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What you see is not what you get: ESG scores and greenwashing risk

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  • Kathan, Manuel C.
  • Utz, Sebastian
  • Dorfleitner, Gregor
  • Eckberg, Jens
  • Chmel, Lea

Abstract

This paper shows that ESG scores capture a company’s greenwashing behavior. Greenwashing accusations are most prevalent among large companies with high ESG scores. We empirically employ a novel theoretical model that distinguishes between the communication of a company’s environmental efforts (apparent environmental performance) and its actual environmental impact (real environmental performance). The correlation of the apparent (real) environmental performance with ESG scores is significantly positive (negative). Therefore, ESG scores are unsuitable for measuring real environmental impact. Thus, investors focusing on high ESG-rated companies may unknowingly increase their greenwashing risk exposure, and academics may use misleading information to assess greenwashing risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathan, Manuel C. & Utz, Sebastian & Dorfleitner, Gregor & Eckberg, Jens & Chmel, Lea, 2025. "What you see is not what you get: ESG scores and greenwashing risk," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:74:y:2025:i:c:s1544612324017392
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2024.106710
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