AEMPS

The Impact of Green Bonds on Corporate ESG Ratings

Author

Mingran Yang * 1

1 Nanchang University

Corresponding Author

Mingran Yang

Keywords

green bonds, ESG, Corporate Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study aims to deeply analyze the mechanism by which the issuance of green bonds affects the ESG evaluation of enterprises. Using the sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2023, the dual difference method was employed to empirically analyze the impact of green bond issuance on the ESG performance of companies and its mechanism. The study found: Firstly, compared with enterprises that issue ordinary bonds, the issuance of green bonds significantly improved the ESG rating of enterprises. This conclusion remained robust even after controlling for endogeneity issues and replacing variables. Secondly, the mechanism test indicated that green bonds indirectly improved the ESG performance of enterprises through three paths: enhancing information disclosure transparency, reducing agency costs, and promoting green innovation. Thirdly, the heterogeneity analysis showed that the promotion effect of green bonds on ESG was more significant in non-state-owned enterprises, heavy-polluting industries, and enterprises in the eastern region. This study not only enriches the theoretical system of green finance and enterprise sustainable development, but also provides empirical evidence for policy makers to guide enterprises to optimize ESG practices through green bond financing.

Citation

Mingran Yang. The Impact of Green Bonds on Corporate ESG Ratings. AEMPS (2026) Vol. 253: 1-14. DOI: 10.54254/2754-1169/2026.NJ32126.

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