This study was conducted to investigate factors impacting the application of environmental management accounting (EMA) and the relationship between EMA application and performance efficiency including financial and environmental sectors. The scope of research was to investigate construction material manufacturing enterprises in Vietnam with medium and large scales, which is considered one of the industries causing significant negative impacts on the environment. The questionnaires were sent to chief management accountants of 600 construction material enterprises in Vietnam from 2018 to 2019. This process obtained 418 valid votes. Using SPSS 22.0 software to process data, the research results indicate that there are six factors that positively influence the application of EMA practices, including government enforcement, stakeholder interest, positive environmental strategies, community expectations, professional education network, and financial condition, of which, government enforcement has the most significant and positive relationship with the adoption of EMA. On the other hand, it appears that the application of EMA positively impacts financial efficiency and environmental efficiency. As found by many previous studies, environmental efficiency also strongly positively impacts financial efficiency. Thus, innovative solutions to reduce environmental pollution can promote enterprises’ profitability.

Sustainable development practices have become very important for firms to go beyond short-term profitability, towards economic, environmental and social sustainability. This research aims to examine the relationship between a firm’s sustainable development practices and its financial performance. Modelled as a multidimensional construct, sustainable development practices are represented by environmental practices, social practices in the workplace and social practices in the community, while financial performance is determined by profitability and growth. Using a mixed method survey, data were obtained from 389 textile firms in Vietnam, where there is a dire need to promote sustainable and environmental practices. Data analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling demonstrates that sustainable development practices positively affect financial performance directly and indirectly via customer loyalty, employee satisfaction and corporate reputation. The findings also reveal the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation, whereby the impact of sustainable development practices on financial performance is stronger for firms that are more innovative, proactive and willing to take risks. Taken together, these findings provide support for firms to holistically implement sustainable development practices and adopt an entrepreneurial orientation.