Module Directory

This module is designed to engage second-year undergraduates to acquire critical knowledge and understanding of the interplay between accounting practice and the notions of corporate social (and environmental) responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. It will introduce students to relevant theories and practical implications of rapid development in sustainability accounting and reporting practices within contemporary corporations.

Over the past decade, it has been a global concern that firms’ prolonged pursuit of profitability and shareholder value maximisation has generated serious social problems (such as labour abuse, perilous working condition, employee mistreatment, human rights violation, and inequality) and environmental deterioration (such as greenhouse and toxic gas emissions, water and soil pollution, and global warming), which threaten long-term development of the economy, society, and the earth. Nowadays, social and environmental sustainability issues have drawn serious attention from governments, policymakers, corporate executives, NGOs, as well as accounting standards setters across the world. In addition, burgeoning social and environmental accounting research has offered numerous empirical evidence regarding the potential and actual roles of sustainability accounting and accountability in enabling businesses to achieve sustainable development.

This module will enhance students’ understanding of accounting and reporting as a socially constructed reality rather than merely technical practices. It will provide students with a framework so that they can place accounting studies into a sustainable development context. Students will be equipped with important knowledge, expertise, and techniques with respect to how the practices of accounting and corporate reporting process can play a significant part in leading contemporary corporations to implement impactful structural changes and renovate their business models to achieve social responsibility and environmental sustainability in the foreseeable future.

This module covers major issues in sustainability accounting and reporting practices, including the development of various sustainability reporting frameworks and standards, as well as the existing practice of accounting for climate change, biodiversity, and human rights. In addition, we also consider the external verification and assurance of sustainability reporting and its important impact on the corporate decision-making process, capital markets, and society at large.

The aims of this module are:

• To introduce students to the historical development of social and environmental accounting (and sustainability reporting) and their implications for achieving sustainable development goals.


• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving area of sustainability accounting standards and reporting frameworks, as well as the developmental direction and potential challenges of sustainability accounting and reporting.


• To enable students to understand various theoretical perspectives that manifest the complexity, diversity, and multifaceted nature of both the internal changes and external effects of different forms of sustainability reporting processes.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the foundations of sustainable development and knowledge of the current development in sustainability accounting and reporting, including key sustainability concepts, the three-dimensional conceptualisation (three pillars) of sustainability accounting and accountability practices, and their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


2. Analyse and discuss theories, processes, and frameworks underpinning sustainability accounting and reporting, including major international standards and regulations.


3. Identify and apply appropriate accounting and reporting approaches to climate change, biodiversity, and human rights, including measurement techniques and disclosure practices aligned with the relevant national, regional and international sustainability-related reporting standards.


4. Critically evaluate the role of governance, accountability, auditing, and assurance in enhancing the credibility and transparency of sustainability reports, and assess the responsibilities of professional accountants in these processes.


5. Critically assess the broader impacts (e.g., risks and opportunities) of sustainability reporting on business strategy, financial performance, stakeholder trust, and progress toward sustainable development, while identifying barriers and challenges to effective corporate sustainability practices and accountability.

Transferable Skills:

• Critically analysing and dealing with challenging issues without complete information, flawlessly executing tasks and delivering results with a high level of accuracy.


• Clearly communicating complex problems, judgments, and potential solutions with greater detail to both specialists and non-specialists.


• Building confidence in working within a group or team, collaborating with professionals from various backgrounds, articulating ideas, and building crucial relationships.


• Cultivating integrity and ethical behaviour in any professional field by being well-versed in ethical standards and regulations.


• Adapting constantly evolving work environment with advancements in new technology and changes in regulations, and transitioning smoothly into various industries by possessing the flexibility to learn and adapt to new environments and technologies.

1. Introduction to Sustainable Development


2. Sustainability Accounting and Accountability


3. The Process and Theories of Sustainability Reporting


4. Sustainability Reporting Frameworks, Standards, and Regulation


5. Sustainability Disclosure Requirements


6. Accounting for Climate Change


7. Accounting for Biodiversity


8. Accounting for Human Rights


9. Sustainability Auditing and Assurance


10. The Impact of Sustainability Reporting

This module will be delivered via a weekly 2-hour session, consisting of a 1-hour lecture followed by a 1-hour workshop.

• Lecture: Introduces and outlines the key issues related to each week's topic. It is designed to explain and illustrate core concepts and skills, providing a foundation and structure for your independent learning.
• Workshop: Offers an opportunity to review and discuss the lecture content. Activities will include discussion questions and mini case studies, with feedback to support your understanding and engagement.
• Student Preparation: Students are expected and strongly encouraged to complete the required readings and other learning materials and activities indicated or uploaded to this module’s Moodle web-page before each weekly class session and actively participate in discussions.