This paper explores various theoretical and conceptual frameworks on sustainable competitiveness in the energy industry’s oil sub-sector. Content analysis was employed where the author reviewed a variety of literature on the subject. Inconsistencies in the environmental and social programme implementations and ecologically unsustainable practices by operators are the significant issues with businesses in this study. This paper is essentially delimited to the hydrocarbon subsector and aims to provide a conceptual framework design for the oil industry that is sustainable and competitive in today’s market. To this end, the author recommends to the government, business decision managers, and community development stakeholders the Green initiatives as a tool for sustainability model development in the industry.

Keywords: sustainability, sustainable competitiveness, sustainable development, green business, business model, environment, oil industry, environmental degradation.