Introduction: Prior few decades have witnessed considerable developments in trade openness, social reforms, specialization in certain sectors/products, foreign direct investments (FDI, hereafter), and resulting economic growth which are accompanied by higher waste generation, total energy use, and pollution. However, sustainable development notion requires economic development and preserving the environment simultaneously. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include fighting against climate change and providing access to affordable and clean energy for everyone, were adopted in 2015 with the aim of reaching these .