Online articles

The Library provides access to leading business, finance and management journals. These journals are available to logged-in ICAEW members, ACA students and other entitled users subject to suppliers' terms of use. 

Useful links

ICAEW

Finance for the Future Awards
Awards founded by ICAEW and HRH The Prince of Wales' Accounting for Sustainability Project (A4S), to recognise financial leadership in developing successful business models that both produce financial returns and deliver environmental and social benefits. Inspirational case studies from previous winners are available. 

Sustainability
Overviews and resources on measuring, reporting and assuring sustainability, sustainable business and climate change.

Government

Plastic packaging tax
A collection of guidance on Plastic Packaging Tax which came into force on 1 April 2022. The tax covers plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled plastic that is manufactured or imported.

UK Business Climate Hub
Initiative from the UK Government to help small businesses halve greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and reach net-zero emissions before 2050. The hub provides tools and resources to support businesses and specific guidance for sectors including manufacturing, retail, tech and agriculture.

Green claims code: making environmental claims
Guidance from the Competition and Markets Authority to help businesses understand and comply with their existing obligations under consumer protection law when making environmental claims in the UK. Published on 20 September 2021.

Green Jobs Taskforce report
Report from the Green Jobs Taskforce published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy in July 2021. Provides recommendations on how the UK government, industry and skills sector can best deliver a green industrial revolution and the jobs and skills of the future.

SME guide to energy efficiency
Advice from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) to help businesses become more energy efficient, with ideas and tips to start reducing bills today. Topics covered include heating, lighting, office equipment and production equipment, with case studies from businesses which saved money by installing energy saving devices or raising staff awareness. Published in 2015.

Waste and environmental impact
Guidance from GOV.UK for businesses, covering environmental compliance, improving environmental performance and regulations for specific industry sectors.

Policy areas: Environment
Overview of EU environmental standards and links to EU legislation, organisations, statistics and publications.

Organisations

Business in the Community
UK organisation working to develop frameworks for responsible business. The website offers case studies, publications and research studies.

BSR
Membership organisation for companies 'who have an interest and commitment to improving their overall performance in key CSR areas'. Resources include research reports and case studies.

Carbon Trust
Organisation supporting businesses and the public sector to cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. The website gives information on climate change legislation, emerging technologies and guides.

Natural Capital Coalition
Coalition made up of over 200 organisations who are working to create a world where business conserves and enhances natural capital. Site includes the Natural Capital Protocol which offers business managers a standardised framework to identify, measure, and value impacts and dependencies on natural capital.

Net Zero Now - Accountants
Subscription based platform developed by Net Zero Now in collaboration with ICAEW, Sage (UK) Ltd, ACCA, AAT and the Good Business Charter. Provides a suite of tools to help accountancy practices go Net Zero including a carbon footprint calculator, analysis and reporting tools, benchmarking information, an emissions reduction plan and access to accredited offsets.

Reports and guides

Good practice checklist for small business 
An International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) checklist, updated in 2013 to contain a new standalone section on environmental management.

IFAC Sustainability Framework 2.0 
Revised framework guidance from the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) discussing the integration of sustainability factors from three perspectives: business strategy, operational and reporting. Published in 2011.

Insights From Successful Supply Chain Sustainability Practices
National Association for Environmental, Health, Safety and Sustainability Management (NAEM) 2019 report offering a benchmark of best supply chain sustainability practices, as well as a guide to those who are building the foundations of a successful program.

Manufacturing: Stepping up to the sustainability challenge
Report published by Make UK in June 2019 reviewing the manufacturing sector’s approach to sustainability. Covers what the sector is doing already doing to manage sustainability, what is driving change and next steps for companies. 

SDG business hub
In September 2015 world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and committed to 17 goals to eradicate poverty, promote peace and equality, fuel inclusive growth and protect the environment. This one-stop-shop from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) consolidates and provides easy access to information for businesses on the SDGs.

Ten key elements to sustainable business practices in SMEs
Tool produced in 2013 by the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) which brings together case studies and key lessons from small businesses across the UK, US and Canada on sustainability. Based on a report from AICPA, CIMA and CPA Canada.

3-step sustainability assessment for SMES
Checklist from Accountancy Europe to help SME accountants and advisors support clients in building their sustainability profile. Published in May 2021.

Atom Content Marketing guides

• Apply for environmental grants
  If you are considering making your business more environmentally responsible, a variety of grants, loans and government-sponsored initiatives can help you. The support on offer can range from funding towards new energy-efficient equipment to free consultations providing practical business advice and awards that you can use to boost your marketing efforts
• Conduct an environmental review
  Reducing the environmental impact of your business isn’t just the right thing to do or a question of meeting your legal obligations. It also offers substantial and immediate business benefits, including reducing your costs and improving your reputation.
• Environmental business travel
  Reducing your carbon footprint is a growing priority for consumers and businesses alike, and a green transport strategy is an essential part of any business’ green credentials.
• Ethical finance for your business
  Ethical finance allows you, your staff and shareholders to make informed choices about the financial institutions your business deals with. You can use ethical finance for most business dealings, including bank accounts, insurance, commercial mortgages, investments and savings.
• Fulfil your business' environmental obligations
  Every business has an impact on the environment - and legal obligations that it must fulfil. The requirements are relatively simple for businesses such as offices and shops. Businesses in sectors such as chemicals and agriculture need to do more to help control the potential environmental risks.
• Go green and benefit your business
  Every business can benefit from minimising its environmental impact. Complying with environmental laws and doing your bit to help the planet also delivers direct business benefits.
• Introduce an environmental management system
  An environmental management system (EMS) allows you to monitor and control the effect your business has on the environment. It demonstrates your commitment to customers, provides reassurance that you are complying with environmental regulations and can help you find more efficient ways to operate.
• Produce sustainable products and services
  Consumers and other businesses are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on environmental and sustainability concerns. Making your products and services more sustainable can protect your livelihood as well as the planet.
• Reduce pollution and waste
  For many businesses, pollution and waste are among the most important environmental impacts - and ones that can be relatively easy to control. Reducing pollution and waste helps you cut costs and improve your reputation, leading to significant increases in profitability.
• Running a community organisation
  Successful community organisations across the country deliver important services to their communities year-round. And being involved in contributing to your community can be a very rewarding experience.
• Source green suppliers and equipment
  Opportunities to source your business supplies, raw materials or finished goods from environmentally-friendly suppliers are increasing. Benefits can include getting the edge on the competition, cost savings and tax breaks, better prospects with lenders and investors, and a boost to your firm’s marketing.

Articles and books in the Library collection

• View a list of recent articles and books in our collection on business sustainability

To find out how you can borrow books from the Library please see our guide to book loans.

You can obtain copies of articles or extracts of books and reports through our document supply service.