Green Accounting as a Measurement Framework for Circular Economy Transitions: An Integrated Environmental–Economic Accounting Approach for Advancing SDG 12

Unofficial AI-generated summary based on the public title and abstract. Not an official translation.

🔬研究者:Provides a systematic comparison of six accounting systems and a theoretical bridge between institutional theory and ecological modernization.

🏢実務担当者:Offers actionable recommendations for aligning corporate sustainability disclosures with national accounting systems to meet SDG 12 targets.

🏛政策担当者:Highlights the need for integrated measurement infrastructure and suggests how digital MRV can unify fragmented accounting frameworks.

<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Purpose</bold> This paper develops an integrated analytical framework that systematically links green accounting mechanisms, circular economy (CE) measurement indicators, and Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) targets. It addresses the persistent fragmentation across environmental–economic accounting systems operating at national and corporate levels. <bold>Design/methodology/approach:</bold> The study employs a qualitative multi-method research design combining a systematic literature review (112 articles from Q1/Q2 journals, 2000–2025), comparative framework analysis of six major environmental accounting systems (SEEA, GRI, GHG Protocol, TCFD, LCA, MFCA), SDG indicator mapping, and cross-case evaluation of two national cases (European Union, Japan) and two corporate cases (Unilever, Signify/Philips). The methodology draws on institutional theory and ecological modernisation theory as complementary analytical lenses. <bold>Findings:</bold> The analysis reveals significant measurement fragmentation across national and corporate accounting domains. National-level systems (SEEA) provide robust macro-economic environmental data but lack product-level granularity, whilst corporate frameworks (GRI, TCFD) offer detailed organisational disclosures but are poorly integrated with national statistical systems. Circular economy indicators remain technically strong in measuring material flows but economically under-integrated. The proposed framework demonstrates how these complementary systems can be unified through digital measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) technologies to create coherent SDG 12 monitoring infrastructure. <bold>Originality/value:</bold> This study makes a threefold contribution. Theoretically, it bridges institutional theory with ecological modernisation to explain the co-evolution of accounting systems and circular economy governance. Methodologically, it provides the first structured cross-framework mapping of green accounting instruments to SDG 12 sub-targets with accompanying case evidence. Practically, it offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, corporate sustainability officers, standard-setters (GRI, ISSB, EU Taxonomy), and financial institutions seeking to operationalise circularity measurement within existing accounting architectures. <bold>Clinical trial registration</bold> Not applicable. This study is not a clinical trial. <bold>Article classification:</bold> <italic>Research paper</italic> </p>

• Research Square https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9665038/v1first seen 2026-06-15 04:41:10