Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano topped the first institutional-grade crypto ESG ranking, while Bitcoin lagged due to its heavy energy usage, according to a report by CCData and the Crypto Carbon Ratings Institute. The report evaluated 40 of the largest digital assets based on parameters such as decentralization, security, and climate impact.

ESG mandates are becoming increasingly important for institutional investors and large asset management firms, with ESG-related assets under management expected to reach 33.9 trillion by 2026. Attendees at CoinDesk's Consensus conference suggested that crypto should embrace ESG to capture new institutional money.