Journal article
The Role of Energy Transition, Digitalization, and Green Goods in Material Footprints and Sustainability
Sustainable development, Vol.First online
25/03/2026
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Abstract
This study investigates how green and non-green goods, energy transition, digitalization, economic growth, and population affect the material footprint of G-7 countries from 1990 to 2023. Using an extended STIRPAT framework, we show that green and non-green goods increase material footprint, demonstrating the resource intensity associated with production and consumption patterns. Economic growth and population further intensify resource demands, underscoring structural environmental pressures. On the other hand, energy transition and digitalization reduce material footprint, indicating that renewable energy and digital technologies enhance resource efficiency. Overall, the findings highlight the trade-off between economic expansion and material sustainability in technologically advanced economies. Policy implications include reducing the material intensity of green goods through circular economy practices, expanding clean energy investment, and leveraging fintech to support more sustainable consumption, thereby enabling G-7 nations to better align prosperity with material sustainability.
Details
- Title
- The Role of Energy Transition, Digitalization, and Green Goods in Material Footprints and Sustainability
- Creators
- Sohidul Islam - International Islamic University ChittagongShahzad Alvi - Queensland University of TechnologyScott J. Niblock - Southern Cross UniversityHamid Ghazi H. Sulimany - Taif UniversityMd. Mustaqim Roshid - University of RajshahiFrederic Mirindi - University of Manitoba
- Publication Details
- Sustainable development, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 21
- Grant note
- The authors would like to acknowledge the Deanship of GraduateStudies and Scientific Research, Taif University for funding this work. Open access publishing facilitated by Queensland University of Technology, as part of the Wiley - Queensland University of Technology agreement via the Council of Australasian University Librarians.
- Identifiers
- 991013370961402368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article