Determinants of greenhouse gases emissions disclosure according to GRI guidelines in Brazilian companies

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the determinant factors of greenhouse gases emissions disclosure in Brazilian companies. Therefore, a documental research was conducted, in which we analyzed sustainability reports, GRI-provided data and accounting statements of B3-listed companies that published sustainability reports and accounting statements for the year 2016. This is a descriptive research with quantitative approach. Preliminarily, we identified information about greenhouse gases emissions disclosed by the sample companies by using a check-list developed from GRI guidelines about emissions. Then, we applied the multiple linear regression analysis technique to identify the disclosure determinant factors. Results showed that the companies researched presented, in average, a low level of emissions information disclosure. The regression analysis showed that the variables participation in potentially polluting sectors, participation in the GHG protocol, New Market governance level and sustainability report publication in the GRI model were positively associated with greenhouse gases emissions disclosure, while the company size variable did not show association with statistical significance. Therefore, the results allow us to infer that these variables can be considered determinant factors of greenhouse gases emissions disclosure. In function of research limitations related to sample size, shortage of other variables influencing the disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as research over the years, it is suggested future research considering a sample with companies from other countries, including other variables and a longitudinal study to compare disclosure in different institutional contexts over the years.