EcoLedger: A Blockchain-based Sustainable Resource Auditing and Fine System

Abstract

Rapid industrial growth over the past few decades has led to a sharp rise in the consumption of natural and energy resources. This increase has often led to inefficient use patterns, limited accountability, and difficulties enforcing sustainability practices in manufacturing industries. Conventional methods used for monitoring and auditing resources are typically centralised and lack transparency, making them vulnerable to data manipulation and reducing their effectiveness in ensuring regulatory compliance. To address these challenges, this project introduces EcoLedger, a blockchain-based system that monitors and audits resource usage while enforcing sustainability through a structured penalty mechanism. The system collects real-time data using sensors and records it on a distributed blockchain network, ensuring that resource usage, such as electricity, water, fuel, and compressed air, is tracked accurately across different departments in small and medium-scale manufacturing units. Smart contracts are used to automate key processes, including auditing, checking whether usage exceeds predefined limits, and applying penalties when sustainability rules are violated. By leveraging the core features of blockchain, such as immutability, decentralisation, and traceability, EcoLedger minimises the risk of data tampering and builds a more reliable and transparent auditing framework. In addition, the system supports detailed historical analysis, encourages responsible resource consumption, and enables organisations to make informed decisions based on accurate data. Overall, the proposed solution offers a secure, scalable, and governance-focused approach to improving sustainability practices in modern manufacturing environments.