IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/energy/v285y2023ics0360544223027391.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Green credit and corporate energy efficiency: Enterprise pollution transfer or green transformation

Author

Listed:
  • Li, Xiaosheng
  • Wang, Ruirui
  • Shen, Z.Y.
  • Song, Malin

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a burgeoning emphasis on advancing the paradigm of energy transformation and expediting the maturation of novel energy systems in order to enhance the structural integrity of China's energy industry. Employing the 2007 "Opinions on Implementing Environmental Protection Policies and Regulations to Prevent Credit Risk" as a quasi-experimental setting, this study utilizes longitudinal panel data spanning from 2000 to 2014, encompassing Chinese industrial enterprises. Through the application of a difference-in-differences analytical framework, this research rigorously evaluates the ramifications of the Green Credit Policy (GCP) on firm-level energy-utilization efficiency (FLEE). The empirical findings proffer compelling evidence of a substantial amelioration in FLEE attributable to the enactment of the GCP. Furthermore, a nuanced investigation of heterogeneity reveals that the GCP exerts a conspicuously more pronounced influence in elevating FLEE levels within the eastern region, state-owned enterprises, entities characterized by low technological sophistication, and those operating within highly pollution-intensive sectors. Mechanism analysis underscores the pivotal role of resource allocation and the amelioration of financing constraints as indirect pathways through which the GCP bolsters FLEE.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Xiaosheng & Wang, Ruirui & Shen, Z.Y. & Song, Malin, 2023. "Green credit and corporate energy efficiency: Enterprise pollution transfer or green transformation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:285:y:2023:i:c:s0360544223027391
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129345
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0360544223027391
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.energy.2023.129345?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Candau, Fabien & Dienesch, Elisa, 2017. "Pollution Haven and Corruption Paradise," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 85(C), pages 171-192.
    2. Li, Ming-Jia & Tao, Wen-Quan, 2017. "Review of methodologies and polices for evaluation of energy efficiency in high energy-consuming industry," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 187(C), pages 203-215.
    3. Arik Levinson & M. Scott Taylor, 2008. "Unmasking The Pollution Haven Effect," International Economic Review, Department of Economics, University of Pennsylvania and Osaka University Institute of Social and Economic Research Association, vol. 49(1), pages 223-254, February.
    4. Zhu, Bangzhu & Zhang, Mengfan & Zhou, Yanhua & Wang, Ping & Sheng, Jichuan & He, Kaijian & Wei, Yi-Ming & Xie, Rui, 2019. "Exploring the effect of industrial structure adjustment on interprovincial green development efficiency in China: A novel integrated approach," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    5. Lenzen, Manfred & Murray, Joy & Sack, Fabian & Wiedmann, Thomas, 2007. "Shared producer and consumer responsibility -- Theory and practice," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 61(1), pages 27-42, February.
    6. Gómez-Calvet, Roberto & Conesa, David & Gómez-Calvet, Ana Rosa & Tortosa-Ausina, Emili, 2014. "Energy efficiency in the European Union: What can be learned from the joint application of directional distance functions and slacks-based measures?," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 137-154.
    7. Bi, Gong-Bing & Song, Wen & Zhou, P. & Liang, Liang, 2014. "Does environmental regulation affect energy efficiency in China's thermal power generation? Empirical evidence from a slacks-based DEA model," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 537-546.
    8. Liguo Lin & Wei Sun, 2016. "Location choice of FDI firms and environmental regulation reforms in China," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 50(2), pages 207-232, October.
    9. Song, Malin & Xie, Qianjiao & Shen, Zhiyang, 2021. "Impact of green credit on high-efficiency utilization of energy in China considering environmental constraints," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    10. Wen, Huwei & Lee, Chien-Chiang & Zhou, Fengxiu, 2021. "Green credit policy, credit allocation efficiency and upgrade of energy-intensive enterprises," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(C).
    11. repec:clg:wpaper:2008-02 is not listed on IDEAS
    12. Zhang, Yixiang & Xiong, Yali & Li, Feng & Cheng, Jinhua & Yue, Xiaochen, 2020. "Environmental regulation, capital output and energy efficiency in China: An empirical research based on integrated energy prices," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C).
    13. Ang, B.W. & Liu, F.L. & Chung, Hyun-Sik, 2004. "A generalized Fisher index approach to energy decomposition analysis," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 26(5), pages 757-763, September.
    14. Copeland, Brian R & Taylor, M Scott, 1995. "Trade and Transboundary Pollution," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 85(4), pages 716-737, September.
    15. Bertoldi, Paolo & Mosconi, Rocco, 2020. "Do energy efficiency policies save energy? A new approach based on energy policy indicators (in the EU Member States)," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    16. Wu, Haitao & Hao, Yu & Ren, Siyu, 2020. "How do environmental regulation and environmental decentralization affect green total factor energy efficiency: Evidence from China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    17. Costa-Campi, María Teresa & García-Quevedo, José & Segarra, Agustí, 2015. "Energy efficiency determinants: An empirical analysis of Spanish innovative firms," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 229-239.
    18. James Levinsohn & Amil Petrin, 2003. "Estimating Production Functions Using Inputs to Control for Unobservables," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 70(2), pages 317-341.
    19. Wooldridge, Jeffrey M., 2009. "On estimating firm-level production functions using proxy variables to control for unobservables," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 104(3), pages 112-114, September.
    20. Iris, Çağatay & Lam, Jasmine Siu Lee, 2019. "A review of energy efficiency in ports: Operational strategies, technologies and energy management systems," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 112(C), pages 170-182.
    21. Zhifeng Zhang & Hongyan Duan & Shuangshuang Shan & Qingzhi Liu & Wenhui Geng, 2022. "The Impact of Green Credit on the Green Innovation Level of Heavy-Polluting Enterprises—Evidence from China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-19, January.
    22. Okadera, Tomohiro & Watanabe, Masataka & Xu, Kaiqin, 2006. "Analysis of water demand and water pollutant discharge using a regional input-output table: An application to the City of Chongqing, upstream of the Three Gorges Dam in China," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 58(2), pages 221-237, June.
    23. Lemmon, Michael & Roberts, Michael R., 2010. "The Response of Corporate Financing and Investment to Changes in the Supply of Credit," Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, Cambridge University Press, vol. 45(3), pages 555-587, June.
    24. Zhaohua Wang & Chao Feng, 2014. "The impact and economic cost of environmental regulation on energy utilization in China," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(27), pages 3362-3376, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Ma, Xuewen & Liu, Liyan & Zhang, Dongming, 2024. "How green finance tools and electric vehicles minerals sustainability are related?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C).
    2. Wang, Jingru & Liu, Tinghua & Aziz, Noshaba & Sui, Hongguang, 2024. "Exploring the role of trade credit in facilitating low-carbon development: Insights from Chinese enterprises," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 96(PB).
    3. Gao, Zhiyuan & Zhao, Ying & Li, Lianqing & Hao, Yu, 2024. "Echoes of dependency: The impact of resource reliance on green industry transformation in China," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
    4. Jingmin Yao & Zhihui Yu & Zhenjun Yan & Yanfang Wang, 2025. "Verifying the “Porter Effect” of Green Credit Policy on Upstream Suppliers in the Green Supply Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-22, February.
    5. Fan, Lin & Peng, Binbin & Lin, Zhongguo & Zou, Hongyang & Du, Huibin, 2024. "The effects of green finance on pollution and carbon reduction: Evidence from China’s industrial firms," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    6. Yi Sun & Yiwen Zhu & Cong Li & Kaihua Wang, 2025. "Will Green Credit Affect the Cash Flow of Heavily Polluting Enterprises?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-24, January.
    7. Magdalena Zioło & Iwona Bąk & Anna Spoz, 2024. "The Role of Financial Markets in Energy Transitions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-15, December.
    8. Zhao, Xingqi & Ke, Xiaojun & Jiang, Songyu, 2024. "Spatial impact of green finance reform pilot zones on environmental efficiency: A pathway to mitigating China's energy trilemma," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 312(C).
    9. Zhang, Wei & Ke, Jinjun & Ding, Yougang & Chen, Sicen, 2024. "Greening through finance: Green finance policies and firms' green investment," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Lu, Yunguo & Zhang, Lin, 2022. "National mitigation policy and the competitiveness of Chinese firms," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    2. Forslid, Rikard & Okubo, Toshihiro & Ulltveit-Moe, Karen Helene, 2018. "Why are firms that export cleaner? International trade, abatement and environmental emissions," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 166-183.
    3. Zhang, Ning & Zhao, Yu & Wang, Na, 2022. "Is China's energy policy effective for power plants? Evidence from the 12th Five-Year Plan energy saving targets," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    4. Urata, Shujiro & Baek, Youngmin, 2022. "Impacts of firm's GVC participation on productivity: A case of Japanese firms," Journal of the Japanese and International Economies, Elsevier, vol. 66(C).
    5. Kou, Po & Shi, Jianhua, 2024. "Dynamic evolution of China's government environmental regulation capability and its impact on the coupling coordinated development of the economy-environment," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    6. Peter Grajzl & Jaka Cepec & Barbara Mörec, 2023. "Weaned off public money: The effect of discontinued reception of public cash on firm outcomes," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 76(1), pages 41-76, February.
    7. Segundo Camino-Mogro & Mary Armijos & Paul Vera-Gilces, 2022. "High-growth firms and international trade: evidence from Ecuador," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 32(1), pages 299-332, January.
    8. Liu, Xiaoguang & Ji, Qiang & Yu, Jian, 2021. "Sustainable development goals and firm carbon emissions: Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).
    9. Cheng, Dong & Shi, Xunpeng & Yu, Jian, 2021. "The impact of green energy infrastructure on firm productivity: Evidence from the Three Gorges Project in China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 385-406.
    10. Kai Hu & Dandan Li & Daqian Shi & Wenli Xu, 2023. "Environmental regulation and energy efficiency: evidence from daily penalty policy in China," Journal of Regulatory Economics, Springer, vol. 63(1), pages 1-29, April.
    11. Zhuo, Chengfeng & Xie, Yuping & Mao, Yanhua & Chen, Pengqin & Li, Yiqiao, 2022. "Can cross-regional environmental protection promote urban green development: Zero-sum game or win-win choice?," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
    12. Cao, Hongjian & Wang, Bizhe & Li, Ke, 2021. "Regulatory policy and misallocation: A new perspective based on the productivity effect of cleaner production standards in China's energy firms," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 152(C).
    13. Ting Pan & Boqiang Lin, 2025. "Is the green credit policy useful for improving energy intensity? Evidence from cities in China," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 11(1), pages 1-29, December.
    14. Yuxin Ning & Jifeng Duan, 2024. "Can the Environmental Protection Tax Promote the Improvement of Energy Efficiency? Evidence from Prefecture-Level City Data in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-24, November.
    15. Luo, Kang & Lee, Chien-Chiang & Zhuo, Chong, 2024. "A pathway to coordinated regional development: Energy utilization efficiency and green development - Evidence from China's major national strategic zones," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    16. Lyu, Chaofeng & Xie, Zhe & Li, Zhi, 2022. "Market supervision, innovation offsets and energy efficiency: Evidence from environmental pollution liability insurance in China," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C).
    17. Yanhong Feng & Shuanglian Chen & Pierre Failler, 2020. "Productivity Effect Evaluation on Market-Type Environmental Regulation: A Case Study of SO 2 Emission Trading Pilot in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-27, October.
    18. Zhang, Yan & Cui, Jingbo & Lu, Chenghao, 2020. "Does environmental regulation affect firm exports? Evidence from wastewater discharge standard in China," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C).
    19. Liu, Xiaohan & Liu, Jianmin & Wu, Haitao & Hao, Yu, 2022. "Do tax reductions stimulate firm productivity? A quasi-natural experiment from China," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 46(4).
    20. Zhou, Guangyou & Zhu, Jieyu & Luo, Sumei, 2022. "The impact of fintech innovation on green growth in China: Mediating effect of green finance," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 193(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:285:y:2023:i:c:s0360544223027391. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/energy .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.