Environmental Integration Challenges In Carbon Accounting Systems: A Statistical Analysis Of Sustainable Management Practices In Indian Banking Sector

Abstract

This study examines environmental integration challenges in carbon accounting systems within India's banking sector through comprehensive statistical analysis of sustainable management practices. A mixed-methods approach analyzed five major Indian banks (SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and IndusInd) using multiple regression models, principal component analysis, and ANOVA to assess Carbon Accounting Integration Scores (CAIS). Statistical findings reveal significant disparities between public and private sector banks, with private institutions scoring 34% higher (mean CAIS: 53.25 vs 35.0, F(1,3) = 68.24, p = 0.004). Technology investment emerged as the strongest predictor of integration success (β = 0.68, p < 0.01), explaining 84.7% of variance in carbon accounting capabilities (R² = 0.847). Principal component analysis identified four key challenge dimensions: Technology-Infrastructure (40.8% variance), Organizational-Cultural (27.2%), Regulatory-Compliance (18.7%), and Resource-Stakeholder (13.3%). Data standardization affects 100% of institutions with highest impact scores (8.2/10), while sectoral exposure to carbon-intensive industries negatively correlates with integration success (r = -0.523, p < 0.05). The study provides empirical evidence for sustainable finance policy development and environmental risk management frameworks in emerging economies.