The article "Greening the BRICS: How Green Innovation Mitigates Ecological Footprints in Energy-Hungry Economies" examines the role of green innovation in reducing ecological footprints in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The study highlights the environmental challenges posed by high energy consumption and industrial growth in these nations, which have significantly increased carbon emissions and ecological degradation. It argues that green innovation, when combined with strong institutions and responsible energy use, can significantly reduce the ecological footprint. The research uses data from 1995 to 2022 and applies Driscoll–Kraay and panel quantile regression to analyze the complex interplay of institutional quality, energy consumption, green innovation, and ecological footprints. The findings reveal that green innovation is crucial in mitigating ecological footprints, particularly when paired with resilient institutional quality and controlled energy use. Conversely, factors such as high energy consumption, natural resource rent, and urbanization contribute to increased ecological footprints. The study emphasizes the importance of institutional quality and renewable energy consumption in reducing ecological burdens. It suggests that investing in green technology and institutional development, even amidst high energy demands, is a viable strategy for BRICS nations to achieve sustainable growth and environmental responsibility. The research also highlights the need for robust institutions, effective environmental governance, and sustainable practices to balance economic growth with environmental protection. The study provides insights into the complex relationships between institutional quality, green innovation, and ecological footprints, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in BRICS countries.The article "Greening the BRICS: How Green Innovation Mitigates Ecological Footprints in Energy-Hungry Economies" examines the role of green innovation in reducing ecological footprints in BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The study highlights the environmental challenges posed by high energy consumption and industrial growth in these nations, which have significantly increased carbon emissions and ecological degradation. It argues that green innovation, when combined with strong institutions and responsible energy use, can significantly reduce the ecological footprint. The research uses data from 1995 to 2022 and applies Driscoll–Kraay and panel quantile regression to analyze the complex interplay of institutional quality, energy consumption, green innovation, and ecological footprints. The findings reveal that green innovation is crucial in mitigating ecological footprints, particularly when paired with resilient institutional quality and controlled energy use. Conversely, factors such as high energy consumption, natural resource rent, and urbanization contribute to increased ecological footprints. The study emphasizes the importance of institutional quality and renewable energy consumption in reducing ecological burdens. It suggests that investing in green technology and institutional development, even amidst high energy demands, is a viable strategy for BRICS nations to achieve sustainable growth and environmental responsibility. The research also highlights the need for robust institutions, effective environmental governance, and sustainable practices to balance economic growth with environmental protection. The study provides insights into the complex relationships between institutional quality, green innovation, and ecological footprints, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development in BRICS countries.