Chapter 1 – Accounting for sustainability – historical development of the field

This chapter provides an overview of accounting for sustainability. Accounting for sustainability reporting has been recognized as an important part of companies’ information provision and the financial market has also begun to change its approach and attitude towards accounting for sustainability. The chapter begins with globalization and economic developments that led to pressure from stakeholders on companies to report on social responsibility and sustainable development. Furthermore, the origins of accounting for sustainability can be traced back to the 1930s and developed continuously until it has become widely recognized business practice among the companies. Accounting for sustainability consists basically of three pillars. It is explained how Human Resource Accounting, Social Accounting and Environmental Accounting were initially developed separately from each other and are now important integrated parts in sustainability reporting. Furthermore, the UN 2030 Agenda describes 17 Sustainable Development Goals that have been enthusiastically received by many actors, including the accounting profession. Finally, criticism and challenges are discussed with accounting for sustainability.