• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.105-124
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• 2024

Purpose This study aims to propose a blockchain-based platform that can guarantee enhanced trustworthiness in corporate ESG efforts, demanded by global ESG initiatives such as GRI and TCFD. Blockchain technology, recognized for its transparency and data immutability, can contribute to building trust in ESG disclosures, meeting the data transparency verification needs required by these initiatives. This research also explores the use of NFTs representing unique ESG efforts by companies, helping them in organizing and sharing ESG information with investors and consumers. Design/methodology/approach This study utilizes Hyperledger Fabric, a permissioned blockchain known for its enhanced transparency, scalability, and suitability for business transactions, to develop a blockchain platform for managing and disclosing ESG information assets in a trustworthy manner. Furthermore, it introduces the concept of ESG NFTs as a more reliable method for conveying ESG information to stakeholders, where ESG NFTs undergo verification process by third-party authenticators and evaluation by independent evaluators for credibility of ESG disclosure. Findings The use of NFTs, which has been predominantly intended for market trading in public blockchain, offers a credible means of disseminating corporate ESG status and evaluations in a permissioned blockchain, better fit for business transactions. By representing information assets as NFTs, which are tamper-proof and establish clear ownership, the proposed platform enables effective management of ESG-related information assets.