Green business : high-tech firms environmental performance and the effect shareholders can have on environmental reformation

Abstract

As the interest in environmental sustainability continues to grow, a methodology for rating how firms are performing is required. The main challenge encountered is the lack of comparable and credible information. Given a ranking it is necessary to understand if shareholders can use this information to manipulate firms’ actions. The results of the analysis indicated that given the correct number of environmentally conscious investors, companies would have to make the necessary adaptations to their operations. A salient conclusions which can be made, is that there is not enough information to make an informative decision, but as environmental accounting develops investors will be able to use the information and are likely to support acceptable green firms. If management’s mindset continues to be focused on maximizing shareholder value, this will hamper unacceptable firms and force them to reform if they wish to succeed. This is likely to continue until all firms are regarded as acceptable within their industries and no premium exists.