SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES AND FIRM PERFORMANCE: LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY EFFECTS OF UZBEKISTAN’S GREEN TRANSITION

Abstract

This study examines how green transition measures affect labour productivity in Uzbekistan, drawing on firm-level data from the 2024 World Bank Enterprise Survey. Using Ordinary Least Squares regression, we analyse the impact of energy management, CO₂ monitoring, and international environmental certifications, controlling for firm characteristics. Results show that energy management practices are strongly associated with higher productivity, supporting the Porter Hypothesis that well-designed environmental measures can foster efficiency and innovation. CO₂ monitoring also shows a positive, though less robust, effect, while international certifications display limited productivity benefits. Higher labour costs and export orientation further enhance productivity, underscoring the role of skilled labour and global market engagement. The findings highlight that targeted green policies can deliver both environmental and economic gains in transitional economies. This research offers evidence-based insights for aligning sustainability initiatives with productivity growth, contributing to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals.