Introduction

As global sustainability expectations intensify, digital technologies (DTs) are becoming essential tools for efficiently and effectively managing, measuring, and communicating sustainability performance and impact. This book unpacks how emerging and established DTs, from artificial intelligence and blockchain to cloud platforms and the Internet of Things, can transform sustainability reporting and data management, enhance decision making, and improve accountability across value chains.

Insights and Roadmap

Drawing on insights from extensive interviews and cross sectional surveys of sustainability, accounting, auditing, data science and technology professionals, this book delivers a practical and evidence based roadmap of how DTs are being leveraged and could be better leveraged in internal and external sustainability reporting related activities. It explores how DTs can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of collecting, analysing, and assuring sustainability related data, while also supporting scenario planning, target setting, and improving the accessibility and usability of disclosures for stakeholders.

Key Drivers and Challenges

This book further examines the key drivers, opportunities, and challenges shaping the use of DTs in sustainability reporting and offers a valuable reference for practitioners and finance professionals through a concise mapping of relevant digital tools and platforms. It also explores the evolving roles and competencies required of accounting and finance professionals to effectively contribute to sustainability reporting and lead technology enabled sustainability performance.

Who Should Read This

This is a must read for: Sustainability managers and leaders seeking more efficient, credible, and future ready sustainability reporting practices

Policymakers and regulators navigating the digitalisation of corporate transparency and compliance

Technology providers aiming to align product innovation with the fast evolving needs of sustainability reporting

Educators and students in accounting, finance, sustainability, and data science fields preparing for the future of sustainability driven business

Researchers exploring the intersection of digital innovation, regulatory change, and reporting of sustainability risks, performance, and impacts