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Evaluation of Sustainable Accounting Practices in THE Italian Bioenergy Sector

Author

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  • Vallesi, Martina
  • D’Andrea, Alessia
  • Eswarlal, Vimal Kumar

Abstract

Bioenergy is a vital component of the energy sector in Italy, contributing to the country’s commitment for reduction in green house gas emission and enhancing its self reliance on energy production. At the same time, however, there are risks that the bioenergy sector may generate negative impacts on the environment and society, if it is not properly managed. Sustainable accounting is one of the important instruments by which, through stakeholder pressure, responsible actions by organizations can be enforced. For this reason it is necessary to develop better sustainable accounting practices, to report and to address the concerns over the sustainability of the bioenergy sector in order to avoid detrimental results masked as renewable energy. In addressing the above needs, the aim of this research is to evalu- ate current sustainable accounting practices in the Italian Bioenergy sector and to construct a conceptual framework for enhanced sustainable accounting practices. This research begins with an analysis of a few small and medium Italian bioenergy enter- prises as regards their current accounting practices for sustainability using the content analysis method to identify the gaps in reporting. In this step, a considerable lack of reporting about the environmental and social impacts has been identified in a sample of small-and-medium-sized firms in the wood biomass sector. Based on the above findings, the study then develops a conceptual framework to fill the gap iden- tified, with due consideration of the practical limitations for the companies to adopt it. The basis of this framework is the regulatory framework of the European Union and sector-specific selective indicators have been proposed for use. This set of indicators, providing information on bioenergy’s sustainability impacts, will render a better picture of the company’s action for the stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Vallesi, Martina & D’Andrea, Alessia & Eswarlal, Vimal Kumar, . "Evaluation of Sustainable Accounting Practices in THE Italian Bioenergy Sector," Politica Agricola Internazionale - International Agricultural Policy, Edizioni L'Informatore Agrario, vol. 2012(3), pages 1-18.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:eiapai:144402
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.144402
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    1. World Commission on Environment and Development,, 1987. "Our Common Future," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780192820808.
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    1. Alberto Manelli & Oscar Domenichelli & Martina Vallesi, 2014. "Learning from the financial crisis to achieve a sustainable agricultural system," RIVISTA DI STUDI SULLA SOSTENIBILITA', FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2014(1), pages 45-77.

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