How volatility in green financing, clean energy, and green economic practices derive sustainable performance through ESG indicators? A sectoral study of G7 countries

Abstract

This study considers the sustainable development goals with the help of sustainable practices followed by seven different industries in G7 economies from 2010 to 2018 using panel estimators. During the study period, sustainable practices have been measured through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) pillars. The role of green financing, clean energy, and green economic volatility is observed as key determinants. The overall findings confirm that clean energy, green financing, and green economy development are significant and positive indications towards a cumulative measure of sustainable practices. Similarly, green bonds, clean energy, and green economy development play a constructive role when all three pillars of sustainable development practices are analyzed individually. This association is also consistent after controlling the effects of environmental regulations, economic growth, and foreign investment. These findings have significant implications for the related industries, the government in G7 economies, ecological activists, and other stakeholders. Besides, this research also contributes to the literature of sustainable practices from the context of G7 countries while creating a linkage between sustainable practices, green financing, clean energy, and green economy.