting from Week 1). Workshop times will be made available via MyTimetable. Two weeks before the commencement of semester, please check the MyTimetable website for details of workshop availability and release.

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to smallteaching activities/tutorials so they can better plan their time.  Find out more on the https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/timetabling.

Please see Wattle for tutors’ information.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
In-class Research Presentation A (10%)	10 %	10/03/2025	28/03/2025	1,2,3
In-class Research Presentation B (15%)	15 %	12/05/2025	23/05/2025	2,3,4,5
Research Assignment (25%)	25 %	28/04/2025	12/05/2025	1,3,4,5
Workshop Participation (5%)	5 %	17/02/2025	23/05/2025	1,2,3,4,5,6
Final examination (45%)	45 %	29/05/2025	26/06/2025	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Course delivery: pre-recorded lecture (recording on Echo360) and weekly on-campus workshop.

Attendance at all classes, while not compulsory, is expected in line with “Code of Practice for Teaching and Learning”, clause 2 paragraph (b).

Examination(s)

Information regarding permitted examination materials for the course will be available on the examination timetable website when the examination timetable is released: https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/

Assessment Task 1

In-class Research Presentation A (10%)

Students will individually deliver a short (2 minute) presentation during the Week 4 workshops. This presentation will summarise their independent research into a specific Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Topic Standard, and how this is reported on by corporations. Students will be allocated their topic in the Week 1 Workshop. Presentations will be in-person during the scheduled workshop. Presentations will be marked on both the content/findings as well as the communication skills of the presenter. Presentations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy)”. Further details will be provided in Week 1.

The due date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date. This assessment task will be completed in the Week 4 workshops. Feedback will be provided through Wattle.

Assessment Task 2

In-class Research Presentation B (15%)

Students will individually deliver a short (2.5 minute) presentation during the Week 11 workshops. This presentation will summarise their independent research on a specific topic. Presentations will be in-person during the scheduled workshop, topics for this presentation will be discussed in the Week 6 workshop. Presentations will be marked on both the content/findings as well as the communication skills of the presenter. Students will be expected to have read and used the feedback from In-class Research Presentation A in preparing for this presentation. Presentations will be video recorded, which will enable later validation and verification of assessment if required (in accordance with point 7 in the ANU Student Assessment (Coursework) policy)”. Further details will be provided in Week 6.

As the specific date of the assessment will vary depending on which workshop the student is enrolled in, the date listed above is the first possible date of the presentations in Week 11. Feedback will be provided through Wattle.

Assessment Task 3

Research Assignment (25%)

This assignment provides students with an opportunity to explore topics related to sustainability issues in the context of a practical case or debate in the academic literature and/or accounting profession. The preparation of the assignment will require extensive reading. It is expected to be broadly researched, clearly written, well-reasoned and argued, and that it will draw upon a considerable range of source material. The word limit is 2,000 words. Material beyond this word limit will not be marked. Diagrams, illustrations, end of report references, etc. do not count towards this limit. Requests for extension must be made through the Extensions and ECA submission portal on ISIS.

Task details of the assignment will be provided by the end of Week 4.

This assessment is due 3pm, Monday 28th April (Week 9). This assignment will be submitted on Wattle via Turnitin. Feedback will be provided on Turnitin.

Assessment Task 4

Workshop Participation (5%)

In workshops, tutors will evaluate students' demonstration of the learning outcomes, as described in the class summary. The marking for participation is:

• 1 mark for demonstration of complete understanding of learning outcomes 1-6;
• 0.5 marks for demonstration of partial attainment; and
• 0 marks for demonstration of no attainment.

Consequently, students are strongly encouraged to come to workshops prepared, having reviewed the lecture, completed the readings and attempted the class questions. The overall tutorial achievement mark, which makes up 5% of the overall course grade, will be the arithmetic average of the 8 highest marks obtained in the 10 workshops (excluding the two presentation weeks).

The due date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date. This assessment task is assessed weekly. Marks will be progressively released on Wattle after each week of workshops.

Assessment Task 5

Final examination (45%)

The final assessment task will be a two hour on-campus invigilated exam. Students will be allowed to bring one page, double-sided, of notes into the exam. The scope of the final examination will cover the whole semester's content. The best way to prepare for the exam is to keep up with each week's readings and participate in class discussion. The exam will take the form of a series of short answer, and essay-style questions.

Centrally administered examinations through Examinations, Graduations & Prizes will be timetabled prior to the examination period. The due date listed in the assessment summary is the earliest possible date. Please check ANU Timetabling for further information. Information regarding exam script viewing will be provided in due course.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Feedback on assignments will be provided via the Turnitin system and the Wattle grade system.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students