The concept of a just transition in energy-intensive industries is gaining growing attention in both academic and practical realms. Stakeholders’ perspectives, particularly those of frontline workers in relevant fields, are crucial for understanding the nuances of a just transition. However, research in this domain, especially concerning the glass manufacturing industry, remains yet sparse. This study fills this gap by developing an integrated framework that assesses the attitude of practitioners towards a low-carbon transition, as evidenced by their stance on implementing sustainable energy technologies (SET) in glass production. It also explores disparities among different groups to detect potential injustice issues, and examines the factors that drive their support for SET. Utilizing survey data from 270 frontline practitioners within glass manufacturing corporations in China, we have obtained a preliminary understanding of their opinions toward SET, and uncovered variances indicative of justice-related concerns. We delved deeper into the determinants of SET support using a three-dimensional model and hierarchical regression analysis. Our findings indicate that social-psychological attributes, perceived intrinsic qualities of SET, and perceived extrinsic contextual elements are all significant motivators for the acceptance of SET. In light of these insights, we propose recommendations for policymaking and environmental communication that incorporate considerations of justice.