2. Practical Aspects of Environmental Strategy

The implementation of an environmental management system (EMS) is part of a proactive environmental strategy whose goal is to create organisational capabilities leading to differentiation, better reputation, customer loyalty, and innovation. An EMS is a systematic process adopted by the organisation to apply its environmental policies, objectives and goals, as well as to provide a verification path for external auditors. It includes detailed documentation for a series of activities, responsibilities, procedures, processes, and internal resources. There are several reasons for the adoption of an EMS: the reduction of environmental impacts, better process efficiency, the boosting of employees’ motivation, and improved legal compliance. The assimilation of an EMS is a process of organisational change, and each firm may choose its specific goals in response to a wide range of internal and external factors. Environmental management systems create capabilities that strengthen the green orientation of the firm. For this purpose, environmental training is a critical tool that allows employees to adopt new perspectives, skills, and attitudes. Thereby, the implementation of an EMS demands the set-up of a management accounting system to be used by decision-makers in their assessment of corporate environmental performance. Management accounting data and procedures are relevant for multiple goals and processes such as the assessment of environmental costs or expenditure, full-cost accounting, fair product pricing, compliance with regulatory demands, and budgeting for liabilities and risks. Environmental innovation is the reformulation and improvement of products, services, production processes, and business methods. Innovative solutions are the crucial factor for achieving material and energy savings, pollution control and prevention, waste management, recycling, eco-design, and lower environmental risk. The overarching objective is to gain and preserve corporate legitimacy. Companies have a legal right to function, but they must earn their moral right to be part of society. Positive effects can extend to gaining competitive advantage, addressing supply chain concerns, improving corporate image, promoting better customer relations, addressing stakeholder pressures, and receiving subsidies or tax benefits from regulatory agencies. The major players in environmentally sensitive industries seek to strengthen their legitimacy by adopting innovative solutions to complex problems. Corporate disclosures about the company’s outputs, methods, and environmental policies are the primary device to maintain company legitimacy.