Real-Time Carbon Footprint Tracker: A Data-Driven Approach to Sustainable Living

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Kenneth Boateng

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

3

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

An application (Dapp) will be built to calculate and predict carbon footprints in real-time using mapping and vehicle data, empowering users with actionable insights to drive sustainable practices.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

Mapping and Geospatial Data APIs: Essential for real-time traffic and location data; necessary licenses will be obtained.

Vehicle Emission Data Sources: Required for accurate emissions calculations; partnerships will be sought.

Carbon Credit Verification Services: Needed for credible offsetting; collaboration with established organizations will be pursued.

Community Engagement: Support from environmental organizations is crucial for promotion and user adoption.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

Source Code Availability: The complete codebase will be hosted on a public repository (e.g., GitHub), enabling developers and users to access it freely.

Documentation: Comprehensive documentation will be provided to facilitate understanding and contributions, including setup instructions, usage guidelines, and contribution protocols.

Community Engagement: A framework will be established for community involvement, allowing users to report issues, suggest features, and submit code improvements.

Licensing: The project will utilize a permissive open-source license (e.g., MIT or Apache 2.0) to ensure that the code can be freely used and modified while protecting contributors' rights.

[METADATA] Horizons

Environment

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem Perception:

The growing awareness of climate change highlights the urgent need for actionable insights into carbon emissions. Many individuals and small businesses lack access to real-time data about their carbon footprints, making it challenging to understand their environmental impact and take meaningful action.

Approach:

The solution involves building a decentralized web application that calculates and predicts carbon footprints using real-time mapping and vehicle data. This data-driven approach allows users to visualize their emissions and understand the factors contributing to their carbon footprints, fostering informed decisions.

Project Engagement:

The project will engage:

• Individuals and Small Businesses: Users seeking to understand and reduce their carbon emissions.
• Environmental Activists: Organizations advocating for sustainability who can utilize the platform to present data-backed arguments.
• Local Communities: Communities interested in collective action toward sustainability and reduced emissions.

Demonstrating Impact:

Impact will be demonstrated through:

• User Metrics: Tracking the number of users and the frequency of carbon footprint calculations and predictions.
• Community Engagement: Analyzing user feedback and participation in discussions around carbon emissions and sustainability practices.
• Data Visualization: Providing accessible data and insights that highlight trends and improvements in local carbon emissions.

Unique Aspects:

What sets this solution apart is its integration of real-time data and predictive analytics, allowing users to not only calculate their carbon footprints but also to see the immediate impact of their actions in their communities. This capability empowers users to make informed choices and encourages local initiatives to reduce emissions.

Benefits to Cardano:

This project aligns with Cardano's mission to create sustainable solutions using blockchain technology. By leveraging Cardano's smart contract capabilities for transparency in carbon credit verification and offering a decentralized platform for community engagement, the project contributes to the broader agenda of environmental responsibility and sustainability. It also enhances Cardano's ecosystem by attracting users interested in blockchain's potential for positive social impact.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Project Value to Cardano Community: This project will enhance the Cardano community by promoting environmental sustainability through innovative technology. By offering a platform that calculates and predicts carbon footprints, the project aligns with Cardano's principles of social responsibility and community engagement. It will attract eco-conscious users to the Cardano ecosystem, showcasing the potential of blockchain technology for addressing real-world challenges.

Measuring Impact: Impact will be measured through both quantitative and qualitative methods:

1. Quantitative Metrics:

• User Engagement: Track the number of users, frequency of carbon footprint calculations, and predictions made.
• Community Participation: Monitor contributions from users, such as feedback, feature requests, and community discussions.
• Emission Reduction: Collect data on reported reductions in carbon footprints by users before and after utilizing the platform.

1. Qualitative Metrics:

• User Feedback: Gather testimonials and case studies from users to understand their experiences and the impact on their sustainability practices.
• Community Initiatives: Assess the formation of local initiatives or groups motivated by insights gained from the platform.

Sharing Outputs and Opportunities: Outputs will be shared through various channels:

• Public Repository: The codebase and documentation will be available on platforms like GitHub, encouraging collaboration and contributions.
• Community Workshops: Host workshops and webinars to educate users on utilizing the platform effectively and promoting sustainability.
• Social Media and Blogs: Regular updates and success stories will be shared through Cardano-related social media channels and blogs to engage the community.
• Collaborations: Partner with environmental organizations and local communities to disseminate findings and promote collective actions based on platform insights.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Existing Capabilities: With a background in full-stack development, data engineering, and business intelligence, there is a strong foundation for delivering a robust and effective solution. Previous experience in building data-driven applications and working with blockchain technology provides the necessary skills to develop the proposed carbon footprint tracker. Additionally, involvement in the Cardano community as a reviewer and participant ensures alignment with the ecosystem's values and standards.

Feasibility Validation: To validate the feasibility of the approach, the following steps will be undertaken:

1. Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research on existing carbon footprint tracking tools to identify gaps and user needs. This will inform the design and functionality of the proposed solution.
2. Technical Prototyping: Develop a minimum viable product (MVP) to test key functionalities and gather user feedback. This iterative process will allow for adjustments based on real-world usage.
3. Pilot Testing: Engage a small group of users from the target audience to test the application in real-life scenarios, gathering insights and ensuring the platform meets user expectations.

Trust and Accountability Measures: To ensure trust and accountability in managing funds, the following processes will be implemented:

1. Budget Transparency: A detailed budget plan will be created, outlining all projected expenses and allocations. This budget will be shared with stakeholders for review and feedback.
2. Regular Updates: Provide bi-weekly updates to stakeholders and the Cardano community on project progress, challenges faced, and financial status. This will foster transparency and keep the community engaged.
3. Open Source Development: By maintaining an open-source approach, all code and documentation will be accessible to the community, allowing for scrutiny and collaboration, which enhances accountability.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Research and Requirements Gathering (Weeks 1-2)

• Acceptance Criteria: Complete analysis of existing carbon footprint tracking tools and gather user requirements through surveys or interviews.
• Deliverables: Research report outlining user needs, potential features, and technical requirements.

Design and Prototyping (Weeks 3-4)

• Acceptance Criteria: Develop wireframes and prototypes for the web application, incorporating user feedback for intuitive navigation.
• Deliverables: Design documents and an interactive prototype for stakeholder review.

 Development of Core Features (Weeks 5-8)

• Acceptance Criteria: Implement key functionalities, including carbon footprint calculation, real-time data integration, and user interface.
• Deliverables: A functional MVP of the application ready for internal testing.

Testing and User Feedback (Weeks 9-10)

• Acceptance Criteria: Conduct thorough testing of the application, including unit tests, integration tests, and user acceptance testing (UAT) with a pilot group.
• Deliverables: Testing reports, user feedback summary, and a list of necessary improvements.

Final Adjustments and Launch (Weeks 11-12)

• Acceptance Criteria: Implement improvements based on user feedback, finalize documentation, and prepare for launch.
• Deliverables: Official launch of the web application, along with user guides and marketing materials.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Kenneth Boateng

An active member of the Cardano and Project Catalyst communities since Fund 10, with experience as a community reviewer and contributor to a funded project in Fund 11. A skilled Data Engineer and Full-Stack Developer, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. My interests lie in leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and artificial intelligence to solve longstanding challenges, pushing the boundaries of innovation to create impactful solutions.

ROLE

Project Lead/Developer

• Responsibilities:
• Oversee project development from concept to launch.
• Lead the design and implementation of the application.
• Conduct research, gather requirements, and integrate user feedback.
• Manage project timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder communication.

Website

Github

Telegram - KeBlacc

Discord - keblacc

Recruitment

Community Engagement Coordinator (Optional)

• Responsibilities:
• Manage outreach efforts to engage users and promote the application.
• Organize workshops and social media campaigns to raise awareness.
• Gather feedback from the community post-launch to inform future enhancements.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Assumptions

• Hourly Rate: 80₳/hour
• Hours per Week: 14 hours (2 hours per day, 7 days a week)
• Total Duration: 12 weeks

1. Research and Requirements Gathering (Weeks 1-2)

• Man-Hours: 28 hours (2 weeks)
• Cost: 28 hours×80₳/hour= ₳2240
• Resources: Survey Tools: ₳0 (Free)
• Total Cost: ₳2240

2. Design and Prototyping (Weeks 3-4)

• Man-Hours: 28 hours (2 weeks)
• Cost: 28 hours×80₳/hour= ₳2240
• Resources: Design Software: 60₳/month × 2 = ₳120
• Total Cost: ₳ 2360

3. Development of Core Features (Weeks 5-8)

• Man-Hours: 56 hours (4 weeks)
• Cost: 56 hours× ₳80/hour= ₳4480
• Resources:
• Cloud Hosting Services: ₳120 /month × 4 = ₳480
• Domain Registration: ₳45/year
• Total Cost: ₳5005

4. Testing and User Feedback (Weeks 9-10)

• Man-Hours: 28 hours (2 weeks)
• Cost: 28 hours× ₳80 /hour= ₳2240
• Resources:
• Quality Assurance Tools: ₳0 (Open source)
• User Testing Platforms: ₳150 (for a limited user group)
• Total Cost: ₳2390

5. Final Adjustments and Launch (Weeks 11-12)

• Man-Hours: 28 hours (2 weeks)
• Cost: 28 hours× ₳80 /hour= ₳2240
• Resources:
• Marketing Materials and Community Engagement: ₳600
• Total Cost: ₳2840

6. Community Engagement and Post-Launch Evaluation (Week 13)

• Man-Hours: 14 hours (1 week)
• Cost: 14 hours× 80₳ /hour= ₳1120
• Resources:
• Social Media Promotion: ₳300
• Feedback Collection Tools: ₳0 (Free)
• Total Cost: ₳1420

7. Unforeseen Expenses

• Hiring a Project Coordinator: Estimated at ₳3,500 for the duration of the project.
• Buffer for Unexpected Costs: ₳3000.

Total Estimated Cost in USD: ₳22755

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The proposed project budget of approximately 22755 ADA is carefully structured to ensure value for money within the Cardano ecosystem while addressing a critical environmental issue. Here are the key factors that justify this investment:

Cost Breakdown Transparency: The budget is detailed and accounts for various aspects of the project, including research, design, development, testing, community engagement, and unforeseen expenses. Each cost element is justified based on necessary resources and man-hours, reflecting a clear understanding of project requirements.

Proportionality to Market Rates: The hourly rate of 80 ADA per hour aligns with the average freelance rates in software development and project management in many regions, particularly for tech-related projects. This ensures that the project is both competitive and fair, attracting skilled resources while maintaining a reasonable budget.

Environmental Impact: The project aims to provide actionable insights into carbon emissions, fostering a cleaner environment and promoting sustainability. By quantifying carbon footprints in real-time, the solution supports environmental activists and organizations in advocating for change based on data rather than mere discussion. This aligns with Cardano’s mission of promoting social impact, making the investment in this project valuable not only for its immediate outputs but also for its long-term implications.

Community Engagement and Education: A portion of the budget is allocated for community engagement initiatives, ensuring that the project not only delivers a technical solution but also educates users about carbon emissions and environmental sustainability. This outreach will foster greater awareness and participation in environmental efforts, directly benefiting the Cardano community.

Scalability and Future Development: The investment lays the groundwork for future enhancements and scalability. The foundational work conducted during this project will enable the development of additional features, such as predictive analytics and geographic mapping, which can further engage users and provide deeper insights into carbon footprint management.

Open Source Contribution: By committing to making the project open-source, the initiative will encourage community collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation. This aligns with Cardano's ethos of decentralization and open access, ensuring that the project can evolve with community contributions and support.