Type of the article: Research Article
Abstract
This study aims to examine the impact of blue accounting disclosures on the corporate environmental performance of 14 marine-sensitive companies operating in shipping, logistics, fishing, oil, and gas listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The study covered five years from 2019 to 2023. Data on environmental performance were collected and measured using Bloomberg environmental scores. Blue accounting disclosures were scored using a 5-point Likert scale. Various statistical and econometric techniques were employed, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, panel data analysis, and pooled ordinary least squares regression analysis. The findings show a significant positive correlation between environmental performance and firm size (coefficient: 16.07; p-value: 0.00), adherence to environmental guidelines (coefficient: 7.48; p-value: 0.02), and reporting costs (coefficient: 6.35; p-value: 0.01). Conversely, environmental obligations (coefficient: –3.92; p-value: 0.02) and firm age (coefficient: –0.18; p-value: 0.00) negatively correlated with environmental performance. The study recommends that marine-sensitive companies adopt blue accounting sustainability guidelines, like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and that policymakers develop and enforce a blue accounting framework to promote sustainable marine practices. This study presents a novel model that integrates blue accounting disclosures. Through empirical and theoretical contributions, this study provided managerial, practical, policy, and implications for the quality of blue accounting disclosures, interventions, and policies to strengthen national and global sustainability goals. It added voice to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 6 and SDG 14. This study also provided a robust research agenda for future research.