Businesses are accountable for a significant portion of global emissions, making carbon accounting software essential for organisations of all sizes. They allow companies to track, analyse, and reduce their carbon footprint using insights pinpointing high-emission areas, then set reduction targets and monitor progress over time.
Choosing the right software means finding one that records emissions across multiple scopes, provides in-depth insights, generates compliance reports, and aligns with regulatory standards. In this guide we outline the key features to consider when selecting carbon accounting software, such as security, integration, automation, or reporting, before highlighting the 9 best carbon accounting software options available.
What Is Carbon Accounting Software?
Carbon accounting software are digital platforms for businesses to measure their carbon emissions, then analyse and uncover areas of reduction. They allow them to effectively track and report their reduction progress to comply with regulations and meet sustainability targets.
This can involve scope tracking, energy efficiency, supply chain analysis, carbon offset management, renewable energy integration, and real-time data monitoring.
Carbon accounting is crucial for achieving and maintaining sustainable business practices. It helps companies comply with regulations, and further aid the environment, rather than contributing to climate change.
How to Choose Carbon Accounting Software
When choosing a carbon accounting software, it should comply with all relevant regulatory compliance, such as the GHG Protocol. Data accuracy is crucial, and the software must provide the tools to accurately capture, measure and record this information.
A provider is responsible for offering adequate support and training resources to ensure employees can effectively use the software. Choose a provider that offers close communication with the client, and full-time support when assistance when required. Building from this, the platform itself should be user-friendly, with a comprehensive but accessible interface.
A software should offer seamless integration with any existing systems, such as CRMs or ERPs, as well as be scalable to meet any organisation size. Solutions should be cost-effective plus priority data security with robust encryption, secure data storage, multi-factor authentication, and compliance such as GDPR.
Criteria We Used to Choose the Software on This List
Dynamic Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions Calculation
The GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Protocol is the most widely used international framework for recording emissions. It measures direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions (Scope 2), and emissions from the entire value chain (Scope 3).
The software must precisely measure and calculate emissions across all scopes, and automating data collection ensures accuracy while reducing the manual effort involved in gathering emissions data from various sources.
It should integrate well with energy management systems, utility management systems, or any other platforms providing Scope 1-3 emission data.
Additionally, advanced reporting and analytics features are essential for tracking progress and ensuring compliance with global standards.
Ease of Use
Managing business-wide emissions, regardless of scale, requires a comprehensive and intricate software. The best solutions will be sophisticated and user-friendly, offering powerful features while remaining accessible to all users.
These should consist of intuitive interfaces with sleek navigation and organised menus.
Data collection should be automated where appropriate to save on admin and optimise accuracy and efficiency of emissions tracking.
Built-in tips or tutorials can be available to guide starting users through the more complex areas (such as Scope 3 data quantification), or the provider should be able to efficiently respond to customer queries and swiftly offer support.
Integration
Ensure that your carbon accounting software solution can seamlessly integrate with a range of relevant systems, databases, and tools.
By connecting to a business’s energy management systems, it gains real-time energy usage data for efficient reporting.
With CRM (customer relationship management) integration, client lifestyle emission data is passed over, allowing for accurate Scope 1 data emissions.
Software could integrate with GIS (Geographical Information Systems) to identify areas to target, plus allow for the visualisation of geographical emissions data.
Ensure the software can seamlessly integrate with other systems through APIs, such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, HR databases, or third-party emissions calculators.
Scalability
Carbon accounting software should ensure they are scalable to account for business growth and subsequent growth in data volumes. This can be achieved by cloud-based architecture, for example, which allows for a rapid and flexible addition of servers or storage.
Regulatory compliance can evolve rapidly, such as changes in emission calculation methodologies. Software should be scalable to adapt to these changes, to ensure their customers remain compliant.
Furthermore, the software should be adaptable to incorporate advancing technologies, such as utilising AI for a comprehensive data analysis. Another example is IoT devices (such as vehicle trackers, environmental sensors, or wearable tech) for real-time data collection.
Reporting and Analytics
A strong carbon accounting platform should be able to offer data visualisation at a granular level for enhanced decision-making, compliance and reporting accuracy, as well as a precise breakdown of emissions across various departments.
It should be able to identify trends over time, with predictive insights to forecast future emissions and energy consumption, helping businesses set realistic targets.
Benchmarking practices allow businesses to implement methods from top-performing companies, directly influencing and improving their sustainability efficiency.
Your solution should be able to produce sleek, clear regulatory compliance reports in the click of a button, allowing you to share your reduction progress with any relevant stakeholders.
Compliance
Software should be able to generate thorough compliance reports with ease that comply with all relevant bodies, such as SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting), or UK ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme).
This allows companies to comply with enhancing carbon regulations, and lessen chances of penalties or fines from breaking regulations.
Businesses can then further strengthen relationships with regulators like the UK Environment Agency, while also supporting eligibility for government incentives like Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs).
Automation Capabilities
Software should be able to automate data collection. An example is integrating with smart metres to aggregate data over time and gaining a comprehensive analysis of emissions trends without the need for manual admin.
AI can be integrated to power insights, such as AI-based anomaly detection, or predictive analytics for future emissions to identify opportunities for reductions.
The software should automate tasks like generating regular emissions reports, sending notifications for key deadlines, and flagging potential compliance risks.
Data input should bring automatic GHG calculations, following a globally-recognised framework for consistent and accurate measurement.
Customisation Options
Your Carbon Accounting Software of choice should offer powerful customisation options, to ensure they encompass a broad scale of varied businesses.
Custom data fields and dashboards would allow for flexible data entry. The core system could offer add-on modules based on regions, industries, or regulations.
Businesses can then spotlight industry-specific metric tracking or target specific regulations.
Customisable workflow automations would allow businesses to optimise their carbon accounting processes based on any set needs. This could be approvals for data entry, custom alerts, automatic report generation, and more.
Security and Data Privacy
Software must ensure end-to-end data encryption to instil user confidence with data integrity, while avoiding risks of data breaches.
Multi-factor authentication should be required when accessing sensitive systems or data, reducing the risk of account takeovers by forcing users to verify their identity. This is an additional layer of security beyond a password.
Security audits should be routinely performed which can identify threats and vulnerabilities of data such as hackers, before it has risk of being exploited.
Customer Support
Carbon accounting solutions should offer a variety of reliable customer support options, such as a 24/7 online support portal.
This provides round-the-clock instant access to troubleshooting and FAQs, reducing wait times for common queries, and encourages user independence. Without this, users may be forced to face delays amongst critical moments.
A primary account manager could offer tailored assistance personalised across a wide range of businesses, helping customers optimise their experience for a range of set contexts.
The provider should also offer close communication with the client when needed.
Cost and Pricing Model
Just because you’re securing a powerful software doesn’t mean it has to be the most expensive option.
Solutions should have transparent pricing structures without hidden fees, simplifying comparisons with competitors, and strengthening trust with customers.
Flexible subscription plans should accommodate a vast scale of business, with affordable options for startups, all the way to premium offerings for enterprises.
Our Experience – Why Trust Our Opinion?
As environmental legislation evolves, Gaia routinely provides solutions to keep UK businesses ahead of the curve.
We’re leaders in developing software solutions for businesses of all sizes. Recognising the importance of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy early on, we launched the UK’s largest Natural Capital Asset Marketplace, offering the widest selection of BNG units from over 100 sellers in England. Our go-to Marketplace helps developers meet environmental planning requirements by facilitating the sale of off-site BNG units, creating matches for sustainable development.
With our software Gaia Enterprise, we enable organisations from leading environmental charities to the most forward-thinking councils to maximise their green initiatives. They licence a white-labelled version of the Marketplace for themselves, enabling the management, showcasing, and selling of their natural capital assets.
With new natural asset classes joining the Marketplace such as nutrient and carbon credits, our Carbon Accounting Software will allow businesses to directly offset their emissions. We will seamlessly connect businesses with certified, top-tier projects to support sustainability targets.
With Gaia, organisations achieve both precise emissions management and impactful, effective offsetting—all in one streamlined, cost-effective, all-rounder solution.
Comparison Table
The Best Carbon Accounting Software
Gaia
The Gaia Carbon Accounting Software is a powerful, UK-based solution designed for comprehensive carbon management across industries. With flexible, scalable pricing, Gaia’s platform adapts seamlessly to diverse sectors like manufacturing, retail, finance, and technology.
Offering granular Scope 1-3 tracking—down to complex Scope 3 supply chain emissions—it aligns with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and incorporates the latest UK GHG conversion factors from DEFRA and DESNZ for unparalleled accuracy.
Easily integrate Gaia with existing systems, from QuickBooks and Sage to NetSuite, or import data directly. AI-enhanced analytics provide fast, precise emissions measurement, while advanced features deliver on-demand SECR compliance reports and instant B Corp impact assessments.
It enables direct offsetting through the UK’s leading Marketplace for Natural Assets, created by Gaia, supporting a range of national environmental initiatives.
Though the software currently lacks global compliance tools, Gaia stands out as an ideal choice for UK businesses aiming to reduce emissions and maximise sustainability performance across a range of industries.
- Website: https://gaiacompany.io/carbon-accounting-software/
- Pricing: Plans start at just £1,980 annually, with a range of options tailored for company sizes.
- Location: London, England, UK.
Persefoni
Persefoni is a carbon accounting platform that automates GHG calculations and disclosures. Their robust analytics and reporting capabilities allow users to make data-driven decisions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. It’s a great solution for enterprises, financial institutions and SMBs.
While their Sustainability Advisory Board includes expert guidance and support, the extensive initial setup and data preparation process can be challenging.
- Pricing: Persefoni offers a free ‘Pro’ plan for carbon accounting, while pricing for their ‘Advanced’ plan is available upon request ($55,000 – $250,000 annually depending on company size).
- Location: Tempe, Arizona, USA.
- Website: https://www.persefoni.com/en-gb
Watershed
Watershed is a comprehensive carbon management platform with a focus on real-time data processing, user-friendly tools, and industry-specific emissions factors. They have extensive support for enterprise compliance with frameworks like SEC disclosures and the Science-Based Targets initiative.
They offer 60 pre-built integrations, supporting ingestion from diverse systems of business. The platform offers high data accuracy with a broad library of over 60,000 emission factors, enhancing industry-specific precision.
A minor setback is that they don’t offer a free demo, meaning users must commit upfront, and their enterprise-grade pricing may be prohibitive for smaller businesses.
- Website: https://watershed.com/en-GB
- Pricing: While Watershed does not publicly list its pricing, estimates suggest costs range from $37,000 to $264,000 annually, depending on company size.
- Location: San Francisco, USA, with offices in New York, Sydney and London
Sweep
Sweep is a solid choice for larger organisations, with a particularly strong capability in managing Scope 3 emissions. They facilitate collaboration between businesses and their suppliers, streamlining the process to meet shared sustainability objectives.
While they offer excellent supply chain management with compliance tools and data accuracy, there are limited free options and it sits at a higher price point as it positions itself as an enterprise-grade solution.
- Website: https://www.sweep.net/
- Pricing: While Sweep does not publicly list its pricing, estimates suggest costs range from €34,000 to €195,000 annually, depending on company size.
- Location: Montpellier, France.
Emitwise
Emitwise is a carbon management platform aimed at large companies with complex operations. Their platform can capture financial-grade accuracy of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions through automation and API-based integration.
With high data accuracy and streamlined supplier engagement, it’s a strong choice for those aimed at supply chain decarbonisation.
As a result, it works best for industrial and manufacturing sectors, making it a less versatile option for a broader range of businesses. The specialised features could be less adaptable to companies outside the targeted industries.
- Website: https://emitwise.com/
- Pricing: While Emitwise does not publicly list its pricing, estimates suggest costs range from £35,000 to £100,000 annually, depending on company size.
- Location: London, England, UK.
NetZeroCloud
Salesforce’s Net Zero Cloud is an ESG and carbon management platform for carbon emissions alongside broader environmental impacts. It integrates with Salesforce’s CRM tools and analytics, with a broad spectrum of features, as well as a Net Zero Marketplace.
Though powerful, this option starts at $48,000 a year, reaching up to $210,000 for additional functionalities, making it an extremely costly option. Existing Salesforce users benefit from integrated CRM and analytics features, while non-Salesforce users may find setup and integration more complex and costly.
- Website: https://www.salesforce.com/net-zero/
- Pricing: Salesforce Net Zero Cloud starts at $48,000 per year for the Starter edition and $210,000 per year for the Growth edition, with pricing depending on features and company needs.
- Location: San Francisco, California, USA.
CarbonChain
CarbonChain is a fantastic solution aimed towards complex industrial supply chain management. They focus on manufacturing, commodity trading, as well as financial institutions in sectors with high carbon (such as energy production or transportation).
Their automated carbon accounting ensures precise emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3, with extensive coverage of the supply chain and asset-specific emissions data.
With a broad data coverage of over 100,000 assets globally for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, CarbonChain offers an ideal solution for businesses in commodities in manufacturing, but this niche may limit usefulness for other businesses.
- Website: https://www.carbonchain.com/
- Pricing: No public pricing details found, please contact through their website.
- Location: London, England, UK.
Sphera
Offering a robust ESG and carbon accounting platform, Sphera focuses on high compliance standards for larger enterprises in regulatory-heavy industries, offered with premium pricing.
They target energy, chemicals, manufacturing, and similar industries, also providing environmental, health, and safety (EHS) management) as a streamlined sustainability solution.
The comprehensive solution may require a high learning curve and setup complexity, potentially with higher implementation resources. It offers broad compliance and high capabilities for data management, but may have limited customisation and integration challenges.
- Website: https://sphera.com/
- Pricing: No public pricing details found, please contact through their website.
- Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Greenly
Greenly is a great solution for small-mid sized businesses in Europe. Tracking emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 with some detailed sustainability insights. They have proficient integration with third-party apps, such as Google Cloud, Shopify, and AWS, and offer audit-ready reports for clear reduction transparency.
Designed with user-friendly tools ideal for smaller teams at a starting price of $2,500 annually, Greenly is a highly accessible option for smaller businesses.
Primarily geared towards European markets, this could limit appeal in regions with differing regulatory frameworks, and there are possible limitations in customisation across features and reports.
- Website: https://greenly.earth/
- Pricing: Greenly offers carbon accounting plans starting at €3,800 per year for GHG Report Compliance, €5,800 for Climate Action Ready, and €7,800 for Net Zero Contributor.
- Location: Paris, France.
The Importance of Carbon Accounting
With carbon being the leading driver of climate change, businesses have a critical responsibility to acknowledge and address their impact. They add layers of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere and trap heat, rising the planet’s surface temperature, causing extreme weather, rising sea levels, droughts, biodiversity loss and ocean acidification.
One person can make a positive environmental impact by reducing carbon emissions, but the scale at which businesses operate holds immense potential to significantly help preserve the planet’s atmosphere.
‘Large’ companies in the UK (with over 250 employees, £36 million in turnover, or £18 million in balance sheet total), must meet CA standards by law, under the SECR (Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting) framework.
Beyond this, CA crucially prevents green-washing and other misleading claims regarding environmental responsibility, with optimal reduction efforts then streamlined reporting tools for transparency. It enhances brand reputation, demonstrating environmental responsibility to customers, investors, and stakeholders. It helps businesses future-proof their operations against increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and keep up with consumers increasingly seeking eco-friendly brands.
More Information
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/577/made
https://carbonaccountingfinancials.com/standard
https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-are-scope-1-2-3-carbon-emissions