Interplanetary File System Green is a project launched by Protocol Labs in 2021 to transform the Interplanetary File System into a verifiable green network.

Focused on exploring the energy consumption generated by the IPFS network, the Protocol Labs team has been tracking and verifiably decarbonizing the environmental impact of IPFS. Recently, the team released its latest research results, launching the "Interplanetary File System Energy Dashboard.

1. Interplanetary File System Green

Much of the conversation surrounding blockchain technology and climate concerns has focused on the energy consumption of proof-of-work chains. However, little has been said about how the development of Web3 will enable more transparent tracking and accountability of green technologies. Interplanetary File System hopes to be at the forefront of this change, with InterPlanetary File System Green, an initiative to make its blockchain carbon neutral and, in time, carbon negative.

2. The role of the interplanetary file system in environmental protection

Most users understand the importance of the storage provider to the Interplanetary File System. They are at the center of the island economy, providing file storage services to anyone from anywhere. As more storage providers join the chain, the energy use of the network does increase, but most of that energy is used to provide a useful resource: storage capacity.

In this sense, the Interstellar File System has played a role in being a green blockchain. Its efficient proof-of-work consensus algorithm is based on value output, avoiding wasteful energy consumption due to driving simple proof-of-work blockchains.

3. The power of Web3 to build better solutions

Additionally, the network’s infrastructure enables energy usage to be measured more easily than other major blockchains. On the Interplanetary File System, storage providers have unique identities related to their network activity. This activity can be used to model electricity consumption using on-chain information. The energy dashboard utilizes the design features of the Interplanetary File System to improve energy transparency between Web2 and Web3, allowing anyone to estimate the energy usage of any node in the network.

Knowing the electricity usage of an IFS node can match that usage with renewable energy. This was demonstrated in a partnership with Energy Web Zero, matching IPFS energy use with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Store records of renewable energy purchases on Filrep, a reputation system that stores data on the Interplanetary File System. Each record tracks where energy was produced and certifies ownership of the corresponding REC.

4. Interplanetary File System and Cryptocurrency Climate Protocol

Another step that Interplanetary File System is taking to build a greener solution is joining the Cryptocurrency Climate Protocol. Modeled after the Paris Climate Agreement, the CCA (Cryptocurrency Climate Agreement) is a joint effort between stakeholders in the crypto and blockchain space who are working together to reduce the carbon footprint of technology. The agreement hopes to decarbonize the cryptocurrency space by 2040 and ensure the industry's carbon emissions are close to zero by 2030. The CCA has developed a three-pronged approach to ensure that:

• Baseline Established for Renewable Energy Use in the Crypto Space

• Encourage the development of open-source tools that help decarbonize mining

• Share measurable progress and additional assistance needed to achieve goals

The Interplanetary File System Foundation and Protocol Labs have joined the CCA to support this work and are playing an active role in fulfilling its mission. This includes developing the Interplanetary File System energy dashboard and helping to support the Energy Web Zero platform for purchasing renewable energy. After the effort, Interplanetary File System is not only a pioneer of open source tools, but also developed a decarbonization strategy that can be used by other currencies.

5. Future development

In conclusion, the blockchain and cryptocurrency industries can become important players in the renewable energy space and drive objective, actionable change towards sustainable development. Due to its inherent technological advantages, it can even surpass traditional companies in combating climate change. Interplanetary File System Green will certainly play a role in this. The network is already ahead of most blockchain projects by taking steps to measure and reduce environmental impact.