ABSTRACT
The pulp and paper industry, both in Thailand and worldwide, is associated with high levels of pollution and intensive consumption of resources (Parthasarathy and Krishnagopalan 1999; Lang 2002). In spite of its positive association with local community development through job creation in rural areas (ICFPA 2006), the industry has been under continual pressure to improve its practices. Pulp and paper production is considered a major source of environmental pollution and associated with a high consumption of energy and water (Thant and Charmondusit 2009). Specific techniques to help the pulp and paper industry reduce the toxicity of effluents and other environmental impacts and environmental strategies, such as reduction of energy use and use of different energy sources to improve eco-efficiency of production and related processes, have been studied at length in previous research (Servos, Munkittrick, Carey, and Kraak 1996; Parthasarathy and Krishnagopalan 1999; Ali and Sreekrishnan 2001; Barla 2007; Thant and Charmondusit 2009). In this context, environmental management accounting (EMA) tools, such as material and energy flow accounting, environmental cost accounting, and environmental investment appraisal, have been applied (Servos et al. 1996; Parthasarathy and Krishnagopalan 1999; Thant and Charmondusit 2009). This case study extends previous research by exploring the use of EMA for risk analysis and assessment, and for long-term planning including investment appraisal in the context of water management issues. Research addressing the relationship between EMA and risk management is in general in short supply (Burritt 2005).
