Bridging gaps in clean and responsible energy consumption: A 15-year review of environmental sustainability implementation, key drivers for SDG progress and the role of individual-level contributions

Purpose The literature review aims to find the current gaps in environmental sustainability implementation in the energy sector and to provide the key drivers and future directions to policymakers. Moreover, the review is to provide future research avenues to scholars for conceptual and empirical findings. Design/Methodology/Approach This paper used Systematic Literature Review techniques by Okoli (2015). The method includes three phases. The method includes planning and document selection, followed by the extraction and execution phases. With the help of a keyword string, several articles appeared, and the 67 most relevant were selected for review. After applying the inclusion criteria, 40 articles were chosen as the most relevant on the topic of environmental sustainability implementation in the energy sector. Results and Findings With the help of 40 reviewed articles, facts, and figures provided in the graph, table, diagrams, and appendix, the findings of this research are the key drivers that can help to motivate policymakers to use in the environmental sustainability implementation of the energy sector. Findings also highlighted concerns about individual-level contribution and employees' sustainable consumption behavior to implement the environmental sustainability program successfully. Research Implications This study gives many research and practical implications for energy governance in the environmental sustainability implementation of the energy sector. The role of individual-level contribution, society and public engagement, education, awareness problems, and the role of leaders are a few implications that are suggested to improve energy consumption. Originality/Value This document serves as a single document to provide an understanding to policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the field of environmental sustainability of the energy sector. This paper reviews 40 key articles on energy sector implementation issues from the past 15 years. The originality of the review is twofold. First, several articles have previously been published as systematic literature reviews; however, this review serves as the most recent review (2008–2023) with the identification of key drivers as a solution to implementation issues. Second, it provides the key variable of individual-level employee contribution as a significant factor in implementing the sustainability program effectively.