Enterprise Information Systems Capability and GHG Pollution Emissions Reductions

This paper adds to IT sustainability literature by empirically examining the degree to which enterprise information systems capability impacts organizational greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). We accomplish this by analyzing a unique data set combining surveys of corporate IT, GHG emissions and environmental practices with other secondary sources that contain financial and environmental metrics. We find that high levels of Enterprise Support IS Capability combined with the adoption of firm GHG pollution reduction targets help to reduce firm GHG emissions. On the other hand, the adoption of reduction targets in less IS-capable firms is associated with higher emissions. Our research highlights the role of information technology in firm sustainability programs and the value of information to pollution reduction.