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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 April 2018

Merve Kılıç and Cemil Kuzey

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether corporate governance characteristics impact the voluntary disclosure of carbon emissions.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether corporate governance characteristics impact the voluntary disclosure of carbon emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical research was carried out in two stages. Initially, the carbon disclosures data were sourced from the annual and stand-alone sustainability reports of Turkish non-financial companies listed on Borsa Istanbul during 2011-2015. Later, the corporate governance characteristics that influence carbon disclosures were examined using panel data regression models.

Findings

The empirical findings of this study suggested that entities with a higher number of independent directors on their boards were more likely to respond to the Carbon Disclosure Project. In addition, board nationality diversity and the existence of a sustainability committee had a significant positive impact on the propensity to disclose carbon emissions and the extent of those disclosures.

Originality/value

This research provides empirical evidence of the determinants of carbon emission disclosures, which could be useful for organizations and regulatory bodies. Such an understanding is crucial to specify necessary policies that will provide emission reduction practices and policies for entities. This paper fills some of the gap in the literature by concentrating on the association between corporate governance characteristics and disclosures of a more specific environmental issue, being carbon emissions.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 April 2024

Lilian Gheyathaldin Salih

This study investigated the visibility of carbon emissions allowances accounting in the financial reports of 32 clean development mechanism (CDM) projects in the UAE to uncover…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the visibility of carbon emissions allowances accounting in the financial reports of 32 clean development mechanism (CDM) projects in the UAE to uncover the obstacles to setting consistent standards for carbon emission accounting. As carbon emissions are monetized as credits, consistent accounting standards can aid decision-makers in the development of carbon emission mitigation strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a grounded theoretical framework for exploring the terms used in the policy documents of international accounting bodies regarding accounting standards and guidelines for carbon emission credits. Raw qualitative data were gathered, and an inductive approach was used by analyzing documents from various sources using the qualitative data text analysis software QDA Miner 6.

Findings

The findings showed that the financial statement reports of the corporations did not include disclosure of the carbon credit account. This omission was due to the lack of global standardization of carbon credit accounts and emission allowance recognition. This may hinder the production of a comprehensive report containing accurate and valuable financial information relevant to all stakeholders.

Originality/value

The study is among the first to use a grounded theoretical framework to investigate whether corporations are applying common standards and guidelines for carbon emissions accounting.

Details

Asian Journal of Accounting Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2459-9700

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 April 2023

Chen Liu and Serena Shuo Wu

In this study, the authors provide a systematic literature review of articles in the emerging areas of green finance and discuss the status and challenges in sustainability…

8388

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the authors provide a systematic literature review of articles in the emerging areas of green finance and discuss the status and challenges in sustainability disclosure, which is crucial for the efficiency of green financial instruments. The authors then review the literature on the economic implications of green finance and outline future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the analytical framework – Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis (SALSA) to conduct the systematic review of the literature.

Findings

Increasing public attention to the environment motivates the use of green finance to fund environmentally sustainable projects, and the rise of green finance intensifies the demand for environmental disclosure. Literature has documented tremendous growth in sustainability reporting over time and around the globe, as well as raised concerns about how such reporting lack consistency, comparability, and assurance. Despite these challenges, the authors find that in general, the literature agrees that a firm’s green practice is positively associated with its financial performance and negatively related to a firm’s cost of capital. Green finance is also found to bring about enhanced risk management and economic development.

Originality/value

The authors provide one of the first reviews of green finance, sustainability disclosure and the impact of green finance on financial performance, capital market and economic development.

Details

Fulbright Review of Economics and Policy, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2635-0173

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 November 2023

Gultakin Gahramanova and Özlem Kutlu Furtuna

There has been an increase in research examining whether and how companies disclose climate change impacts and how these disclosures influence capital structure strategies in…

Abstract

Purpose

There has been an increase in research examining whether and how companies disclose climate change impacts and how these disclosures influence capital structure strategies in recent years. However, prior literature has generally focused on developed countries. This paper proposes to examine the impact of voluntary climate change disclosures on corporate financing decisions in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The dataset includes 335 firm-year observations listed in the Borsa Istanbul (BIST) 100 manufacturing industry firms that participated in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) questionnaire from 2016 to 2020, characterized by high public awareness of greenhouse gas emissions in Turkey. To accomplish this aim, two models have been constructed that link capital structure strategies with voluntary corporate climate change disclosures while controlling for firm-level attributes in terms of size, profitability, market value and free float ratio (FFR).

Findings

The significant and negative relationship between the voluntary disclosure of climate-related activities and long-term borrowing is consistent with the arguments that companies with high commitments are unlikely to reduce default risk in emerging markets. This paper also provides empirical evidence that the high size and the level of low profitability magnify this relationship between CDP and financial leverage.

Originality/value

The Paris Agreement seems to be a significant point where corporate lenders have become aware of the commitment of policymakers to fight climate change. The results have significant implications for both managerial strategies and environmental regulatory policy-making issues. In addition, the findings shed light on the strategic behavior of managers in the consideration of climate change risks and related transparency.

Details

Journal of Capital Markets Studies, vol. 7 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-4774

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 June 2020

Maria Mora Rodríguez, Francisco Flores Muñoz and Diego Valentinetti

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of recent developments in corporate reporting, specifically from the carbon disclosure project (CDP) environment, in the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of recent developments in corporate reporting, specifically from the carbon disclosure project (CDP) environment, in the evolution of European post-crisis financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical and instrumental advancements from nonlinear dynamics have been applied to the analysis of market behaviour and the online presence or reputation of major European listed banks.

Findings

The application of a nonlinear statistical methodology (i.e. the autoregressive fractionally integrated moving average [ARFIMA] estimation model) demonstrates the presence of a long history of collected data, thus indicating a certain degree of predictability in the time series. Also, this study confirms the existence of structural breakpoints, specifically the impact of the CDP reporting in both stock prices and online search trends of the sampled companies for certain periods.

Research limitations/implications

This study introduces new methodological perspectives in corporate reporting studies, as the application of nonlinear techniques can be more effective in capturing corporate transparency issues. A limitation to overcome is to explore whether the impact of reporting is different due to the specific reporting behaviour each company adopts.

Practical implications

The “breakpoint” concept should enlighten the importance to firms of providing more information in specific moments, which can impact on both traditional (i.e. stock prices) and modern (i.e. online popularity) performance metrics. Additionally, it should be taken into account by stakeholders, when analysing the accountability of firms to improve their decision-making processes and policymakers, for monitoring and contrasting speculative and insider trading activities.

Social implications

Online search trends represent a new public attitude to how society “measures” the effectiveness of firms’ disclosure behaviours.

Originality/value

Combining ARFIMA with structural break techniques can be regarded as a relevant and complementary addition to classic “market reaction” or “value relevance” techniques.

Details

Journal of Financial Reporting and Accounting, vol. 19 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-2517

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 October 2017

Iordanis Eleftheriadis and Evgenia Anagnostopoulou

This study aims to examine the various climate change practices adopted by firms and develop a set of corporate indexes that measure the level of climate change corporate…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the various climate change practices adopted by firms and develop a set of corporate indexes that measure the level of climate change corporate commitment, climate change risk management integration and climate change strategies adoption. Moreover, this study examines the relationship between the aforementioned indexes. The authors claim that there is a positive relationship between the adoption of climate change strategies, corporate commitment and risk management integration. The aforementioned indexes have been used to assess the largest companies in the oil and gas sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

To assess this study’s sample companies, a content analysis of their carbon disclosure project (CDP) reports for the years 2012-2015 was conducted. Finally, weights were assigned to the content analysis data based on the results of a survey regarding the difficulty of implementing each climate change practice included in the respective index. The survey sample included climate change experts who are either currently employed in companies that are included in the Financial Times Global 500 (FT 500) list, or work as external partners with these companies.

Findings

The present study results highlight the need for developing elaborate corporate indexes, as the various climate change practices have different degrees of difficulty regarding their implementation. Additionally, a general trend in adopting climate change strategies is observed, especially in the field of carbon reduction strategies, which mainly involve the implementation of low carbon technologies. Finally, a positive and significant relationship was found between carbon reduction targets, risk management integration and climate change strategies.

Practical implications

Although international research has extensively examined the importance of managers’ perceptions on environmental issues as an enabling factor in developing environmental strategies, according to the results of our survey, corporations must go beyond top management commitment towards climate change to be able to successfully implement climate change strategies. Incorporation of climate change risk management procedures into a company’s core business activities as well as the establishment of precise carbon reduction targets can provide the basis on which successful climate change strategies are implemented.

Originality/value

Most studies address the issue of climate change management in terms of environmental or sustainability management. Furthermore, research on climate change and its relationship with business management is mainly theoretical, and climate change corporate performance is measured with aggregate indexes. This study focuses on climate change which is examined from a five-dimensional perspective: top management commitment, carbon reduction targets, risk management integration, carbon reduction and carbon compensation strategies. This allows us to conduct an in-depth analysis of the various climate change practices of firms.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 9 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 May 2022

Noelle Greenwood and Peter Warren

Framed within global policy debates over the need for private financial flows to align with the capital requirements of the Paris Agreement, this paper examines UK asset managers…

4360

Abstract

Purpose

Framed within global policy debates over the need for private financial flows to align with the capital requirements of the Paris Agreement, this paper examines UK asset managers in their approaches to disclosing and managing climate risk. This paper identifies and evaluates climate risk management practices among this under-researched investor group in their capacity to address fundamental behavioural obstacles to low-carbon investment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes an inductive approach to document analysis, applying content and thematic analysis to the annual disclosures of the 28 largest UK asset managers (by assets under management), including the investment management arms of insurance and pension companies.

Findings

The main takeaway from this research is that today’s climate risk management strategies hold potential to effectively address traditionally climate risk-averse investor behaviour and investment processes in the UK asset management context. However, this research finds that the use of environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment strategies to mitigate climate risks is a “grey area” in which climate risk management practices are undefined within broad sustainability and responsible investment agendas. In doing so, this paper invites further research into the extent to which climate risks are considered in ESG investment.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to research in sustainable finance and behavioural finance, by identifying the latest climate risk management techniques used among UK-headquartered asset managers and uniquely evaluating these in their capacity to address barriers to low-carbon investment arising from organisational behaviours and processes.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 September 2023

Laurens Swinkels and Thijs Markwat

To better understand the impact of choosing a carbon data provider for the estimated portfolio emissions across four asset classes. This is important, as prior literature has…

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Abstract

Purpose

To better understand the impact of choosing a carbon data provider for the estimated portfolio emissions across four asset classes. This is important, as prior literature has suggested that Environmental, Social and Governance scores across providers have low correlation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compare carbon data from four data providers for developed and emerging equity markets and investment grade and high-yield corporate bond markets.

Findings

Data on scope 1 and scope 2 is similar across the four data providers, but for scope 3 differences can be substantial. Carbon emissions data has become more consistent across providers over time.

Research limitations/implications

The authors examine the impact of different carbon data providers at the asset class level. Portfolios that invest only in a subset of the asset class may be affected differently. Because “truecarbon emissions are not known, the authors cannot investigate which provider has the most accurate carbon data.

Practical implications

The impact of choosing a carbon data provider is limited for scope 1 and scope 2 data for equity markets. Differences are larger for corporate bonds and scope 3 emissions.

Originality/value

The authors compare carbon accounting metrics on scopes 1, 2 and 3 of corporate greenhouse gas emissions carbon data from multiple providers for developed and emerging equity and investment grade and high yield investment portfolios. Moreover, the authors show the impact of filling missing data points, which is especially relevant for corporate bond markets, where data coverage tends to be lower.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 50 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 February 2021

Sandro Brunelli, Camilla Falivena, Chiara Carlino and Francesco Venuti

The increasing responsibility of organisations towards society and the environment has inverted the relationship between accounting and accountability, leading to…

3668

Abstract

Purpose

The increasing responsibility of organisations towards society and the environment has inverted the relationship between accounting and accountability, leading to accountability-based accounting systems. This study aims to explore the debate on accountability for climate change within the integrating thinking (IT) perspective. Ascertaining the most significant trends in the debate around purposes and performance that characterise climate mitigation engagement and their connections, the study would explore if and to what extent organisations are tackling climate actions.

Design/methodology/approach

A narrative review of the extensive academic literature developed from the Kyoto Protocol to date was performed. After selecting a representative sample, papers were analysed with the support of a new analytical framework that involves three dimensions – answerability, enforcement and outcome – and governance schemes that emerge from the involvement of the private and public sector and civil society. With the support of NVivo software, themes arisen were analysed and coded. Key items were labelled, creating specific nodes and synthesised into the proposed framework.

Findings

A “silo approach” largely characterises the debate on accountability for climate change. The most significant reasons behind the shortcomings of extant climate actions may be retrieved firstly in the weakness of the motivations that guide organisations to operate in a climate-friendly way.

Social implications

This study underlines the need for a 360° integrated approach for strategically tackling climate actions.

Originality/value

This study would represent a further step towards an integrated approach for studying organisations behaviours in the “climate war”, embracing the connectivity between purposes and outcomes, capitals and the relationships amongst the various stakeholders.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 September 2022

Ajaz Akbar Mir and Aijaz Ahmad Bhat

The purpose of this article is to study green banking practices, its methods of adoption and importance of practicing green banking. This study also includes the role and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to study green banking practices, its methods of adoption and importance of practicing green banking. This study also includes the role and contribution of banks in environmental sustainability and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research paper is conceptual in nature, based on a thorough literature review, websites of financial institutions and literature evaluations among other sources. This study has been supplemented by a variety of research journal articles. The websites of many banks including SBI (State Bank of India) and MayBank (Malaysia) were used and reviewed to know about various green banking practices both nationally and internationally and their contribution toward sustainability.

Findings

The devastating effects of recent flooding, droughts and extreme temperatures that several people all over the world have experienced compelled everyone to begin thinking about global warming and its consequences, and to do everything that can be done to address this problem. Governments, businesses and individuals all play a part in preventing global warming and creating a more sustainable world. People have to deal with financial institutions, particularly banks, which play a vital role in this environment by assisting in the development of a robust and successful low-carbon economics. They should make more use of environmental data when extending credit and making investment decisions. The project will assist them in proactively improving their environmental performance while also adding long-term value to their company. Businesses having a bigger carbon output may be viewed as riskier in the future, and banks may shy away from funding such businesses in favor of innovative technology solutions that absorb or reduce carbon emissions. As a result, green banking is the order of the day, a source for sustainable development and it will undoubtedly benefit banks, industries as well as the environment at large.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical implications can be summed in the following points: (1) there is no universally accepted framework for green or sustainable banking so far. However, green banking practices are at different stages of development across countries. As per the case of India, green banking practices are at a development phase in India, and green processes have a significant impact on sustainable development. (2) The study is one of the first of its kind in the academic literature as it links green banking practices with sustainability besides discussing green banking practices of the top public sector Bank of India and top commercial bank of Malaysia. Despite the significant contributions made by this study, many disadvantages should be addressed for future research. The present work was chosen for comfort, it was restricted to green banking practices of two banks only, which limits conclusion and interpretation of outcome to some extent Future research can be conducted by a comparative study with the top green banks or with the cleanest country of the world or green banking practices by those banks toward sustainability in that country can also be a good area for research

Practical implications

Managerial implication: The study is extremely helpful to the banking industry in determining the scope of green banking initiatives in sustainable development. This study is a prime study in India to interrelate banking industry towards sustainability and two UN SDGs besides green banking practices of banks. This paper has noted the areas where the banks can make progress for the greener, sustainable economics. It has also aided the banking industry in identifying areas for development so that it may focus on improving social satisfaction and satisfaction of stakeholders across its operating areas. The study is also very helpful for banks to comprehend how vital these green initiatives, especially green processes, are to improve sustainability.

Social implications

The study will serve as a gauge for banking actions toward greener nations and a greener world since these are the efforts toward Carbon Free World, Efforts for controlling global warming, efforts for the greener planet in general which undoubtedly is a significant long-term service to society a reason for better climate and better tomorrow.

Originality/value

This paper identifies the need for green banking in sustainability. This article also summarizes the notion of green banking besides outlining some methods and analyzing green banking initiative by SBI (State bank of India) of India, MayBank of Malaysia & UNSDG .

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

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