Green Gauge-Decentralized Carbon Accounting: A Blockchain-Based Framework for Transparent and Scalable Emission Tracking

Abstract

Day after day, climate change intensifies, necessitating tracking solutions for carbon emissions that offer transparent operations and efficiency, alongside scalability and sustainable behavioural incentives. The proposition to track carbon emissions is not new, yet standard tracking systems present multiple deficiencies, including double reporting, fraud, high operational costs, and constrained access for small organisations. We have developed a blockchain system that follows a framework to track both carbon emissions and trading activities, using smart contracts and decentralised ledger technologies to establish security, trust, and automation. Our system requires IoT sensor integration and AI analytics to enable continuous monitoring and safe storage, along with direct carbon trading without third-party involvement. The proposed framework addresses blockchain energy consumption issues by examining Proof of Stake (PoS) and hybrid consensus models. The model presented facilitates a massive reduction in carbon emissions and enhances transparency and efficiency.