Kumulative Dissertation, Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, 2026

Paper 1:
A critical aspect of carbon disclosure lies in the reporting of a company’s emission targets. Therefore, as target formulation can be ambiguous, it might be exploited for purposes of greenwashing, especially if labels are applied, for which no clear definition is provided. This study presents a literature review analysis of the label “net-zero” targets and their governance for the years 2009-2021. I review elements of the net-zero definition and suggest a ‘net-zero protocol’ within the corporate setting, which should consist of: (i) a transparent and standardised calculation process for GHG emissions, (ii) reporting on scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions, (iii) employment of netzero practices (iv) cross-sectoral net-zero alignment and, (v) alignment of corporate governance with sustainability disclosure. The literature review also suggests further avenues for research on corporate target-setting and especially on “net-zero” targets and governance.
https://doi.org/10.4337/9781802208771.00014

Paper 2:
A critical aspect of carbon disclosure lies in the reporting of a company’s emission targets. Therefore, as target formulation can be ambiguous, it might be exploited for purposes of greenwashing, especially if labels are applied, for which no clear definition is provided. This study presents a literature review analysis of the label “net-zero” targets and their governance for the years 2009-2021. I review elements of the net-zero definition and suggest a ‘net-zero protocol’ within the corporate setting, which should consist of: (i) a transparent and standardised calculation process for GHG emissions, (ii) reporting on scope 1, 2, & 3 emissions, (iii) employment of netzero practices (iv) cross-sectoral net-zero alignment and, (v) alignment of corporate governance with sustainability disclosure. The literature review also suggests further avenues for research on corporate target-setting and especially on “net-zero” targets and governance

Paper 3:
Decarbonisation commitments are an important communication tool for companies to explain how and in which period they plan to reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, such commitments might be costly because firms can be held accountable if the targets are not achieved. This raises the question: who or what motivates firms to make decarbonisation commitments? We examine the determinants of corporate decarbonisation commitments, focusing on stakeholder pressures
from institutional owners, employees and clients. Using survival analysis with Weibull and Cox models, the findings highlight that institutional ownership (IO) has the strongest relation to decarbonisation commitments, followed by employees. Additionally, pressure from clients explains decarbonisation commitments at the subsidiary level. While responsive to stakeholder needs, the subsidiary-level commitment dynamic raises questions about the legitimacy and alignment of parent-level climate strategies. The research extends stakeholder theory by linking CSR integration and stakeholder expectations to decarbonisation commitments, underscoring the role of green revenue as a key driver.