Part I: Overview

1. Bridging the Gap between Ecology, Society and Economy

Authors (AM): Dr. Amelie Michalke, Prof. Dr. Jennifer Kunz, Prof. Dr. Tobias Gaugler

Key Takeaways

1.1 Sustainability in the Anthropocene

1.2 An approach to bridge the gap: True Cost Accounting

Review questions

References

Part II: Theoretical background and development

2. Development of True Cost Accounting

Authors (TG): Dr. Amelie Michalke, Prof. Dr. Jennifer Kunz, Prof. Dr. Tobias Gaugler

Key Takeaways

2.1 Theory-based classification and economic foundations

2.2 External effects and their implications at company level

2.3 Scientific background of True Cost Accounting

2.3.1 The Impact-Weighted Accounts Framework

2.3.2 Economics of Ecosystems & Biodiversity (TEEB) and the Capitals Coalition

2.3.3 Sustainable Performance Accounting

2.3.4 Auditing and Accounting firms view on True Cost Accounting

References

3. Status Quo of True Cost Accounting

Authors (AM): Dr. Amelie Michalke, Prof. Dr. Jennifer Kunz, Prof. Dr. Tobias Gaugler

Key Takeaways

3.1 Accounting true costs: a method to monetize environmental and social impact

3.2 Qualification of relevant indicators

3.3 Quantification of environmental and social impact

3.4 Monetization and Internalization

3.5 Communication

References

Part III: True Cost Accounting in Business Practice

4. True Cost Accounting as Part of Accounting

Authors (JK): Dr. Amelie Michalke, Prof. Dr. Jennifer Kunz, Prof. Dr. Tobias Gaugler

Key Takeaways

4.1 TCA as enrichment of “classical” accounting

4.2 Current trends in accounting

4.3 TCA as part of a sustainable management and early detection system

4.4 Practical ways to stepwise implement TCA

Review questions

References

5. True Cost Accounting in Practice: Case Studies

Authors (TG): Dr. Amelie Michalke, Prof. Dr. Jennifer Kunz, Prof. Dr. Tobias Gaugler

Key Takeaways

5.1 Atmosfair: Fostering Climate-Conscious Travel through TCA

5.2 ClimatePartner: Enabling Corporate Climate Neutrality through TCA

5.3 EU Organic Label

5.4 Bioland

5.5 We Care ? The Seal for Sustainable Corporate and Supply Chain Management

5.6 Du bist hier der Chef: Empowering Consumers through True Cost Accounting

5.7 Eosta: Transparency for fruits and vegetables

5.8 PENNY: True costs in German food retailers

References

Part IV: Conclusion

6. Implications of TCA for Different Stakeholders

Authors (JK): Dr. Amelie Michalke, Prof. Dr. Jennifer Kunz, Prof. Dr. Tobias Gaugler

Key Takeaways

6.1 Role of key stakeholders

6.2 Key aspects related to TCA

Review questions

References