Impact of ESG disclosure on green innovation in construction enterprises: empirical evidence from chinese listed companies

Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is an important criterion for measuring corporate sustainability. ESG disclosure is beneficial for promoting green innovation in construction companies. Using data from listed construction companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share markets between 2010 and 2023, this study employs linear regression analysis and a two-way fixed-effects model to examine the impact of ESG disclosure on green innovation. Results indicate that ESG disclosure significantly enhances green innovation in construction companies, with each unit increase in ESG disclosure raising green innovation by 1.666 units (p < 0.05). Further research reveals that ESG disclosure can significantly enhance green innovation in construction companies through new quality productivity forces (NQPFs). Internal control and environmental regulation have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between ESG disclosure and green innovation in construction companies, with environmental regulation exerting a slightly stronger moderating effect than internal control. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the impact of ESG disclosure on green innovation in construction companies is more pronounced among state-owned enterprises, small enterprises, enterprises in central China, and the building decoration industry. This study's findings provide a theoretical basis and practical implications for government policymaking and promotion of green innovation in construction companies.