Comparing the energy footprints of major cryptocurrencies reveals a massive gap between Proof of Work and Proof of Stake systems. While Bitcoin remains energy intensive, newer networks like Algorand and IOTA have reduced per-transaction electricity use to negligible levels, with some achieving carbon-negative status through offsets. Institutional investors are increasingly using energy efficiency as a primary filter for ESG compliance. The transition of networks like Ethereum to Proof of Stake has demonstrated that significant decarbonization is possible within digital asset infrastructure by changing consensus mechanisms.
