What is EEA?

Environmental-Economic Accounting (EEA) helps us understand the condition of our environment and its relationship with our economy.

Our environment contributes to our economy through the provision of clean water and air, fresh food, fibre, mineral resources, timber and a place for recreation. It also holds rich cultural and spiritual values fundamental to the Australian way of life.

By bringing together environmental and economic information it is possible to observe and quantify the contribution the natural environment makes to our economy.  This ensures information about the environment, and its contribution to the economy, is measured, presented and disclosed to inform decision making.

As an example, EEA is able to provide insights into:

  • how and where strategic investments can be made to manage our natural environment and resource base;
  • the extent and condition of land, soil, water, ecosystems and other environmental assets that are the key to our productivity;
  • the benefits such as energy, water, timber and pollination that the environment provides to the economy and the community; and
  • the by-products such as air pollution and waste that flow back into the environment from industry, farming, mining and other economic activities.
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Environmental-Economic Accounting (EEA)

Environmental-economic accounting helps us understand the condition of our environment, and its relationship with our economy. Commonwealth, state and territory governments have agreed to collaborate on a common national approach to environmental-economic accounting.

This strategy and action plan set out how a common national approach to the implementation of the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting will provide coherent, comprehensive and integrated accounts to support decision making by governments, business and the community.

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