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Defining Greenwashing

Research output: Working paper

Abstract

We define as a greenwasher a mutual fund that claims to pursue ESG goals, but whose claim is not supported by either portfolio holdings with above-average ESG ratings or by frequent voting support for ESG proposals (above the median support of all ESG funds). Using this definition, 29% of ESG funds in the US engaged in greenwashing during the 2016-2022 period. Greenwashers are more likely to underperform, tend to belong to larger and younger fund families, and are less frequently offered by signatories of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment. Investors, especially institutional investors, appear to discern true-ESG funds
Original languageEnglish
PublisherSocial Science Research Network (SSRN)
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 May 2022

Publication series

NameSocial Sciences Research Network
PublisherElsevier

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