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Access to finance and corporate emissions: A distributional perspective

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  • Wolski, Marcin

Abstract

We examine the relationship between capital structure and carbon intensity in manufacturing firms using a novel dataset that combines information from the EU Emission Trading System with firm-level financial accounts. Our findings indicate that higher financial leverage is associated with lower emission intensity at the firm level, primarily due to long-term debt, suggesting that improving access to such finance is generally conducive to corporate emissions reductions. However, this effect varies along the carbon intensity distribution. For firms with very high carbon intensity, increased leverage is linked to significant reductions in emissions, suggesting that better access to finance can facilitate the adoption of green technologies. Conversely, for firms that are already relatively carbon efficient, the effect disappears.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolski, Marcin, 2025. "Access to finance and corporate emissions: A distributional perspective," EIB Working Papers 2025/03, European Investment Bank (EIB).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:eibwps:310333
    DOI: 10.2867/4644705
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ferrando, Annalisa & Wolski, Marcin, 2018. "Investment of financially distressed firms: The role of trade credit," EIB Working Papers 2018/04, European Investment Bank (EIB).
    2. Dechezleprêtre, Antoine & Nachtigall, Daniel & Venmans, Frank, 2023. "The joint impact of the European Union emissions trading system on carbon emissions and economic performance," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    3. Sabrina T. Howell, 2017. "Financing Innovation: Evidence from R&D Grants," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 107(4), pages 1136-1164, April.
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    5. Barbiero, Francesca & Popov, Alexander & Wolski, Marcin, 2020. "Debt overhang, global growth opportunities, and investment," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    low-carbon transition; climate change; debt finance; financial leverage; EU ETS;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C58 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Financial Econometrics
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • Q51 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Valuation of Environmental Effects
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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