Book Review

Environmental and Material Flow Cost Accounting

Abstract

This article reviews Environmental and Material Flow Cost Accounting: Principles and Procedures by Christine Jasch (2009), a comprehensive guide on implementing Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) and Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) in organizations. The book builds upon international developments led by IFAC, UNDSD/UNDESA, ISO, and UNIDO, offering an integrated framework that combines physical material flow data with monetary environmental cost information. Jasch explains how EMA and MFCA support cleaner production, improve resource efficiency, and enhance the accuracy of environmental reporting, including greenhouse gas verification. The review highlights the book’s structured approach—from defining environmental costs and constructing mass balances to linking physical and financial data, analyzing environmental equipment, and implementing pilot projects. Case studies, particularly a detailed brewery example, demonstrate practical applications and global relevance, especially for manufacturing firms in developing countries. Overall, the book is positioned as a valuable reference for practitioners and organizations seeking to strengthen environmental performance and sustainability reporting through systematic cost accounting methods