Energy consumption intensity under digital transformation: the role of internal executive and external investor
Journal
Applied Economics
ISSN
0003-6846
ISSN-Digital
1466-4283
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2025-11-26
Author(s)
Abstract
This article explores the relationship between enterprise digital transformation (EDT) and corporate energy consumption intensity (ECI) for Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020. Results show that EDT significantly reduces ECI, as energy consumption per unit of output. Further mechanism analysis reveals that EDT plays a role through promoting green innovation, improving environmental information disclosure and reducing agency costs. Additionally, internal executive environmental attention and external green investors positively moderate the EDT–ECI relationship. Heterogeneity analysis shows EDT reduces ECI more significantly in heavily polluting industries, state-owned enterprises, non-eastern regions, and regions with low digital inclusive finance, strict environmental regulations, high public environmental attention.
Language
English
Keywords
Enterprise digital transformation
energy consumption intensity
executive environmental attention
green investor
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
Subject(s)
Division(s)