Blockchain-Enabled ESG for Secure and Transparent Sustainability Accounting
Dr. Rajendra Vasantrao Patil, Pratibha Vivekanand Kashid, Vishakha Abhay Gaidhani, Govind Mohanlal Poddar, M. P. Patil, Ganesh Gulabrao Bhadane, Shravani R. Patil · International Journal of Accounting and Economics Studies · 2025
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting has developed as an essential structure for assessing corporate sustainability performance and long-term value creation. However, conventional ESG declaration is undermined by data discrepancies, non-auditable indicators, and susceptibility to greenwashing. This article explores the integration of blockchain technology into ESG data reporting frameworks to develop an immutable, auditable, and reliable sustainability accounting system. Blockchain, with its characteristic aspects of decentralized governance, immutable record keeping, and automated agreement mechanisms, offers a novel approach to existing shortcomings in ESG reporting. Through a structured review of recent literature, we inspect how blockchain can improve data trustworthiness, allow real-time reporting, and smart contract-enabled compliance mechanisms. The research outlines novel practices, business applications, and research gaps in ESG-blockchain integration. A five-layer framework is proposed to assess existing blockchain-based ESG models. The framework incorporates parameters such as record traceability, independent verifiability, and compliance with applicable regulations. By integrating insights from accounting, economics, and technological innovation, this article expands scholarly discussion on digital sustainable governance. The findings are particularly important for regulatory authorities, sustainability practitioners, and technological innovators aiming to integrate ESG objectives with robust, auditable, and interoperable reporting infrastructures.