<p>This study examines the impact of human capital on ecological footprint, controlling for energy consumption, economic growth and urbanization in Brunei Darussalam over the period 1990–2024. The analysis employs robust econometric techniques, including the Phillips–Perron and Augmented Dickey–Fuller tests, which confirm a mixed order of integration. Structural breaks are addressed using the Zivot–Andrews test, while the Bounds testing approach confirms the existence of a long-run relationship among the variables. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model is applied to estimate both short and long-run dynamics. The model stability is ensured through diagnostic tests while the robustness of long run results are validated through fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) technique. The findings reveal that human capital significantly reduces ecological footprint in both the short and long run, highlighting its critical role in enhancing environmental sustainability. Energy consumption exhibits a negative long-run effect, suggesting efficiency gains and improved energy utilization. Economic growth initially increases environmental degradation; however, its squared term is negative and significant, confirming the inverted U-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in both the short and long run. Urbanization increases ecological footprint in the long run, reflecting rising consumption and infrastructure pressures, although short-run effects indicate temporary efficiency gains. The error correction term is negative and significant, indicating a rapid adjustment towards long-run equilibrium. By employing ecological footprint as a comprehensive proxy for environmental sustainability, this study provides novel insights for Brunei Darussalam and highlights the importance of human capital development in sustainable growth strategies and efficient energy use.</p>