Sustainability buzzwords are very common in the crypto space, but proving real environmental or social progress using a blockchain remains a global challenge.
For businesses, it’s easy to say they’re making an impact. It’s much harder to back those claims with hard data and use blockchain-driven technology to do so.
That’s the gap Sian Young wants to close.
In an interview with CCN, the COO of SDG Assessment explained how her team built a blockchain-based system designed to cut through greenwashing. Their proposed solution is a utility token called SDGA and a digital scoring tool known as the SDPI+ Scorecard.
Together, they form a system where every sustainability claim, from carbon savings to plastic recycling, must be backed by verified evidence before it counts.
From rejecting vague ESG narratives to prioritizing human well-being in tech design, Young outlines how her team replaces empty promises with measurable, community-driven results.
Verified Progress Over Gamification
SDG Assessment’s platform avoids the trap of self-reported data and rewards only what can be proven.
“We address gamification bias by requiring all reported activities and milestones to be backed by tangible evidence, such as supporting documents, third-party certifications, or direct data integrations”, Sian says.
Every sustainability action submitted is reviewed, often with help from partners like the Center for Sustainable Action. Claims, such as a reduction in carbon emissions, must be accompanied by audit reports, supplier data, or utility bills.
Young says this system “builds trust, drives real impact, and helps organizations move beyond box-ticking to true leadership in sustainability.”
The app is built to keep up with changing laws around sustainability reporting. For example, when the European Union introduced stricter rules about how companies must report their environmental impact, the system was updated quickly to stay in line.
“We’ve already adapted to major updates like the EU’s CSRD omnibus amendments and evolving Scope 3/4 reporting guidelines,” , Sian emphasizes.
She adds that the platform’s modular design allows changes “within days to weeks,” and thanks to Dr. Lowellyne James, a top-ranked climate advisor on the team, they stay ahead of new standards.
From Carbon Credits to Community Votes: The Tech Behind the SDGA Token
The SDGA token lives on Solana and Young says this decision aligns with their environmental mission.
“Each Solana transaction uses less energy than a single Google search, which aligns directly with our mission to minimizethe environmental impact”, she points out.
The chain’s low energy use and speed enable the tokenization, verification, and trading of real-time sustainability data.
The team is preparing a Q3 launch for carbon credits generated through SDG-linked projects.
“Our carbon credits will be generated through SDG-linked projects with data assured using our SDPI+ Scorecard.”
They work with platforms like DigiCaaS to measure plastic waste repurposing and emissions reduction.
How a Wellness-First DAO Is Redefining Blockchain for Good
To prevent governance manipulation, the team has placed a 5% cap on wallet ownership and built a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) around community-led decisions.
“Members—including sustainability experts, small business owners, and community partners—actively collaborate on proposals and decisions.”
She points to tools like quadratic voting to prevent large holders from dominating outcomes.
Wellbeing-First ESG: How SDG Assessment Is Redefining Impact and Inclusion
SDG Assessment doesn’t stop at compliance. Its core design includes wellness principles drawn from Young’s past in health coaching.
The Safety, Health, and Wellbeing (SHaW) model underpins how the tech was built.
“When you build technology around human health and engagement, you unlock unstoppable innovation.”
Her own experience of overcoming homelessness shaped the team’s inclusive approach.
“When people’s wellbeing is at the center, barriers fall and creativity flourishes,” Sian says.
The same ethos applies to clients. Not every company is a fit. Young says her team has declined partnerships where standards couldn’t be met.
“When an organization is unwilling to engage transparently or refuses to address critical sustainability gaps, we step back.”
With academic partnerships at London Metropolitan and Exeter University supporting their carbon methodology, Young says their system is built on “science and recognized standards.”
She closes with a reminder: sustainability should be open to everyone.
“We’re working to close the $4 trillion annual funding gap for the Sustainable Development Goals, not just for large corporations, but for businesses, communities, and individuals everywhere.”
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, financial advice. We do not make any warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. All investments involve risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. We recommend consulting a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
Dr. Lorena Nessi is an award-winning journalist and media technology expert with 15 years of experience in digital culture and communication. Based in Oxfordshire, UK, she combines academic insight with hands-on media practice.
She holds a PhD in Communication, Sociology, and Digital Cultures, and an MA in Globalization, Identity, and Technology.
Lorena has taught at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Nottingham Trent University, and the University of Oxford. She is a former producer for the BBC in London, with additional experience creating television content in Mexico and Japan.
Her research focuses on digital cultures, social media, technology, capitalism, and the societal impact of blockchain innovation.
She has written extensively on digital media and emerging technologies, with her work featured in both academic and media platforms. Her Web3 expertise explores how blockchain technologies shape culture, economics, and decentralized systems.
Outside of work, Lorena enjoys reading science fiction, playing strategic board games, traveling, and chasing adventures that get her heart racing. A perfect day ends with a relaxing spa and a good family meal.
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