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The concept of 'environmental footprint' has evolved significantly since its introduction in the 1990s. Initially, it focused solely on carbon emissions, but contemporary models incorporate a broader spectrum of impacts, including water usage, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. This expansion reflects a growing recognition that ecological sustainability cannot be achieved by addressing a single metric in isolation. For instance, a product may have a low carbon footprint yet require excessive water during production, thereby straining local water resources. Consequently, researchers now advocate for a holistic assessment framework that integrates multiple indicators. However, such comprehensive evaluations are methodologically complex and data-intensive, often leading to trade-offs between accuracy and practicality. As a result, policymakers frequently rely on simplified proxies, which may inadvertently overlook critical environmental pressures. This tension between scientific rigor and operational feasibility remains a central challenge in sustainability science.