Link between Technically Derived Energy Efficiency and Ecological Footprint: Empirical Evidence from the ASEAN Region

The sustainable environment has been a desired situation around the world for last few decades. Environmental contaminations can be consequence of various economic activities. Different socio-economic factors influence positively or negatively. Many previous studies have resulted in efficient allocation inputs as an environment-friendly component. This paper investigates effects energy efficiency on ecological footprint ASEAN region using balanced panel data from 2001 to 2019. First, this technically derives efficiency, stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) translog production type single output and multiple inputs. Findings SFA show that Philippines Singapore highest (94%) Laos lowest (85%) region. estimated average score was 90%, ranging 85% 96%, indicating there is still 10% room improvement efficiency. Second, study employed autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model explore short run long impact derived Results ARDL reducing factor run. Moreover, plays significant role control environmental contaminations. In addition, results also explored urbanization increasing footprint, investment agriculture beneficial environment. obtain directional nature associations between its independent variables, paired-panel Granger causality test. paired wise test confirm urbanization, cause footprint. Finally, recommends utilization resources well are necessary