The 5 best carbon accounting software (August 2024)

Q: What are the benefits of using sustainability software over internal sustainability solutions?

Businesses that use software can efficiently bulk upload data from various departments and stakeholders to effortlessly measure their total corporate carbon footprint (CCF) and value chain emissions. As companies increasingly adopt software to revolutionise their sustainability management capacities, they can benefit from enhanced efficiency via automated emissions calculations, vast cost savings, enhanced stakeholder transparency, and improved brand resilience.

Q: What are the essential features to look for in carbon accounting software?

Intuitive and powerful data collection, accurate Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) calculations, detailed carbon emissions reporting, strategic decarbonisation target setting, advanced progress tracking and analytics, and effective decarbonisation action planning. Interfaces for manual input, bulk imports, and API connections help maintain data hygiene and reduce errors.

As the global economy undergoes a rapid transition towards net-zero emissions, manual carbon accounting is no longer a viable option for businesses that wish to remain competitive. As sustainability risks and opportunities intensify across the corporate landscape, companies that want to ensure accuracy and reliability when measuring and disclosing data relating to their sustainability performance are ultimately required to source a digital carbon accounting solution.

‍Carbon accounting, or ‘greenhouse gas accounting,’ is the systematic methodologies, measurement, and monitoring used to evaluate and quantify the amount of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) an activity or entity emits. However, many organisations lack awareness of the strategic potential of utilising a practical carbon accounting and decarbonisation platform.

What is carbon accounting software?

The vital role of technology within carbon accounting is irrefutable due to the decisive role of software in allowing companies to streamline and automate their sustainability management (e.g. carbon accounting). As a result, companies can collate their carbon data in one unified platform, measure their carbon footprint, create scientific targets, and plan to reduce their emissions all in one place. Meanwhile, several carbon accounting software enable organisations to engage their internal and external stakeholders and report on their emissions to ensure compliance with non-financial regulatory and reporting frameworks.

A comprehensive carbon accounting software - such as Plan A’s Carbon Management Platform - uses Scopes 1, 2 & 3 emissions calculators in line with the GHG Protocol methodology to streamline businesses’ carbon accounting, lay the groundwork for setting science-based targets (SBTs) and thus streamline sustainable transformation.

Using sustainability software versus building internal sustainability solutions

Multiple spreadsheets often burden internal solutions, data stored in several departments, and a need for more expertise on emission factors and emissions analysis. Meanwhile, a SAP Insights survey found that under one-third of mid-market executives are fully satisfied with the data quality at their disposal to drive sustainable transformation. Meanwhile, the same study reported that 86% of organisations still use spreadsheets to measure emissions data.

These figures underline that many businesses are caught up using endless spreadsheets to collect, track and analyse data surrounding their sustainability performance when they could alternatively join the increasing number of companies leveraging the power of carbon accounting software to maximise the accuracy and reliability of data.

Data collection with Plan A Carbon Accounting Software — Overview of data collection features in Plan A's carbon accounting platform.
Credit: Plan A

On the contrary, businesses that use software can efficiently bulk upload data from various departments and stakeholders to effortlessly measure their total corporate carbon footprint (CCF) and value chain emissions. As companies increasingly adopt software to revolutionise their sustainability management capacities, they can benefit from enhanced efficiency via automated emissions calculations, vast cost savings, enhanced stakeholder transparency and improved brand resilience.

Beyond the enormous strategic opportunities that carbon accounting software facilitates, businesses that adopt carbon accounting software can mitigate risks such as reduced employee engagement due to lacking sustainable commitment, more significant internal costs due to increased waste, and fines or administrative costs due to not complying with policies or regulations.

As a carbon accounting expert, I strongly advocate for using sustainability software over building internal solutions. Leveraging data-driven software ensures more accurate and reliable data collection, measurement, and tracking, which is fundamental for sustainable transformation. Unlike cumbersome internal solutions reliant on spreadsheets, advanced software offers automated emissions calculations, streamlined data integration across departments, and enhanced stakeholder transparency. This not only boosts efficiency and cost savings but also strengthens brand resilience and mitigates risks related to compliance and sustainability commitments.

- Johannes Weber, Director of Sustainability Solutions @ Plan A.

The 5 best carbon accounting software of 2024

Looking for the best carbon accounting software to meet the specific sustainability needs of your business? We have ranked the 5 best options on the market in 2024:

1. Plan A‍

Plan A offers a certified carbon management platform, science-based expert support, and a network of service partners to guide businesses through their transformational decarbonisation journey, turning them into leaders of tomorrow’s net-zero economy. The green-tech pioneer combines cutting-edge technologies and the latest scientific standards and methodologies (certified by TÜV Rheinland and GHG Protocol compliant) to deliver automated CO₂ emissions calculation, carbon reduction planning, regulation and audit-proof ESG reporting—empowering businesses to manage their entire net-zero journey all in one platform.

Plan A provides end-to-end carbon analysis that allows businesses to efficiently measure and reduce emissions in scopes 1, 2, and 3, decarbonise operations and value chains, comply with ESG regulations, and communicate performance to internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, Since 2017, Plan A has boasted an in-house team of experts in sustainability, carbon accounting, decarbonisation, policy, and customer success, ensuring the sustainability journey of their clients is seamless. Plan A’s prominent reputation in the world of carbon accounting software is reflected in its expansive customer base that includes leaders such as N26, BNP Paribas, Chloé, Flix, Sorare, BMW and Trivago. Plan A is also a global exclusive partner to VISA. Plan A has received several awards, including the Generali’s SME EnterPRIZE Award and the prestigious Europas Award.

Plan A Company Dashboard — Explore Plan A’s software today

2. IBM's Environmental Intelligence Suite

The IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite is a legacy software focused on data management. Functioning as an emissions management software, it offers rudimentary climate risk analytics with the assistance of IBM's AI capabilities. A significant component of IBM's offering revolves around risk assessment and response strategies. Its attributes empower organisations to monitor disruptive climate patterns, aiming to integrate carbon accounting into operational processes. For businesses searching for carbon accounting software tailored for sizeable corporations and equipped for projecting future carbon emissions, the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite may be a suitable choice. However, it may provide a more personalised experience than many organisations require.

3. Salesforce's Net Zero Cloud

Net Zero Cloud by Salesforce reflects Marc Benioff's (Salesforce CEO) dedication to addressing climate change. This carbon accounting platform leverages Salesforce's prowess in automation, language support, and integration features. While such features equip it with valuable emissions reporting capabilities, the platform is ultimately constrained by its reliance on an existing data schema that wasn't inherently designed for accounting purposes. Meanwhile, assessments of its overall scalability have produced mixed results. However, the platform's dashboard functionality remains robust, and Net Zero Cloud has established formidable partnerships, including key players such as Accenture.

4. Microsoft Sustainability Cloud

The Microsoft Sustainability Cloud extends Microsoft's commitment to sustainable initiatives. This offering allows companies to document, disclose, and curtail their environmental impact via Microsoft's Sustainability Manager. Microsoft envisions customers leveraging this platform to magnify progress and reshape their business strategies through robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) capabilities. However, the carbon accounting solution may be best suited for mid-market and small-to-medium business (SMB) clients, yet definitive conclusions still need to be made.

5. Sphera

Sphera is a comprehensive ESG performance and risk management software under The Blackstone Group's umbrella. Sphera approaches emissions management through a lens of integration, emphasising organisational safety enhancement and liability reduction to foster trust and cultivate a positive environmental image. Sphera's carbon accounting software centres on dissolving information silos by centralising reporting, data, and management tools. In addition, Sphera’s platform cultivates collaborative efforts within teams dedicated to safety and sustainability pursuits.

How to choose the best carbon accounting software for your company

There are 10 key criteria businesses must consider while browsing for the most effective carbon accounting solution.

Key criteria	Explanation
Scopes 1, 2, 3 emissions calculation coverage	A carbon accounting platform must allow businesses to efficiently and accurately calculate their emissions across the entire value chain. This is essential as the vast majority of emissions are indirect—or Scope 3—emissions.
Data-driven	Carbon accounting software should facilitate hassle-free data collection, input, and analysis in one centralised location. Data collection may seem tedious, yet effective carbon accounting software will allow organisations to consolidate their data in one secure platform to ensure they can gain accurate insight into the company’s carbon footprint.
Decarbonisation first	Decarbonisation-oriented carbon accounting platforms will guide their clients to reduce their emissions and sustainably transform business effectively, rather than just offsetting or compensating, which exposes businesses to the perils of greenwashing.
Underpinned by science	Businesses should look for carbon accounting software underpinned by a certified methodology. Alignment with the GHG protocol ensures that businesses can accurately compare emissions across all scopes and facilities, obtain industry-specific benchmarks, and identify emissions hotspots. Meanwhile, software recognised by globally renowned certifications such as TÜV Rheinland ensures that businesses have access to accurate, science-backed data.
Emissions forecasting	When choosing carbon accounting software, organisations should look for software that empowers users to visualise their past emissions and forecast future emissions to highlight opportunities for mitigation. This allows businesses to track progress seamlessly and adjust their strategy where necessary.
ESG and sustainability reporting	Directives such as the CSRD are now here and pose a great opportunity for businesses to transform. Accordingly, companies must adopt a solution that combines leading accounting and reporting features, expert support, and educational insights to ensure policy compliance. In doing so, businesses can enhance corporate reputation, stay ahead of evolving regulations, and ultimately elevate their competitive edge.
Ease of use	It is critical that carbon accounting software is user-friendly, regardless of how capable the platform may be. An efficient, easy-to-use carbon accounting software free from extended onboarding processes, provides personalised support and offers expert education insights that enable users to seamlessly understand how business activities impact their carbon footprint and how to most effectively reduce emissions without wasting time.
Tailored support	Software is the basis of any effective sustainability strategy. Businesses must choose a carbon accounting solution that offers tailored support based on a range of factors influencing the company (e.g., industry, size, geographic location). In doing so, businesses can seamlessly navigate tailored issues such as complex data input and validating science-based targets.
Relevant partnerships	Choosing a carbon accounting software provider with a strong ecosystem of partnerships with reputable companies is a strong indicator of their industry knowledge, expertise, and ability to cater to current and future climate change and emissions requirements.
Lead by example	When searching for a reliable carbon accounting software provider, it is critical that companies that must walk the talk by engaging in their own sustainability initiatives are prioritised. B-corp-certified carbon accounting providers (e.g., Plan A) are those that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

Companies looking to make a meaningful impact on the environment must choose a carbon accounting software aligned with GHG Protocol Methodology. GHG Protocol supplies the world's most widely used greenhouse gas accounting and is essential for ensuring accuracy and reliable carbon management. From an operational perspective - prioritising a platform that is easy to use, provides intuitive and data-driven insights, and has a team of real-world climate experts behind it is essential to setting your organisation up for sustainability success.

- Nick Dale, Chief Product Officer @ Plan A.

Essential features to look for in carbon accounting software

Feature	Detail
1. Intuitive and powerful data collection	Streamlined data gathering from multiple sources to ensure accurate and efficient carbon accounting. Interfaces for manual input, bulk imports, and API connections help maintain data hygiene and reduce errors.
2. Accurate Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) calculations	Automates the calculation of a company's carbon footprint, enabling precise measurement of GHG emissions across all scopes. This foundational step provides the baseline for reporting and target setting.
3. Detailed carbon emissions reporting	Facilitates detailed GHG disclosures for regulatory, voluntary, and value chain reporting. Supports the generation of reports in various formats, including ready-to-publish PDFs and raw CSVs.
4. Strategic decarbonisation target setting	Assists in setting and visualising emission reduction targets using methodologies like Science-Based Targets (SBTs). Features intuitive charts and graphs for effective progress tracking.
5. Advanced progress tracking and analytics	Provides continuous monitoring of emissions and the net-zero journey with dashboards and visual insights. Offers advanced analytics for deeper carbon profile analysis, empowering sustainability teams to make data-driven decisions.
6. Effective decarbonisation action planning	Identifies critical areas for emission reduction and integrates Scope 3 data for comprehensive decarbonisation plans. Recommends and manages projects through an intuitive interface, ensuring efficient reduction of value-chain-wide emissions.

More details about essential features of carbon accounting software can be found in our dedicated article.

Still unsure which carbon accounting software is best for your business? Click here to learn more about Plan A’s leading carbon accounting platform.

As the global economy rapidly transitions towards net-zero, businesses that do not take the lead on sustainability will be unable to remain competitive. Rather than using internal sustainability solutions, companies must integrate carbon accounting software into their broader corporate strategy. Due to the high number of carbon accounting software vendors on the market, companies must remember to look for a comprehensive and user-friendly platform underpinned by data that is decarbonisation-oriented, scalable, and able to be tested before purchasing.

Book a demo with Plan A today to kickstart your net-zero journey.