The Effect of Carbon Disclosure Quality on Green Bond Financing Cost

Existing research on financing costs primarily focuses on traditional financial factors, such as credit ratings, and offers limited examination of non-financial information. This study examines the impact of the quality of carbon information disclosure on financing costs using a fixed-effects panel regression, based on data from 166 Chinese listed companies that issued green bonds from 2014 to 2024. Results show a significant negative relationship: better disclosure reduces bond costs. Since carbon disclosure reflects a company’s environmental and governance commitment, it influences investors’ perceptions and risk assessments, thereby affecting financing costs. The study also finds that companies in carbon-intensive industries are more sensitive to changes in carbon intensity. China’s initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and support green bonds have heightened the importance of carbon disclosure for financing costs. This study provides novel insights into how carbon information disclosure affects green financing in China, enabling regulators to refine their policies and guiding companies towards low-carbon strategies.