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The Impact of Carbon Emissions Trading Policy on the ESG Performance of Heavy-Polluting Enterprises: The Mediating Role of Green Technological Innovation and Financing Constraints

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  • Yuhang Dai

    (School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing 100081, China)

  • Rui He

    (Institute of Curriculum and Textbook Research, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
    Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China)

Abstract

The carbon emissions trading policy is a key policy driving China’s low-carbon economic transition. Based on the policy environment of China’s carbon emissions trading pilot program from 2010 to 2021, this research selects representative heavy-polluting listed enterprises from this period as research subjects. Using the DID model, it investigates the impact of the carbon emissions trading policy on corporate ESG performance. The results of the research show that: (1) The carbon emissions trading policy significantly improves the ESG performance of heavy-polluting enterprises. (2) The carbon emissions trading policy enhances corporate ESG performance primarily by alleviating external financing constraints and stimulating green technological innovation within enterprises. (3) Due to differences in corporate characteristics and decision-making structures, the impact of carbon emissions trading policies on the ESG performance of heavily polluting enterprises exhibits heterogeneity. The findings of research are of great significance for a comprehensive understanding of the carbon emissions trading policy, facilitating fundamental changes in enterprises, promoting the construction of the carbon emissions trading market, and ensuring the timely achievement of the “dual carbon” goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuhang Dai & Rui He, 2025. "The Impact of Carbon Emissions Trading Policy on the ESG Performance of Heavy-Polluting Enterprises: The Mediating Role of Green Technological Innovation and Financing Constraints," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:1365-:d:1585917
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    1. Xiatian Chen & Kaihua Bao & Chen Gao & Ya Wen & Ting Zhang, 2025. "Towards Corporate Sustainability: Can the Cultural and Tourism Consumption Promotion Policy Enhance Corporate ESG Performance?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-28, September.
    2. Hui Huang & Xiujuan Huang, 2025. "Unlocking ESG Performance: How Qualified Foreign Institutional Investors Enhance Corporate Sustainability in China’s Capital Markets," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-32, September.

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