Potential of pension funds and insurance companies for investment in resources: Policies for sustainable transition

Abstract

This study extensively explores the complex relationship between environmental investments made by pension funds and insurance companies and their influence on expenses associated with fossil fuels. Analyzing data from 2015 to 2020 across ten OECD economies, the research employs the Fully Modified OLS technique to extract meaningful insights. The results reveal that a 1% increase in environmental investments propels practices focused on energy conservation and increased efficiency by 0.49%, underscoring a dedicated commitment to sustainability. Additionally, a 1% increase in IT expenditures is associated with a 0.10% improvement in energy efficiency. Conversely, heightened green tax payments exhibit a negative correlation with energy usage, emphasizing the impact of regulatory incentives. To bolster sustainable investments, the paper advocates for robust ESG reporting, support for SMEs, the adoption of green corporate management practices, and improved access to green financial markets.