Abstract
As investor and regulatory demands for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures intensify, non-financial or sustainability reporting has become increasingly prevalent. This thesis explores how the level of sustainable energy adoption within a region influences its non-financial reporting practices, focusing on key global regions: the EU, USA, and GCC. The study aims to determine whether renewable energy significantly affects reporting practices for both organizations and regulatory bodies.Through an innovative methodology for ranking countries based on the stringency of their non financial reporting practices, this study reveals a simultaneous increase in sustainability reporting and sustainable energy adoption across all regions over the past five years. A qualitative analysis of sustainability reports from companies within the same industry but in regions with varied renewable energy mixes uncovers distinct patterns. These patterns illustrate how material sustainability issues differ across regions, despite shared global concerns. Furthermore, a survey targeting professionals in various sustainability fields provides subject matter expert insights and enhances the qualitative aspect of the study.
This research enhances the non-financial reporting literature by providing a clear methodology and qualitative evidence for evaluating reporting practices. It offers actionable insights for policymakers to improve non-financial reporting regulations in emerging markets and shows how a higher renewable energy mix positively impacts sustainability disclosures.
Note: The non-financial reporting landscape is continually evolving. This thesis reflects the most accurate information available to the author at the time of publication.
Date of Award | Sept 2024 |
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Original language | English |
Supervisor | Dominik Pöttinger (Supervisor) |