Intellectual capital and environmental compliance of high-energy consuming firms: Does a female representative encourage sustainable development goals in an emerging economy?

Purpose The study is a pioneer in investigating how intellectual capital (IC) affects environmental compliance among high-energy-consuming firms in Nigeria over 8 years (2016–2023). It provides empirical proof of how female directors affect the association between IC and environmental compliance in ensuring the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs 5, 9, 12 and 13). Design/methodology/approach The study obtained data from a sample of 86 listed non-financial firms. A content analysis technique was employed to compute energy and emissions disclosure indexes using Global Reporting Initiative standards from the sampled firms. The study used the generalized method of moments (GMM) econometric model to evaluate the direct effects of IC on firm environmental compliance. Panels corrected standard errors (HPCSE) and feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) regressions were used to establish the robustness of the GMM regression results. Findings The results found that human capital and relational capital have positive and significant associations with environmental compliance. The study documented that interactions between females on board and IC have influenced the association between human capital structure, relational capital and environmental compliance. Practical implications The study findings will contribute to achieving the SDGs in a broader context, as environmental sustainability is part of the areas aimed to be covered concerning innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and climate change (SDG 13). Originality/value The study filled the identified gap by providing empirical evidence on how IC has influenced environmental compliance and how its interaction with females on the board improves sustainability.