Open Access Article

Title: Evaluation on the impact of digital transformation on the economic eco-environmental benefits of enterprises under the background of sustainable development

Authors: Yue Wu; Yin Ma

Addresses: Tianjin Transportation Technical College, Tianjin, 300110, China; The Institute of State Governance Studies, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300382, China ' Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Institute for International Management and Management of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China

Abstract: Digital transformation (DT), as a key driving force for enterprise innovation and development, has been widely applied in various fields such as agriculture, industry, and services. Although DT has achieved significant results in improving operational efficiency, optimising resource allocation, and reducing costs, its potential negative impact on the ecological environment is gradually becoming apparent, especially in terms of increased energy consumption, intensified resource waste, and rising pollutant emissions. This study investigates the economic and ecological impacts of DT under a sustainable framework, based on surveys and performance data from agricultural, industrial, and service enterprises. Results show improved revenue and reduced costs across sectors, with agricultural firms reporting a 13.87% revenue increase and 5.69% cost reduction in the third quarter, and industrial firms showing an 8.73% revenue increase and 5.89% cost reduction in the fourth quarter. Service firms demonstrated slower yet positive changes. However, 96.13% of employees perceived negative environmental consequences, particularly in air pollution, water shortages, and reduced forest coverage. Findings indicate that while DT enhances economic performance, it imposes environmental pressures. Aligning digital strategies with ecological goals is essential for achieving sustainable enterprise development.

Keywords: sustainable development; digital transformation; enterprise economic benefit; enterprise ecological environmental benefits.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2026.154262

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2026 Vol.25 No.6, pp.3 - 22

Received: 10 May 2025
Accepted: 06 Jan 2026

Published online: 18 Jun 2026 *