Blockchain-based carbon footprint tracking and circular network construction for the sharing economy

The rapid expansion of the sharing economy has exposed critical limitations in carbon management systems, particularly regarding data transparency and resource circulation efficiency.This study systematically develops an integrated framework that combines blockchain architecture with a dynamic multi-regional input-output model, enabling precise carbon footprint tracking while establishing effective incentives for sustainable practices.The proposed system incorporates an innovative carbon-attributed consensus mechanism that aligns network operations with environmental objectives, alongside smart contract-driven optimisation that enhances circular material flows.Comprehensive evaluation through multi-sector validation demonstrates substantial improvements: approximately 93% reduction in carbon tracking variance, 15%-19% decrease in system-level emissions, and blockchain energy consumption reduced to merely 18% of conventional systems.This research provides a verifiable, scalable solution that effectively bridges technological innovation with sustainability goals, offering practical value for stakeholders across sharing economy ecosystems.