The vast majority of finance professionals believe their firm will have carbon offsetting in place within five years, according to a survey by JustAccountancyJobs.com. It found 75% thought either compulsory or voluntary schemes would soon become a reality whilst 18% already had something in place.

“Not only are accountants becoming more aware of the need to protect the planet – they’re starting to realise that they will have a crucial role to play,” said Sacha Deakin, account manager at JustAccountancyJobs.com

The study raises the prospect that in house accounts would be used to calculate a company's carbon foot print and found 11% of companies already have such a job role in place.