Environmental Assets and Expenses Accounting as an Indicator of Social Responsibility in Spanish Energy Companies on the IBEX 35

Abstract

Purpose: The aim is to prove that traditional accounting does not have
the ability to report, in a clear and reliable way, through its financial
statements, the environmental activities performed by the companies,
hindering their commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Design / methodology / approach: This is a qualitative and quantitative
study, of a documentary design, of a descriptive type, using the bibliographic
review of primary sources and the financial analysis of the annual
accounts and management reports of energy companies in a period of 10
years.
Findings: Accounting, which gathers the records of economic and social
issues, cannot neglect current environmental problems. Companies
should seek solutions to improve collection and presentation of environmental
information in their financial statements, helping to minimize the
environmental impacts caused by their production systems and become
socially responsible companies. Current accounting systems are not able
to reflect the environmental reality of companies, and therefore cannot be
used for decision–making in the environmental field.
Originality / value: The study shows that the analysed energy companies
do not devote enough effort to the environment or their accounting
systems do not sufficiently inform about taken actions. Nevertheless, 

a positive trend in their investments and expenditures on the environment
manifesting their commitment to social responsibility is observed.
Paper type: Article.