The development of carbon management as a strategic practice: an Australian study

Abstract

Carbon pricing requires corporations to incorporate carbon-related issues into mainstream practices. Climate change accounting is a tool that corporations can use to achieve this goal. Using of practice theory, this project critically analysed how Australian corporations responded to the carbon tax through changes in their management systems. The impact of the repealing of the carbon tax on the development of the carbon management practice was also examined. In-depth case studies of the carbon management practices of two Australian organisations were undertaken through interviews and document analysis. The findings highlight that having a good prior understanding of carbon management, accompanied by systems and processes, and positive organisational culture and employee attitudes towards climate change, contribute to an effective carbon management practice when rules and regulations on carbon emissions management, reporting and pricing are introduced. These elements enabled the two organisations to take a strategic and long term perspective towards carbon management.