In WSN, the energy efficiency is a major issue in networks for enhancing the network lifetime. Due to the more data collections and packet transmission this issue becomes even more critical in large sensor networks. In this study, an energy efficient cluster head selection methodology has been proposed for WSN using firefly with dual update process (FFDUP) algorithm. The proposed approach produces maximum energy and prolongs the network lifetime. Subsequently the analysis based on the network sustainability, manner of cluster head distribution, risk mode and trade-off occurred from the proposed FFDUP algorithm is determined and validated by comparing with conventional algorithms such as artificial bee colony (ABC), FABC, firefly (FF) and artificial bee colony-dynamic scout bee (ABC-DS). The simulation results revealed that the proposed algorithm provides superior performance while comparing with the existing algorithm.