Integrating ESG and Sustainability with Ethics into the Accounting Curriculum-Integrating ESG & Sustainability with Ethics into the Accounting Curriculum

Integrating ESG & Sustainability with Ethics into the Accounting Curriculum

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The document authored by Dr. Lucy U. Diala discusses integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and sustainability issues with ethics into the accounting curriculum. As highlighted by the Ernst and Young Professional of the Future survey, Gen Z places significant importance on ESG issues, making them a key factor for attracting young professionals to accounting careers. This is important as fewer students are graduating with accounting degrees, prompting the AICPA to seek innovative methods to enhance student interest in the field.<br /><br />Incorporating sustainability and ethics into accounting education, particularly in cost or managerial accounting, can be achieved through various methods. Classroom cases can help students understand the cost/benefit analysis in an ethical context and redefine managerial decisions to favor sustainable practices. This educational approach emphasizes waste reduction, responsible resource management, and data analysis, encouraging students to understand the linkage between decision-making and ESG issues.<br /><br />Sample practices illustrated include analyzing the relationship between product manufacturing decisions and ethical considerations concerning ESG factors. Students are also encouraged to use data analysis and visualization tools to explore different scenarios, supporting decision-making in sustainability and ethics.<br /><br />Case studies show how integrating ESG strategies can lead to reduced energy wastage and carbon emissions, providing tangible evidence of the benefits of sustainable practices. For example, integrating ESG principles resulted in decreased energy use and lower carbon emissions from spoiled production units, illustrating the practical impact on operations.<br /><br />Feedback from students participating in these projects was positive. They appreciated the hands-on experience and the insights gained into how managerial decisions impact sustainability. The projects equipped them with interpersonal and soft skills while highlighting the importance of emissions management, thus encouraging a proactive approach to striving for change toward sustainability.

Keywords

ESG integration

sustainability education

accounting curriculum

ethics in accounting

Gen Z professionals

AICPA initiatives

cost/benefit analysis

managerial decisions

carbon emissions

data analysis tools