Yushi Zhang Factors in the Quality of Environmental Information Disclosure by Energy Companies

DOI: 10.38050/2078-3809-2025-17-4-247-266

Abstract

The energy sector plays a pivotal role in national economic development. In the context of growing public concern about environmental risks associated with the production and operational activities of energy companies, enhancing the transparency of environmental reporting has become a crucial tool for promoting the sector’s green transformation. This study is based on data from 22 publicly listed Chinese energy companies for the period from 2017 to 2023. Given the generally low level of voluntary environmental information disclosure in the industry, the paper analyzes the key factors influencing disclosure quality.

The results of the empirical analysis show that company size and the degree of implementation of government environmental policies have a statistically significant positive impact on the level of environmental information disclosure, whereas management expenses have a significant negative effect. At the same time, variables reflecting profitability, growth potential, and the level of external audit oversight do not demonstrate statistically significant relationships.

These findings deepen the understanding of factors that either promote or hinder environmental transparency in the energy sector and may be used to improve government regulatory mechanisms, stimulate corporate environmental responsibility, and strengthen public oversight. Furthermore, the results offer practical value in supporting the sustainable development of energy enterprises.

Keywords: environmental accounting, environmental information disclosure, energy companies, disclosure determinants.

JEL: Q56, Q58, M41, L94.

For citation: Zhang, Yu. (2025) Factors in the Quality of Environmental Information Disclosure by Energy Companies. Scientific Research of Faculty of Economics. Electronic Journal, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 247-266. DOI: 10.38050/2078-3809-2025-17-4-247-266.

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