Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) can be a tool for assessing waste
reduction potential (Munkøe et al. 2006) and for highlighting the total cost of nonproductive
material and other non-productive output (NPO) (Jasch 2006). Just as lean
manufacturing methods try to lower the amount of work input to non-value adding
operations, the EMA concept can be used to lower the amount of material that is
wasted in the process and the work related to that waste. In a pilot study of CMS at
a Volvo plant, an initial review of the material and labour input and waste and emissions
resulting from chemical use, was performed 2001. Figures from both the environmental
management and general accounting systems were used together with
investigational data. Ideally, a full EMA of the chemical processes at the plant
include energy use, but this, together with some secondary labour like R&D, and
older inventory depreciation, was omitted from the study. In later renegotiation of the
partnership, the omitted parts have proven useful and a full EMA is recommended
for the future. Figure 11.8 shows the result of the review of one CMS partnership with
six categories according to the International Federation of Accountants guidelines
(IFAC 2005). Category 1 productive material is not included since all chemicals are
secondary products. Categories 5 and 6 are to a large extent unknown.