Navigating the world of carbon accounting software can be overwhelming, with so many options available. I'm Mike from Arbor, and I've compiled a review of the top 11 carbon accounting tools for 2024 to help companies make informed decisions.
Each tool offers unique features to streamline emissions tracking, reporting, and reduction efforts. Let's explore these software solutions' intricacies and discover which best aligns with your sustainability goals.
What features should you look for in carbon accounting software or tools?
Understanding what features to look for in carbon accounting software will help you choose a tool that meets your needs and provides accurate, actionable insights.
Here are some key features to consider:
- Centralized Data Management: A good carbon accounting tool should offer centralized data management to streamline the data collection process and ensure consistency across multiple data sources.
- Emissions Calculation Coverage: Ensure the tool covers all types of emissions: Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from electricity), and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions such as supply chain activities).
- Adaptability and Update Ease: The software should be adaptable to changes in regulations and industry standards. Regular updates and support are essential for keeping your data accurate and compliant.
- Auditability: Features like audit trails help track data changes, making it easier to verify information during audits.
- Data Sharing: The ability to share data easily with stakeholders, including suppliers and customers, is important for transparency and collaboration.
- Reporting and Compliance: Strong reporting capabilities and compliance with frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol or ISO 14064 are essential for credible emissions reporting.
- Detailed Breakdowns: The ability to provide detailed emissions breakdowns by department, location, or activity helps identify specific areas for improvement.
- Rebaselining Capability: This feature allows you to adjust your baseline emissions as your business grows or changes, ensuring that your carbon reduction targets remain relevant.
Top Carbon Accounting Software & Tools in 2024
1. Arbor
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef69162fea2a1de98055_6647f6f79a700b79118d0405_1%2520Arbor.webp)
Arbor is positioned as the leading carbon accounting software in 2024 due to its accuracy in carbon emissions calculation and comprehensive support for businesses of all scales. Arbor provides detailed emissions analysis across all scopes, from direct emissions (Scope 1) to indirect emissions from supply chains (Scope 3).
Within Scope 3, Arbor can measure detailed emissions from your products or assets, providing granular hotspot analyses to determine exactly where emissions originate.
Key Features
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions measurement & tracking
- Automated product carbon footprint calculations
- Compliant reporting (with CSRD, CBAM & more)
- Easy data collection with automated integration
- User-friendly interface with clear visualization tools
- Expert-led support throughout your climate strategy
Clients & Industries
Arbor assists businesses of all sizes in measuring and managing their carbon emissions. While our Shopify app is tailored for small businesses, Arbor has also partnered with large enterprises across various sectors. Notable clients include major retailers like Canada Goose, financial institutions such as JCB, manufacturing companies, and governments.
Pricing
$1,000 – Custom pricing is based on the needs of your business.
Location
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Website
Arbor's carbon accounting platform | Try Arbor’s platform now
2. S&P Global Sustainable1
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef6a162fea2a1de9807d_6647f70968b54e5f590a3ccf_2%2520S%2526P%2520Global%2520Sustainable1.webp)
S&P Global Sustainable1 provides tailored sustainability products, insights, and solutions to meet financial institutions, corporations, and governments' unique needs. It combines comprehensive global market coverage with in-depth sustainability intelligence to help organizations navigate risks, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainability goals.
Key Features
- Transition Tracker to identify market risks and opportunities
- Environmental Data Accuracy with a program rewarding error identification
- ESG Performance for comprehensive evaluation and enhancement
- Net-zero tracking to set, monitor, and achieve net-zero targets
Pricing
Customized based on specific sustainability requirements. Contact S&P Global for detailed pricing.
Website
3. Emitwise
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef6a162fea2a1de98060_6647f71554cae458e1d1e570_3%2520Emitwise.webp)
Emitwise provides a carbon management platform especially for complex Scope 3 emissions, helping businesses respond to the climate emergency by enabling them to drive their carbon agenda.
Key Features
- Scope 3 emission management
- Supply chain engagement & management
- Sustainable procurement
Pricing
$42,000 – $127,000, excluding implementation fees
Website
4. Plan A
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef6a162fea2a1de9805a_6647f71fbed3dd99ff1f6e00_4%2520Plan%2520A.webp)
Plan A is corporate decarbonization and ESG optimization software that combines technology with scientific standards. It allows businesses to collect, process data, report, and reduce emissions within a single platform.
Key Features
- ESG reporting
- Scope 1-3 measurements
- Reduction target-setting
Pricing
Unknown. Estimated to be > $10,000.
Website
5. Sweep
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef6a162fea2a1de9808c_6647f728d068be13c6561a81_5%2520Sweep.webp)
Sweep’s data-driven platform helps large enterprises track, disclose, and reduce their carbon emissions.
Key Features
- Scope 1-3 measurements
- Emission dependencies
- Science-based targets
Pricing
$37,000 – $211,000, excluding implementation fees.
Website
6. Coolset
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef69162fea2a1de9804f_6647f735d068be13c656238a_6%2520Coolset.webp)
Coolset’s automated carbon accounting software helps businesses measure, analyze, reduce, and remove their emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3. It offers deep data insights, uncovering emissions hotspots and providing sustainable alternatives.
Key Features
- Automated compliant reporting
- Emissions deep-dives & hotspot analysis
- EU CSRD compliance
- Integrated carbon offsets and removals
Pricing
Estimated to be > $5,000.
Website
7. Watershed
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef69162fea2a1de98052_6647f7428232c9c2a2f7652f_7%2520Watershed.webp)
Watershed is an enterprise climate platform designed to support large companies in measuring, reporting, and reducing their carbon emissions. It ensures emissions data is auditable for regulatory compliance and global climate impact.
Key Features
- Carbon footprint measurements
- Tailored reporting for financial institutions
- CDP submission support
- Lifecycle analysis for consumer brands
Pricing
$37,000 – $264,000, excluding implementation fees.
Website
8. Normative
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef68162fea2a1de98044_6647f74bfdf8b851f804626e_8%2520Normative.webp)
Normative helps businesses measure emissions, plan reductions, and achieve net zero goals. It combines hard data and calculations for reliable results and offers custom advisory and reporting.
Key Features
- Carbon footprinting
- Custom advisory and reporting
- SBTi alignment
Pricing
$63,000 – $190,000, excluding implementation fees.
Website
9. Greenly
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef6a162fea2a1de98063_6647f753f8ab1a5137367988_9%2520Greenly.webp)
Greenly aims to make carbon assessment and management simple. It enables small businesses to measure, monitor, reduce, and offset their carbon footprints based on international standards.
Key Features
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 footprint
- Supplier involvement
- Custom action plans
Pricing
$3,000 – $85,000, excluding implementation fees and add-ons.
Website
10. Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef6a162fea2a1de9805d_6647f75ee561bf414f8a5536_10%2520Microsoft%2520Cloud%2520for%2520Sustainability.webp)
Microsoft Cloud for Sustainability centralizes data for improved reporting, facilitating the creation of sustainable IT infrastructure and reducing the environmental footprint.
Key Features
- Scope 1, 2, and (limited) Scope 3 footprint
- Deep Microsoft suite integration
- Value chain engagement module
Pricing
From $4,000 per tenant.
Website
11. Sustain Life
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/64fa36ec9f9b552b0e2394c5/66c4ef6a162fea2a1de98066_6647f76a8f698c27f76a7b92_11%2520Sustain%2520Life.webp)
Sustain Life provides sustainability software for businesses to measure, manage, and report carbon emissions. The software offers actionable insights and streamlined reporting.
Key Features
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 footprint
- Private market expertise
- Consulting and client management services
Pricing
$5,000 – $63,000, excluding implementation fees.
Website
Summary
Discover the top 11 carbon accounting tools for 2024, carefully reviewed to help companies navigate and choose the best solution for emissions tracking, reporting, and reduction efforts.
From Arbor's comprehensive platform to advanced solutions by S&P Global Sustainable1 and Emitwise, each tool offers unique features tailored to streamline your sustainability goals. This guide covers essential features, pricing, and industry-specific applications, helping you make an informed decision for your climate strategy.
I hope you enjoyed this review and found it helpful in selecting the right carbon accounting software for your company.