Blockchain Sustainability

Definition ∞ Blockchain sustainability refers to the environmental and economic viability of blockchain technologies and their associated operations. This concept primarily addresses the energy consumption of consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-work, and explores more energy-efficient alternatives. It also considers the long-term economic models that support the continued operation and development of decentralized networks without depleting resources or creating unsustainable financial burdens.
Context ∞ The primary discussion around blockchain sustainability currently centers on the energy footprint of proof-of-work blockchains and the transition towards more energy-efficient consensus algorithms like proof-of-stake. There is a significant focus on the environmental impact reports and the development of greener blockchain solutions. Regulatory bodies and environmental advocacy groups are increasingly scrutinizing the energy demands of the sector, influencing protocol design and adoption strategies.