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The Eco-Efficiency Premium Puzzle

Author

Listed:
  • Derwall, J.
  • Günster, N.K.
  • Bauer, R.
  • Koedijk, C.G.

Abstract

There exists a widespread consensus among mainstream academics and investors that socially responsible investing (SRI) leads to inferior, rather than superior, portfolio performance. Using Innovest’s well-established corporate ecoefficiency scores, we provide evidence to the contrary. We compose two equity portfolios that differ in eco-efficiency characteristics and find that our highranked portfolio provided substantially higher average returns compared to its low-ranked counterpart over the period 1995-2003. Using a wide range of performance attribution techniques to address common methodological concerns, we show that this performance differential cannot be explained by differences in market sensitivity, investment style, or industry-specific components. We finally investigate whether this eco-efficiency premium puzzle withstands the inclusion of transaction costs scenarios, and evaluate how excess returns can be earned in a practical setting via a best-in-class stock selection strategy. The results remain significant under all levels of transactions costs, thus suggesting that the incremental benefits of SRI can be substantial.

Suggested Citation

  • Derwall, J. & Günster, N.K. & Bauer, R. & Koedijk, C.G., 2004. "The Eco-Efficiency Premium Puzzle," ERIM Report Series Research in Management ERS-2004-043-F&A, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus University Rotterdam.
    • Handle: RePEc:ems:eureri:1296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Renneboog, Luc & Ter Horst, Jenke & Zhang, Chendi, 2008. "The price of ethics and stakeholder governance: The performance of socially responsible mutual funds," Journal of Corporate Finance, Elsevier, vol. 14(3), pages 302-322, June.
    2. Rodríguez-García, Martha del Pilar & Galindo-Manrique, Alicia Fernanda & Cortez-Alejandro, Klender Aimer & Méndez-Sáenz, Alma Berenice, 2022. "Eco-efficiency and financial performance in Latin American countries: An environmental intensity approach," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 59(C).
    3. Moliterni, Fabio, "undated". "Sustainability-oriented Business Model Innovation: Context and Drivers," SAS: Society and Sustainability 263484, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM).
    4. Kabderian Dreyer, Johannes & Sharma, Vivek & Smith, William, 2023. "Warm-glow investment and the underperformance of green stocks," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 546-570.
    5. Jedynak Tomasz, 2017. "Is it Worth Being Good? – The Efficiency and Risk of Socially Responsible Investing in Light of Various Empirical Studies," Financial Internet Quarterly (formerly e-Finanse), Sciendo, vol. 13(3), pages 1-14, September.
    6. Falcone, Pasquale Marcello & Morone, Piergiuseppe & Sica, Edgardo, 2018. "Greening of the financial system and fuelling a sustainability transition," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 23-37.
    7. Vishaal Baulkaran, 2019. "Stock market reaction to green bond issuance," Journal of Asset Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 20(5), pages 331-340, September.
    8. Fabio Moliterni, 2017. "Sustainability-oriented Business Model Innovation: Context and Drivers," Working Papers 2017.45, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
    9. Renard Y. J. Siew & Maria C. A. Balatbat & David G. Carmichael, 2016. "The impact of ESG disclosures and institutional ownership on market information asymmetry," Asia-Pacific Journal of Accounting & Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(4), pages 432-448, October.
    10. Francisco José López-Arceiz & Ana José Bellostas-Pérezgrueso & José Mariano Moneva, 2018. "Evaluation of the Cultural Environment’s Impact on the Performance of the Socially Responsible Investment Funds," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 150(1), pages 259-278, June.
    11. Renneboog, L.D.R. & Ter Horst, J.R. & Zhang, C., 2007. "Socially Responsible Investments : Methodology, Risk Exposure and Performance," Other publications TiSEM 1ff75080-22db-4909-9f13-a, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    12. Renneboog, L.D.R. & Ter Horst, J.R. & Zhang, C., 2007. "Socially Responsible Investments : Methodology, Risk and Performance," Other publications TiSEM 684d2aba-7b82-4306-b6a0-d, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    13. Monica Billio & Michele Costola & Iva Hristova & Carmelo Latino & Loriana Pelizzon, 2021. "Inside the ESG ratings: (Dis)agreement and performance," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(5), pages 1426-1445, September.
    14. Brammer, Stephen & Brooks, Chris & Pavelin, Stephen, 2009. "The stock performance of America's 100 Best Corporate Citizens," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 49(3), pages 1065-1080, August.
    15. Renneboog, Luc & Ter Horst, Jenke & Zhang, Chendi, 2008. "Socially responsible investments: Institutional aspects, performance, and investor behavior," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 32(9), pages 1723-1742, September.
    16. Kuti Monika & Szasz Erzsebet, 2014. "Challenges In Performance Metrics In Socially Responsible Investments," Annals of Faculty of Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 1(1), pages 919-927, July.
    17. Chan, Pak To & Walter, Terry, 2014. "Investment performance of “environmentally-friendly” firms and their initial public offers and seasoned equity offers," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 177-188.

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    JEL classification:

    • G3 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance
    • M - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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