Carbon sustainability reporting based on GHG protocol framework: A Malaysian practice towards net-zero carbon emissions

Abstract

Carbon sustainability reporting plays a critical role in achieving net-zero carbon emissions, yet its application and effectiveness require greater exploration. This study examines the Malaysian practice of carbon sustainability reporting, grounded in the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol framework, focusing on five key principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from the top 50 oil and gas companies listed in Bursa Malaysia via a questionnaire survey. Results from Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveal that consistency, transparency, and accuracy significantly enhance carbon sustainability reporting, while relevance and completeness exhibit no direct influence. Furthermore, all five GHG principles positively influence net-zero carbon emissions, emphasizing their importance in emission reduction efforts. The study also demonstrates that carbon sustainability reporting partially mediates the relationships between completeness, transparency, accuracy, and net-zero carbon emissions. These findings highlight the need for standardized, transparent, and accurate reporting practices to support effective climate action. Policy implications suggest that regulatory bodies prioritize robust reporting standards and provide incentives for adopting comprehensive GHG accounting frameworks, ensuring alignment with Malaysia's net-zero ambitions.