Proof of Green is an expandable, chain-agnostic specification document introducing the concept of a “Minimum Viable Standard”.
Rather than aiming to compete with or replace any existing standards and approaches Proof of Green will be compatible with a wide variety of implementations, articulating a foundational common ground that makes the differences of rigour and approach clearer and more actionable.
It is intended, not as a marketing brand, but as a simple, rigorous, shared basis for interoperability and comparability of environmental impact metrics and tools, enabling all stakeholders to connect through a shared language to discuss, measure, compare, mitigate and demonstrate environmental impacts.
A standardized method of disclosure will make it easier for users, investors, and
regulators
to understand the environmental impact of different blockchain networks and
applications.
This could lead to greater accountability and pressure to reduce emissions.
The energy consumption and environmental impact of blockchain technology, has been a
controversial issue.
A consensus on emission disclosure could help improve the public
perception of blockchain technology by demonstrating a commitment to transparency
and
environmental responsibility.
With a standardized measurement method, it will be possible to compare the emissions
of
different blockchains and applications directly.
This could incentivize blockchains to
become more efficient in order to be more attractive to environmentally conscious
users
and
investors.
Shared standards and vocabularies for the disclosure of emissions facilitate both
negotiation and adoption of
accelerating environmental regulation of blockchain technologies.
Proof of Green will be a lever
to
maximise environmental, product and market fit before
a gathering regulatory wave.
The need to reduce emissions could drive innovation in the blockchain space, leading
to
the
development of more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms and other technologies.
Chain-specific tooling can also grow from this standard, such as blockchain mining
with
emission
ceilings, or regulatory alerts and dashboards when a chain or node exceeds agreed
targets,
or places strain upon the domestic electricity grid.
Investors are increasingly considering environmental factors in their investment
decisions.
A standard for measuring and disclosing blockchain emissions could influence
investment
flows in the blockchain space, potentially favoring more energy-efficient networks,
applications, and user behaviors.