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As more companies seek to reduce their carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions, carbon accounting software and the use of a carbon management platform have become more useful than ever.
Using carbon accounting software allows companies to be held accountable for their new environmental goals, methods to reduce their emissions, monitor their emission reduction progress, and be provided with expert advice on how to proceed with their business in a more sustainable manner.
What is the best carbon accounting software as of 2025?
In order to this question objectively, we've evaluated leading platforms against pivotal criteria including data accuracy, compliance capabilities, user experience, reporting features, and options to seamlessly integrate additional features.
In this article, we'll explain what carbon accounting is, why it's important to invest in carbon accounting software, and the best carbon accounting software as of 2025.
We will also examine case studies of successful implementations and provide actionable insights on to select the right carbon accounting platform for your organization's specific needs.
Carbon accounting, which is sometimes referred to as greenhouse gas accounting – is a process a company uses to measure the amount of carbon dioxide emissions they are responsible for so that they may equally trade carbon credits between states, companies, and individuals in the carbon market.
Carbon accounting software is often based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), as it can allow businesses to follow the most up-to-date requirements for ESG reporting, data collection process, transparency, and to help companies break down the process to monitor and manage their scope emissions.
Emissions data from advanced carbon accounting software can help a company determine their carbon emissions which can often prove difficult for companies to calculate alone, making carbon management software a great way for companies to be guided in the best carbon accounting method suitable for their business and ensure proper data collection in addition to the most effective carbon reduction targets.
In fact, the market for carbon accounting software is growing exponentially – with the carbon accounting software market reaching a new high of $12.73 billion USD in 2022, $15.32 billion USD in 2023, and expected to grow to over $33 billion USD between 2024 and 2029.
A systematic literature review published in Green Finance reviewed 27 journal articles to assess the current impact and success of carbon accounting on sustainable development. The study revealed that utilizing robust carbon accounting platforms positively influenced the sustainable development index amongst various international companies – demonstrating that emissions management, collecting sustainability data, and overall carbon accounting efforts are effective.
Companies are growing cognizant of their environmental impact, and therefore – many have sought third party assistance to manage and reduce their carbon footprint through carbon accounting software.
The CDP's 2023 Climate Change Scoring Methodology underscores the importance of structured emissions reporting and management, as achieving a high score with their methodology will allow companies to develop an effective transition plan aligned with a 1.5°C pathway.
This trend is accelerating due to regulatory developments like the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the SEC's Climate Disclosure Rule – which will require thousands of companies to report their emissions with accuracy and transparency.
Microsoft has implemented comprehensive carbon accounting strategies in order to accomplish their sustainability goals.
As Microsoft has committed to becoming carbon negative by 2030 – several efforts to monitor, manage, and reduce carbon and GHG emissions were implemented. This includes Microsoft's Sustainability Cloud, which is their in-house platform to allow for automated data collection and improved sustainability management.
Through the use of carbon accounting tactics such as by focusing on scope emissions, Microsoft has since been successful in reducing emissions, as they have:
Overall, while Microsoft's sustainability initiatives are still a work in progress, the company demonstrates how large organizations can lead the way in integrating carbon accounting practices. Their innovative efforts in sustainable technology and supply chain collaboration, along with their commitment to setting ambitious emissions reduction targets, showcase ongoing resilience – a quality essential for ensuring that all corporations worldwide are also working to reduce their environmental impact.
A leading carbon accounting software can help companies to:
For example, carbon accounting allows companies to fairly exchange carbon credits and determine how much they should invest into a carbon offset project. This support alone can help justify carbon accounting software cost and encourage companies to take on a carbon accounting solution.
Additionally, advanced carbon accounting platforms offer more sophisticated and technical capabilities, such as:
A study from Deloitte revealed that 63% of businesses are now interested in developing more robust carbon tracking and reduction goals, as an effort to contribute to global efforts such as carbon neutrality or net-zero emissions. Overall, this data suggests that companies are increasingly recognizing the value of utilizing structured carbon accounting and risk management software.
While the answer is subject to varying depending on your company's current business carbon footprint, size, and industry – a carbon management platform or carbon accounting solution could cost anywhere from $2000 to $20,000 USD.
The readable cards (flip your cursor over the cards to read) will further illustrate the price range for carbon accounting platforms depending on your company's size and emission reduction goals:
€5,000 for carbon accounting of an SME for scopes 1 and 2.
€10,000 for carbon accounting of an SME for scopes 1, 2, and 3.
€4,000 if the company has fewer than 250 employees.
€6,000 if the company has between 250 and 499 employees.
€20,000 and more for large companies.
If you're interested in price comparisons to help with your organization's carbon emissions – check out pricing page here.
Carbon accounting is a great first step towards developing a more sustainable business model and reducing carbon emissions. After all, it’s hard to pinpoint which carbon reduction measures to take if you don’t know how much carbon emissions you’re producing in the first place – but carbon accounting software can help companies to accurately measure and reduce emissions effectively.
A 2023 report from the World Economic Forum, Winning in Green Markets: Scaling Products for a Net Zero World, emphasizes how businesses are responsible for shaping green markets and making corporate climate action a standardized practice worldwide. The report highlights explains that these leading companies with strong sustainability strategies are bound to gain a competitive advantage and help curate an environment conducive to proactive climate action for businesses.
Essentially, carbon accounting operates in a similar manner to financial accounting – but instead of trying to manage a company's financial data, the goal is to calculate emissions and process environmental data.
This is where carbon accounting software come in handy. Running a business is difficult enough, which is why many companies in 2025 are seeking third party solutions such as carbon accounting software to help them determine their current carbon emissions, create successful mitigation strategies, and reduce their carbon footprints and improve their overall sustainability efforts.
Carbon accounting software is a third party solution to help you with carbon accounting in order to manage and support a company in the efforts to reduce their carbon emissions and provide more precise emissions calculations.
Carbon accounting software can help keep companies informed about their carbon emissions, and actively seek to reduce their carbon footprint and future emissions as their company grows.
A 2024 study published by Nature Humanities and Social Sciences Communications explored how carbon accounting and green finance benefited 500 Chinese publicly listed companies over the course of 10 years. The study revealed that employing the methodologies embodied by carbon accounting helped to improve their sustainability performance.
A carbon accounting platform usually offers specialized modules for the following:
Despite the benefits of carbon accounting software, these tools are still relatively new – which means that many companies have yet to subscribe to the potential positive impacts carbon accounting software could yield for their company.
In fact, according to Gartner, only 38% of business leaders have made it a priority to implement environmental sustainability into their decision-making processes.
Carbon accounting software can help companies reduce their carbon emissions. However, it’s important to note that the term “carbon emissions” is a generic term that is used to represent all types of greenhouse gasses that provoke global warming.
According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the term “carbon emissions” can refer to:
Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing significantly to global warming, produced from agricultural practices, landfills, and fossil fuel extraction.
Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are synthetic chemicals used in industrial applications. They are persistent in the atmosphere and have a high global warming potential.
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆) is a potent greenhouse gas used in electrical insulation. It traps heat in the atmosphere effectively, contributing to global warming.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. They are powerful greenhouse gases, although they don't deplete the ozone layer.
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) is a significant greenhouse gas emitted during agricultural activities and the combustion of fossil fuels. It has a much higher global warming potential than CO₂.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, produced primarily by burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation. It is the baseline for measuring global warming potential.
Modern carbon accounting platforms allows for comprehensive tracking across all these greenhouse gases, converting them to carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) using the latest global warming potential factors (GWP) from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This standardization process follows the requirements found in ISO 14064, which helps to continue making CO₂e a universal measurement for comparison.
Companies that choose to commit to a carbon accounting software allows them to improve their management of the carbon emissions that they are responsible for creating. Carbon accounting can also allow for better financial opportunities, as stakeholders are likely to take interest in a company that is seeking to reduce their carbon emissions.
Carbon accounting software helps to establish greater transparency and ultimately, better communication between stakeholders and other potential investors, while providing the technical foundation necessary for science-based target setting and verified emissions reduction pathways that align with globalized standards.
Utilizing a carbon management platform offers a range of benefits for organizations seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Additional key advantages of carbon accounting include:
As more companies join the movement to work toward net-zero emissions by 2050, carbon accounting is becoming pivotal in order to be successful. Planning for net-zero emissions, which involves counterbalancing as many emissions as possible, requires strategic planning that can be simplified through the use of a carbon accounting software.
Selecting the most appropriate carbon accounting software for your business is crucial in order to effectively reduce emissions. However, it can be challenging to choose the right carbon accounting platform, as each business has unique sustainability needs and goals. Understanding your company’s specific carbon agenda will allow you to make a more informed decision tailored to your individual environmental goals.
Ultimately, choosing the carbon accounting platform most suitable to your business needs can result in greater success in emissions reduction.
We know that taking the time to research and select the right carbon accounting software for your company can be a tedious and overwhelming process. In order to streamline your decision-making process, we've compiled a list of the top 5 carbon accounting platforms for 2025 to help make it easier for your company to manage its carbon emissions and remain compliant with evolving environmental regulations.
These are the best carbon accounting platforms to consider in 2025 to help your company with measuring emissions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and the development of sustainable solutions amidst the climate crisis.
Greenly is an emerging carbon accounting software and service based in France designed to help businesses of all sizes reduce their carbon emissions effectively.
Greenly stands out as an ideal choice if your company is seeking tailored carbon emission reduction strategies. As we combine the use of data analytics with insights from climate experts, Greenly is passionate about providing businesses with personalized plans for reducing their carbon footprint.
Our platform includes practical, expert-driven solutions developed by our sustainability team, which can help your company to uncover actionable insights, ensure accurate emissions measurements, adhere to emissions reporting standards, identifying reduction opportunities, and develop sustainability goals aligned with your company's mission.
Although Greenly has traditionally been more focused on the European market, our rapid expansion has allowed us to take our businesses to the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond. As Greenly continues to grow, we are dedicated to sharing our unique approach to reducing carbon emissions with the world – including companies located across Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Persefoni stands out as one of the most experienced and well-connected carbon accounting platforms in the industry, with a global presence, including offices across the United States and internationally.
Persefoni is set apart by other carbon accounting platforms as a result of their extensive network of partnerships with several leaders in the industry, including:
These partnerships have allowed Persefoni to gain access to indispensable experience and extensive knowledge in sustainability reporting, data collection, and carbon accounting. As a result, Persefoni has developed an authoritative presence in the industry for their deep understanding of complex carbon emission reduction strategies.
One of Persefoni’s main selling points is its tamper-resistant platform, making it a trustworthy solution to securely share and send data between stakeholders. In addition to this, Persefoni is working towards integrating AI capabilities to help companies map their purchasing activity and ensure more precise emission factors.
If you are an asset manager or a part of a large company seeking support from a company to complete both your financial reporting and carbon accounting, then Persefoni could work well for you.
For large companies or asset managers seeking support for both financial reporting and carbon accounting, Persefoni offers an effective platform. However, smaller businesses seeking a more personalized, tailored approach to carbon accounting may find us at Greenly to be a better fit.
Sphera is known to be a carbon accounting software that utilizes ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance and risk management to help clients reduce their carbon emissions. Sphera places a strong emphasis on safety and liability reduction, and seeks to prioritize these factors while establishing organizational methods as new sustainability solutions come to light.
Sphera strives to achieve their mission of environmental positivity through:
If safety is a primary concern for your company while working to reduce carbon emissions, whilst Sphera could be the right choice. However, it is important to note that Sphera does not have the same extensive partnerships or industry connections as other carbon accounting platforms.
Regardless, Sphera still offers a straightforward platform that makes integrating carbon emissions reductions easy – making it a valuable tool for businesses that prioritize safety and simplicity in their sustainability efforts.
IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite is a carbon accounting software solution best designed for large companies, especially for organizations focused on mitigating future carbon emissions.
IBM’s strength lies in its ability to interpret large amounts of data. The suite provides climate risk analytics powered by artificial intelligence (AI), enabling businesses to assess and reduce carbon emissions effectively.
IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite relies on data, risk management, and AI to assist their customers with their carbon emission reduction tactics.
While IBM’s use of advanced technology to streamline carbon emissions analysis is effective, it's important to note that IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite may not be the best option for companies seeking a highly personalized experience. This is because IBM's platform is best equipped to handle large datasets and provide predictive insights, making it most well-suited for enterprises with complex emissions profiles seeking emission reduction opportunities.
Remember, IBM’s strong suit is its ability to compute large amounts of data via the use of technology – which can easily track and adapt carbon reduction tactics based on predictive modeling, enabling businesses to assess various future scenarios and determine the potential success or failure of their current emissions reduction efforts.
However, companies that prefer more personalized solutions with a more hands-on approach may find it less flexible.
Sinai technologies help companies reduce their carbon emissions with their unique modeling and planning efforts.
Sinai Technologies offers a unique approach to carbon emissions reduction with its advanced modeling and planning tools. Ultimately, their platform is designed to help companies reduce carbon emissions with precision and proactive planning.
Key features and tools with Sinai Technologies include:
Regardless of these key features, it is important to note their features are limited and may not be the best carbon accounting software if your company is seeking an all-in-one carbon accounting software experience.
While Sinai Technologies offers valuable insights and tools, it’s important to recognize that its features are limited and that the platform may not serve as a comprehensive, all-in-one solution. Furthermore, the platform's interface is less user-friendly compared to other carbon accounting platforms, which may make seamless integration into business models more challenging.
Regardless, Sinai Technologies still excels in delivering effective solutions for companies that already have existing sustainability framework in place. Its use of carbon budgeting, analytics, and precise emissions analysis has proven successful in helping businesses work toward net-zero emission goals.
Still unsure which carbon accounting platform is the best fit for your company?
Take a look at the table below to compare and contrast the different options, and choose the one that best aligns with your business’s carbon reduction goals and operational needs.
| Software | Highlights | Company Location |
|---|---|---|
| Greenly | Includes specialized climate experts and data analytics for tailored emission reduction strategies. Access to carbon offsetting programs, data stories, white papers, and a guided experience. Best for SMEs or companies wanting a personalized experience. | France (Headquarters: Paris) |
| Persefoni | Known for experience and partnerships in sustainability reporting and data collection. Developing AI for carbon emission measurements and passive data collection. Suitable for large companies. | U.S. (Headquarters: Mesa, Arizona) |
| Sphera | Focuses on ESG performance and risk management, centralizing data and reports. Best for companies looking to reduce emissions but has fewer resources and connections compared to other platforms. | U.S. (Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois) |
| IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite | Features climate risk analytics and AI for large and detailed data collection. Best for companies needing extensive data analysis. Less personalized due to its automated nature. | U.S. (Headquarters: Armonk, New York) |
| SINAI Technologies | Offers specialized financial tracking tools and GHG inventory capabilities. Not ideal for companies looking for a comprehensive one-stop-shop solution for carbon management. | U.S. (Headquarters: San Francisco, California) |
Your company could benefit from deciding to commit to carbon accounting software for several reasons, as it helps businesses to improve their sustainability experience and allow them access to advanced decarbonization tactics on a single platform.
Here's a breakdown of the strategic advantages of utilizing a carbon accounting platform:
First off, using carbon accounting software is a great first step towards developing more sustainable business habits. As global warming continues to persist, investors and customers are seeking to partner or purchase products or services from businesses that seek environmental and social just as well instead of only financial success.
Customers and investors alike are interested in eco-friendly businisesses:
Investors and customers want to know that the product or service they are buying isn’t going to worsen the environmental state more than it already is – and that revenue or gaining business popularity isn’t their sole business incentive.
Carbon accounting also helps to establish transparency and prevent future greenwashing. Committing to the use of carbon accounting software can also provide statistical evidence that is viable to prove that your company is indeed making an effort to reduce your carbon emissions.
Remember, the World Resources Institute (WRI) emphasizes that standardized greenhouse gas accounting methods enable organizations to develop reputable transparency and accountability – which can help to ensure long-term business success and avoid greenwashing.
While this remains pivotal for large enterprises, it is especially important for smaller businesses looking to establish themselves and ensure their sustainability initiatives are aligned with the GHG protocol.
Not only will using carbon accounting software help you to reach net-zero emissions and maintain or reduce your carbon footprint, but using carbon accounting software can also stimulate financial growth within a company or benefit financial institutions themselves.
The Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) emphasizes that GHG accounting enables financial institutions to assess and disclose financed emissions more effectively and align their investment portfolios with climate goals – helping to mitigate potential climate-related financial risks.
The drop down sections below will reveal how carbon accounting can boost finances:
Since investors, employees, and consumers are growing increasingly interested in sustainability – the odds of attracting new consumers, investors, and employees increase alongside tangible dedication towards reducing carbon emissions and helping the environment.
In fact, a survey conducted by McKinsey revealed that a whopping 78% of Americans believe that living a sustainable lifestyle is important – with 60% claiming to pay more for products with sustainable packaging.
Therefore, integrating sustainability into your organization's business model can position your company as a leader responsible practices – helping to attract attract and retain new talent and investors.
Carbon accounting software can also help companies comply with new laws or government requirements more easily.
Since carbon accounting is a verified process, politicians and lawmakers will be more likely to approve of a company’s dedication to reducing their carbon footprint and verify they are complying with the current environmental regulations more easily.
All in all, committing to the use of carbon accounting software can only benefit everyone involved. It helps to reduce your carbon emissions, attract more investors and consumers, increase financial revenue, and ultimately grow your business – all while helping the planet.
Choosing the right carbon accounting tool will vary depending on your business needs and goals.
However, there are a few things that all companies, regardless of size and sector, should consider before choosing the carbon accounting tool for them.
Here are some things to think about when deciding which platform will prove most useful to optimize your carbon reduction strategy:
Overall, carbon accounting offers businesses a strategic investment that extends beyond mere compliance, activity data collection, or carbon reporting. The most optimal carbon accounting platform for your company will deliver quantifiable operational insights, enable data-driven decision-making, and help develop the most effective emissions reduction plan across your entire value chain.
Curious to see if Greenly is the right carbon accounting software for your business?
If reading this article about the best carbon accounting software of 2025 has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!
Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.
Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint.
Take the first step towards reducing your carbon footprint by requesting a free and non-binding demo with one of our experts today and finding the solution that best fits your business needs.
CDP https://guidance.cdp.net/en/guidance?cid=46&ctype=theme&idtype=ThemeID&incchild=1µsite=0&otype=ScoringMethodology&page=1&tags=TAG-605%2CTAG-13071
Microsoft https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/corporate-responsibility/sustainability/carbon-removal-program
Asia Pacific Business https://www.apac-business.com/companies/esg-sustainability/on-the-road-to-2030-our-2022-environmental-sustainability-report/
Deloitte https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/insights/us/articles/6655_Resources-study-2020/DI_Resources-study-2020.pdf
World Economic Forum https://www.weforum.org/publications/winning-in-green-markets-scaling-products-for-a-net-zero-world/
Nature https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-023-02492-2
Gartner https://www.gartner.com/en/insights/sustainability
PR Newswire https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optimove-surveys-70-of-consumers-prefer-eco-friendly-brands-as-64-of-brands-say-they-have-an-environmental-responsibility-program-301851861.html
PwC https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/news-room/press-releases/2023/pwc-2023-global-investor-survey.html
World Resources Institute https://www.wri.org/insights/ghg-accounting-corporate-climate-disclosures-explained
McKinsey https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/consumers-care-about-sustainability-and-back-it-up-with-their-wallets
Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/2022/04/we-need-better-carbon-accounting-heres-how-to-get-there
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/carbon-accounting-software-market-size-share-top-companies-lvibf
Global News Wire https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/22/3013577/28124/en/Carbon-Accounting-Software-Market-Report-2025-Global-Market-to-Grow-by-Over-33-Billion-During-2024-2029-Driven-by-Need-of-Real-time-Monitoring-and-Reporting-and-Increasing-Policies.html
D-Carbonize EU https://d-carbonize.eu/carbon-accounting/cost/
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