How to offset your crypto footprint
An active crypto holder’s annual footprint runs to a few tonnes of CO₂e, driven by network energy use. Here’s how to offset it.
What drives the footprint
A cryptocurrency footprint comes almost entirely from the energy used to run the network. Proof-of-work chains like Bitcoin are highly energy-intensive, while proof-of-stake chains like post-Merge Ethereum use a tiny fraction of that. An active holder or trader’s share runs to a few tonnes of CO₂e a year.
Because the impact is energy, renewable-energy credits are the most on-narrative, cost-effective way to offset it while the ecosystem continues shifting toward cleaner consensus and power.
Three steps, start to certificate.
Active holder / trader, one year: about 4 tCO₂e. Use our calculator for your exact number.
We recommend Renewable energy at $12/tonne for this use case — Gold Standard.
We buy the credits at wholesale, retire them on the public registry on your behalf, and email you a verifiable certificate.
Cut what you can before you offset.
Offsetting is for the emissions you can’t yet eliminate. A few practical ways to lower this footprint at source:
- →Favour proof-of-stake or low-energy chains where you have a choice.
- →Run any mining on renewable power.
- →Consolidate transactions to reduce on-chain activity.
Bitcoin vs Ethereum footprint?
Proof-of-work chains such as Bitcoin are far more energy-intensive than proof-of-stake chains such as post-Merge Ethereum.
Why renewable-energy credits?
They directly address the energy intensity that drives crypto’s footprint — an on-narrative, low-cost match.
How do I estimate my crypto footprint?
Estimate from the chains you use and your activity level; proof-of-work holdings dominate. Our calculator gives a directional figure.