With increased societal pressure for organizations to have greener operations, some firms have responded by engaging in greenwashing — deceptive disclosures regarding the environmental performance of their business. But while greenwashing is happening around the world, not much is understood about the drivers and economic consequences of these deceptive disclosures.

Recent research by Samir Trabelsi, Professor of Accounting and Governance at the Goodman School of Business, found greenwashing activities increase the cost of raising new capital funds for both shareholders and firms. He will present his findings Friday, Dec. 3 at Goodman’s Luncheon Speaker Series event in his talk “Greenwashing and the Cost of Equity Capital: International Evidence.”

Presenting new international evidence, the research also supports policies enacted or discussed which aim to curb greenwashing.

Trabelsi teaches corporate governance, external reporting and research methodology, and, in 2017, was granted the Brock University Award for Excellence in Teaching. In recognition of his research excellence, Trabelsi has been the recipient of the Departmental Researcher of the Year Award (2019) and was recently awarded the inaugural CPA Ontario Distinguished Research Scholar Award. His research is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, one of Canada’s most prestigious and competitive granting agencies.

The Goodman speaker series provides Goodman faculty, staff and students with an informal opportunity to listen and discuss recent advances in research, teaching and practices with business colleagues virtually.

Trabelsi’s talk will take place online Friday, Dec. 3 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend and can RSVP to receive a link to the session by emailing Pina Mucciarelli at pmucciarelli@brocku.ca