Environmental Cost Accounting: Integrating Sustainable Practices into the Business Decision-Making Process

Abstract

Environmental cost accounting contributes to business decision making by providing information on the costs associated with operations that impact the environment. In this sense, the objective of this research is to develop an accounting framework that integrates environmental costs into the business decision-making process, identifying economic and environmental benefits. For this purpose, a qualitative-quantitative approach was used based on surveys of public accountants of Internet service providers. It was identified that most companies do not include environmental costs in their financial reports, although they recognize their importance. Tax incentives and consumer demands were highlighted as key drivers for this integration. Companies face challenges, such as lack of knowledge and cultural resistance. The need to close the gap between perception and accounting practice is concluded, thus promoting more sustainable and responsible business management.