8 decarbonisation software to consider in 2025

In a business landscape increasingly defined by climate action, decarbonisation software has emerged as an essential tool for organisations serious about reducing their carbon footprint. Unlike traditional carbon accounting platforms that focus primarily on measurement and reporting, decarbonisation software provides forward-looking capabilities to help companies not just understand their emissions, but systematically reduce them.

Accordingly, this guide explores eight leading decarbonisation software solutions to consider, focusing specifically on their emissions reduction capabilities and how they can support your organisation's journey to net-zero.

What is decarbonisation software?

While carbon accounting focuses primarily on measuring and reporting emissions, decarbonisation software adds strategic planning capabilities, reduction pathway modelling, and implementation tracking to drive actual emissions reductions. These platforms typically include standard carbon accounting features like data collection and emissions calculation but extend their functionality to support the entire decarbonisation journey – from setting science-based targets to implementing and tracking reduction initiatives.

Key capabilities of effective decarbonisation software

Effective decarbonisation software offers several distinct capabilities that differentiate it from basic carbon accounting tools:

• Comprehensive emissions tracking: Capture data across all emission scopes (1, 2, and 3) to ensure complete carbon accounting and identify reduction opportunities throughout the value chain
• Reduction pathway modelling: Create and evaluate different decarbonisation scenarios aligned with science-based targets and business goals
• Initiative management: Track the implementation and effectiveness of specific decarbonisation projects and their contribution to overall targets
• Decision support tools: Analyse potential reduction strategies based on cost-effectiveness, implementation feasibility, and carbon impact
• Supply chain engagement: Collaborate with suppliers to collect emissions data and implement reduction initiatives across the value chain ‍
• Regulatory readiness: Generate reports that meet requirements for various frameworks like the CSRD, SEC climate disclosure rules, and voluntary standards

The most advanced platforms go beyond these basics to offer automated data integration, AI-powered insights, and seamless connections to other business systems – turning decarbonisation from a compliance exercise into a strategic advantage.

Why is decarbonisation software a must-have for businesses? 

For companies serious about climate action, decarbonisation software provides several crucial benefits:

• Strategic emissions reduction: Identify and prioritise the most impactful reduction opportunities across operations and value chains, targeting investment where it matters most
• Data-driven decision making: Move beyond guesswork with quantifiable insights into the carbon and financial impacts of potential reduction initiatives
• Progress tracking: Monitor performance against both near-term (5-10 year) and long-term targets with granular visibility
• Supplier collaboration: Engage effectively with value chain partners to address Scope 3 emissions, which typically account for the majority of a company's carbon footprint
• Regulatory readiness: Stay ahead of evolving climate disclosure regulations with audit-ready data and compliant reporting capabilities
  

Top decarbonisation software to consider in 2025

When evaluating decarbonisation software for your organisation, it's crucial to consider platforms that offer strong emissions reduction capabilities alongside fundamental carbon accounting functions. Here are eight leading solutions to consider in 2025:

1. Plan A

Plan A stands out with its decarbonisation-first approach, focusing not just on measurement but on driving meaningful emissions reductions across organisations and their value chains.

Key decarbonisation capabilities:

• Science-based target setting with flexible approaches (absolute, intensity, or SBTi targets)
• Decarbonisation pathway modelling with scenario planning features
• Comprehensive action library with reduction potential assessment to prioritise high-impact initiatives
• Carbon forecasting that accounts for business growth and planned reduction initiatives
• Expert-guided decarbonisation strategies tailored to specific industry challenges

Plan A's platform combines robust carbon accounting with purpose-built decarbonisation tools, allowing sustainability teams to identify emissions hotspots, model different reduction pathways, and track progress toward science-based targets. The software also offers strong supply chain engagement features for addressing Scope 3 emissions, which often represent the largest portion of a company's carbon footprint. Get a feel for Plan A's state-of-the art decarbonisation software via the interactive demo below:

What sets Plan A apart is its balance of technological capabilities with human expertise – users can access on-demand support from decarbonisation specialists to verify targets, develop custom reduction strategies, or address specific challenges. This makes it particularly valuable for organisations seeking both powerful software and expert guidance on their decarbonisation journey.

For companies looking to set decarbonisation targets aligned with science and develop actionable implementation plans, Plan A offers a comprehensive solution that spans the entire carbon management lifecycle.

2. Microsoft Sustainability Manager

Microsoft's offering integrates deeply with the broader Microsoft Cloud ecosystem, making it particularly valuable for organisations already using Microsoft's business applications. Microsoft Sustainability Manager excels at handling large volumes of emissions data from diverse sources and providing accessible visualisations for decision-makers. Its integration with other Microsoft products makes it easier to embed carbon considerations into broader business operations and financial planning.However, some users note that the platform has a steeper learning curve compared to more specialised sustainability software.

3. IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite

IBM's solution stands out for its sophisticated climate risk assessment capabilities alongside emissions management features. IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite combines carbon management with broader environmental intelligence, helping organisations understand how climate risks and carbon reduction strategies interconnect.  The platform leverages IBM's analytics expertise to process complex emissions data and identify patterns that can inform reduction strategies. Its ability to incorporate climate risk data alongside emissions information provides a more holistic view of sustainability challenges and opportunities.

4. Watershed

Watershed has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and strong focus on actionable decarbonisation strategies. Watershed excels at making complex carbon data accessible and actionable, with intuitive visualisations that help sustainability teams identify priority areas for reduction. The platform also offers strong support for supplier engagement, helping organisations address Scope 3 emissions that often constitute the majority of their carbon footprint. One of Watershed's distinctive features is its policy intelligence capabilities, which help companies understand how evolving regulations might impact their decarbonisation strategies. 

5. Persefoni

Persefoni has established itself as a robust platform for financial institutions and large enterprises with complex carbon accounting needs. The software is particularly well-suited for financial institutions and companies with sophisticated reporting requirements, offering strong compliance features alongside strategic decarbonisation tools. Its integration capabilities with financial systems help embed carbon considerations into broader business planning.

6. Sweep

Sweep has emerged as an innovative platform focused on collaborative approaches to carbon reduction. Sweep's distinctive approach emphasises collaboration, with features designed to engage stakeholders across the organisation and supply chain in emissions reduction efforts. The platform makes it easier for sustainability teams to delegate data collection and reduction initiatives to relevant business units while maintaining centralised oversight.

7. Salesforce Net Zero Cloud

Salesforce's sustainability offering leverages the company's CRM expertise to create a user-friendly carbon management platform. Salesforce Net Zero Cloud benefits from the company's expertise in user experience design, offering an intuitive interface that makes carbon data accessible to users across the organisation. The platform's integration with other Salesforce products helps embed carbon considerations into customer relationship management, procurement, and other business processes.

Essential features of decarbonisation software

At the heart of impactful decarbonisation lies efficient data collection, accurate measurement, science-based target-setting and tailored decarbonisation planning. Here are 5 critical features businesses should prioritise when searching for a decarbonisation software:

1. Intuitive and powerful data collection

To ensure accurate and efficient emissions measurement, 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 provides the baseline for target setting and decarbonisation initiatives.

3. 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.

4. Advanced progress tracking and analytics

Provides continuous monitoring of emissions and the net-zero journey with dashboards and visual insights. Advanced analytics empower sustainability teams to make data-driven reduction decisions.

5. Effective decarbonisation action planning

Identifies critical areas for emission reduction and integrates Scope 3 data for comprehensive decarbonisation plans. It recommends and manages projects through an intuitive interface; ensuring efficient, value-chain-wide emissions reduction. 

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

Evaluating decarbonisation software for your organisation

Selecting the right decarbonisation software requires careful consideration of your organisation's specific needs, challenges, and climate objectives. Here are key criteria to guide your evaluation process:

Alignment with business objectives

Before selecting any decarbonisation software, it is reccomended that you clearly identify your organisation's sustainability goals and how they align with broader business objectives:

• Are you primarily focused on regulatory compliance, or are you pursuing ambitious voluntary targets?
• Do you need to address specific stakeholder concerns from investors, customers, or employees?
• How does decarbonisation integrate with other business priorities like cost reduction or risk management?
• What timeline are you working with for emissions reduction targets?

The software you select should directly support these objectives, providing the specific capabilities needed to achieve your sustainability goals while complementing broader business strategies.

Data management capabilities

Effective decarbonisation requires robust data management capabilities:

• Data collection flexibility: The software should support multiple data collection methods, from manual entry to automated API connections with existing systems
• Data quality controls: Look for built-in validation checks, error detection, and data quality assurance features
• Historical data handling: The platform should accommodate historical emissions data to establish baselines and track progress over time
• Granularity: The system should allow emissions tracking at various levels of detail (facility, department, product line, etc.)

Consider how the software will integrate with your existing data management systems and whether it can accommodate the specific types of data relevant to your operations and industry.

Reduction planning and tracking features

The core value of decarbonisation software lies in its ability to support emissions reduction planning and implementation:

• Target setting: The platform should support different target-setting methodologies, including science-based targets aligned with global climate goals
• Initiative modelling: Look for tools that help evaluate potential reduction initiatives based on carbon impact, cost, and implementation feasibility
• Progress tracking: The software should provide clear visualisations of progress toward reduction targets, with alerts for potential gaps
• ROI assessment: Advanced platforms help quantify both the carbon and financial benefits of reduction initiatives

Evaluate how thoroughly the software supports the entire decarbonisation process, from planning through implementation and verification.

Regulatory compliance capabilities

As sustainability regulations continue to evolve, your decarbonisation software should help you stay compliant:

• Reporting frameworks: The platform should support relevant frameworks like the CSRD, SEC climate disclosure rules, and voluntary standards
• Audit support: Look for features that facilitate third-party verification, with clear audit trails and documentation
• Methodological alignment: The software should apply calculation methodologies consistent with recognised standards like the GHG Protocol
• Forward compatibility: Consider whether the platform can adapt to evolving regulatory requirements

Assess how well the software addresses the specific compliance requirements relevant to your industry and operating regions, and whether it can grow with changing regulations.

Integration and scalability

The most effective decarbonisation software integrates seamlessly with your existing systems and can scale with your organisation:

• System integration: Look for platforms that connect with enterprise systems like ERP, energy management, and procurement tools
• Organisational scalability: The software should accommodate your organisational structure and potential growth
• User accessibility: Consider how different stakeholders across the organisation will interact with the system
• Performance with data volume: Ensure the platform can handle the volume and complexity of data relevant to your operations

Evaluate whether the software can become a well-integrated part of your broader business systems rather than a standalone solution.

Expert support and industry knowledge

Beyond technical capabilities, consider the expertise and support provided by the software vendor:

• Industry-specific knowledge: Does the vendor understand the unique challenges and opportunities in your sector?
• Implementation support: What resources are available to help with software setup and integration?
• Ongoing guidance: Does the vendor offer expert advice on decarbonisation strategies and best practices?
• Training resources: Are comprehensive training materials available for different user types?

For many organisations, especially those early in their decarbonisation journey, the guidance and expertise provided by the vendor can be as valuable as the software itself.

At Plan A, for example, software capabilities are complemented by access to decarbonisation experts who can provide personalised guidance on target setting, reduction strategies, and regulatory compliance. This combination of technology and expertise can be particularly valuable for organisations without extensive in-house sustainability teams.

Future trends in decarbonisation software for 2025 and beyond

As climate action becomes increasingly central to business strategy, decarbonisation software is rapidly evolving to meet growing demands. Understanding emerging trends can help organisations select platforms that will remain relevant and effective in the coming years.

AI and advanced analytics integration

Artificial intelligence is transforming how decarbonisation software analyses emissions data and recommends reduction strategies:

• Predictive emissions modelling via advanced algorithms will forecast emissions trajectories based on business growth and reduction initiatives, enabling proactive management
• Automated data processing through machine learning will streamline data collection and validation, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy
• Optimisation algorithms and advanced analytics will determine the most cost-effective mix of reduction initiatives to meet targets

Leading platforms, such as Plan A, are already incorporating these capabilities, with more sophisticated AI integration expected to be a key differentiator by 2025.

Real-time emissions monitoring and IoT integration

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with decarbonisation software will enable more dynamic emissions management:

• Real-time dashboards will display current emissions status against targets, enabling immediate intervention
• Automated responses will adjust operations based on carbon intensity, such as shifting energy-intensive processes to times when grid electricity is cleaner
• Connected sensors will provide continuous data on energy use, process emissions, and other carbon-intensive activities

This trend will be particularly important for organisations with significant Scope 1 emissions from manufacturing, logistics, or other operational activities.

Enhanced supply chain collaboration

As companies increasingly focus on Scope 3 emissions, decarbonisation software will offer more sophisticated supplier engagement capabilities:

• Collaborative platforms where companies and suppliers can share verified emissions data and reduction initiatives
• Supplier analytics that help identify and prioritise engagement with high-impact vendors
• Shared reduction targets and progress tracking across the value chain

These capabilities will be crucial as companies tackle their Scope 3 emissions, which often account for the majority of their carbon footprint.

Financial integration and carbon economics

The next generation of decarbonisation software will more closely integrate with financial systems and decision-making:

• Internal carbon pricing tools that incorporate emissions costs into business decisions
• Investment analysis features that evaluate both financial and carbon returns on potential initiatives
• Climate risk modelling that connects emissions performance with financial risk assessment

This integration will help organisations move beyond treating decarbonisation as a compliance exercise and recognise it as a core financial consideration.

Regulatory intelligence and compliance preperation

As climate regulations continue to evolve across different jurisdictions, decarbonisation software will incorporate more sophisticated compliance features:

• Regulatory tracking that monitors changes in reporting requirements across regions
• Automated gap analysis to identify missing data or processes needed for compliance
• Multi-framework reporting that efficiently generates disclosures for different standards from a single data set

These capabilities will be particularly valuable as more organisations face mandatory reporting under frameworks like the CSRD in Europe and SEC climate disclosure rules in the US.

Making the right choice for your decarbonisation journey

As climate action becomes increasingly central to business strategy, having the right decarbonisation tools in place will be essential for organisations looking to thrive in a low-carbon future. By carefully evaluating your options and selecting a platform aligned with your specific needs, you can transform your climate commitments into measurable progress toward a more sustainable business model.

Selecting the right decarbonisation software is a crucial step in your organisation's sustainability journey. The platform you choose will not only help you measure and report on emissions but should actively support your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint and achieve your climate goals. It is important that you focus on your specific organisational needs, challenges, and objectives. The most advanced platform may not necessarily be the right fit if it doesn't align with your particular industry requirements, existing systems, or internal capabilities.

For organisations seeking comprehensive decarbonisation support that combines powerful software with expert guidance, Plan A's decarbonisation platform offers a balanced approach. With features specifically designed to drive emissions reductions – from target setting and scenario planning to initiative tracking and expert advisory services – Plan A helps companies not just measure their carbon footprint but systematically reduce it. Schedule a call with Plan A's experts today to transform decarbonisation into a strategic tool.