Internet Computer Association

DFINITY Foundation

ICP Maximalist Network

cycledao.xyz

ICDevs.org

# Proposal to establish a carbon footprint and sustainability policy for the Internet Computer

## Proposal

- Ask DFINITY to conduct a carbon footprint / environmental impact assessment - either through internal resources or hiring an external consultant to answer basic questions about what the carbon footprint of running a IC Subnet is, where that electricity is sourced, what the total cost per transaction is on the IC blockchain
- Ask DFINITY to add an “energy consumption” reporting panel to the IC Network Status dashboard

## Forum Discussion: 

https://forum.dfinity.org/t/sustainability-nns-proposal/11976

## Motivation

The goal of this proposal is to educate people that sustainability = environmental + social + economic impacts. Ideally the IC can address all of these impacts eventually, and this policy is starting by focusing on environmental impact.

“Going green” provides a marketing opportunity for The Internet Computer to enter the discussion around electricity usage and the blockchain. Solana’s report on electricity usage earlier this year made massive PR waves in the mainstream media outside of the crypto echo chamber. [(1) ](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/one-solana-transaction-uses-little-114956337.html)

In addition, discussion of Bitcoin and Eth’s POW model has become a toxic talking point about the evils of crypto - hard numbers and coherent talking points about IC’s policy on these issues would give our marketing a new major talking point to push. I want to be able to answer inquiries like this one from twitter with strong data and a clear message. [(2) ](https://twitter.com/Skeletoony/status/1505953212939001863)

Finally - my intention is that this proposal be structured to set a general direction for the Internet Computer when it comes to environmental concerns. The Internet Computer is currently positioning itself for massive breakout growth, and nothing in this proposal should slow or limit that growth. Instead it combines research and reporting with marketing and intention - we can look at the data that comes back and submit additional proposals related to this topic in the future. The Internet Computer was designed with energy efficiency in mind, and already claims “Systems built 100% on the Internet Computer run with efficiency comparable to the traditional IT stack, providing massive savings in costs and protecting the environment.” [(3) ](https://dfinity.org/icig.pdf) The Internet Computer is already a highly efficient green blockchain and web host. [(4) ](https://icpjesse.medium.com/crypto-in-the-age-of-climate-change-d3816bd016f9)This proposal aims to codify that fact, measure it, and officially promote it.

## Reference Links:

1. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/one-solana-transaction-uses-little-114956337.html
2. https://twitter.com/Skeletoony/status/1505953212939001863
3. https://dfinity.org/icig.pdf
4. https://icpjesse.medium.com/crypto-in-the-age-of-climate-change-d3816bd016f9


<Proposal to establish a carbon footprint and sustainability policy for the Internet Computer>