I. Introduction
Combining blockchain with ML has opened new possibilities for creating a potent tool for addressing issues like energy use and carbon impact tracking, all of which contribute to sustainable development. The importance of transforming the energy industry with innovative technologies is rising in tandem with concerns about climate change and the pressing need to transition to a more sustainable future [1]. There is great potential for machine learning to improve energy usage because of its ability to analyze large amounts of data and derive helpful conclusions. At the same time, blockchain technology’s distributed ledger has enabled secure and efficient data handling, particularly regarding environmental friendliness [2]. Research into the emerging field of selflearning blockchain technology and its potential applications in carbon footprint tracking and sustainable energy use is the focus of this study. Our study seeks to demonstrate how these interconnected systems might contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future by combining the immutability and transparency of blockchain technology with the capacity to foretell the trajectory of machine learning. Together, these technologies have the potential to make carbon footprint tracking more transparent and efficient, which, in turn, might speed up energy management operations [3]. A more transparent and responsible strategy for utilizing renewable energy sources may result from this. Global energy use has skyrocketed in the past several decades. The expansion of digital resources, urban areas, and manufacturing facilities are mostly to blame. Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change have become major concerns because of this dramatic increase in energy use, which has had devastating impacts on Earth. These concerns have motivated individuals everywhere to make significant strides in reducing their carbon footprints and shifting to renewable energy sources [4]. Thus, merging blockchain with machine learning presents an intriguing new approach to managing energy resources and monitoring carbon emissions in real-time. Machine learning is a sophisticated AI method that excels at analysing and processing massive volumes of complex data. This allows for the discovery of trends and patterns that could otherwise go unnoticed. Machine learning algorithms can forecast future energy needs, determine the most efficient distribution of energy, and improve its efficiency by utilizing various techniques and data models. This facilitates a shift toward more eco-friendly energy consumption habits. Furthermore, these initiatives benefit from blockchain technology since it offers a safe and open platform for monitoring and validating energy transactions, preserving data integrity, and bolstering sustainability claims. How Machine Learning Contributes to Sustainable Energy Utilization For many companies, promoting an energy economy and making decisions in advance are crucial components of sustainable energy consumption. Machine learning plays a crucial role in this process [5]. Using historical data and patterns of energy consumption, machine learning algorithms may identify inefficiencies and provide individualized recommendations for reducing energy waste. With the help of real-time data collected from smart meters, sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, machine learning models can determine the most efficient distribution of energy, anticipate when demand will be highest, and adjust the energy supply accordingly [6]. There may be an increase in energy-saving and environmentally friendly behaviours because of this. By forecasting the production of renewable energy sources and determining the most efficient methods to use them, machine learning has the potential to enhance the existing energy system. As a result, we would use less non-renewable energy and have a smaller carbon impact. The significance of blockchain technology in monitoring emissions Many companies have found it easier to monitor and manage their carbon emissions as blockchain technology is transparent and secure. Using the immutable and decentralized nature of blockchain records, everyone may verify and record the carbon emissions associated with various phases of manufacturing and distribution. In addition to promoting more accountability on the part of energy suppliers and consumers, improved tracking facilitates the administration of carbon offsetting schemes and inspires individuals to adopt greener practices [7]. With blockchain’s smart contracts, not only can agreements be automatically executed, but sustainability regulations can also be satisfied, and renewable energy certificates and carbon credits can be quickly added to the energy market. Blockchain and machine intelligence for renewable energy: benefits and drawbacks Blockchain and machine intelligence can track energy use and carbon footprints, but various issues must be addressed. Due to energy system complexity and data availability, establishing accurate machine learning models that adapt to changing energy usage patterns is difficult. Blockchain networks struggle with scalability, privacy, and interoperability [8–11]. Protecting private energy data requires powerful cryptography and agreement procedures. These intriguing difficulties provide exciting new R&D opportunities for longterm energy solutions, encouraging creativity and cooperation. Sustainability: This research examines how combining these technologies may encourage cleaner energy habits to combat climate change. More and more, people are worried about the effects of climate change on the environment. To address this growing concern, we must immediately implement innovative solutions to improve energy management and foster sustainable growth. In addition to reducing energy use, the project aims to provide innovative technologies that guarantee transparent and honest tracking of carbon footprints. For years to come, this will contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future. It achieves this by investigating potential integrations between blockchain and machine learning [12–15]. What kinds of energy consumption patterns may be anticipated and enhanced with the application of machine learning techniques to support green energy practices? In what ways may blockchain technology encourage the energy sector to adopt greener practices while simultaneously improving the visibility and traceability of carbon footprints? When it comes to monitoring energy use and carbon footprints, what are the benefits and drawbacks of integrating blockchain and machine learning? How can we construct a robust and adaptable system that integrates blockchain and machine learning capabilities to facilitate the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources and the transparent measurement of individual carbon footprints? Achieving State-of-the-Art Results in Machine Learning: To motivate individuals to use less energy and decrease waste, it is necessary to develop sophisticated machine learning algorithms that can analyse data on previous energy use, forecast future energy demands, and determine the optimal distribution of energy.