The 10 Best Carbon Accounting Software in 2026

As the climate crisis accelerates and we transition from a voluntary to a regulated reporting landscape, manual carbon accounting is no longer a viable option. Demand has grown for a digitized solution for accurate and reliable emissions disclosure.

The good news is that many organizations around the world already report carbon data; The bad news is they do it in so many disparate ways that it makes a comparison between companies exceptionally difficult.

The marketplace has made great strides recently towards standardization to streamline the reporting of carbon emissions and mitigate the very real financial risks associated with its management. But a critical first step is establishing a fundamental understanding of what carbon accounting software is today - an accessible solution to the many carbon reporting issues we currently face. So, let's break it down:

What is carbon accounting software?

At a high level, carbon accounting software is designed to help organizations manage and quantify their carbon emissions. With the right technology solution, companies can accurately track their emissions data and collect the necessary information to begin strategically reducing or completely eliminating carbon emissions (also known as decarbonization).

To add context to the relatively new industry of carbon accounting software, we need to distinguish between a carbon accounting vs. an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) solution.

Carbon accounting software is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP). Additionally, the term “carbon” is used as an umbrella term, as deemed by the GHGP, to account for many types of emissions, including:

• Methane
• Nitrous oxide
• Hydrofluorocarbons
• Perfluorochemicals
• Sulfur
• Hexafluoride, etc.

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Companies that invest in audit-ready carbon accounting software solutions are better equipped to collect and manage their data, disclose their carbon footprints to relevant stakeholders, apply business analytics for decarbonization strategies and establish Science-based Targets (SBTi), and manage ongoing compliance-related and supply chain issues.

What features to look for in carbon accounting software

The right features can make or break a carbon accounting solution. Emissions regulation is a nuanced undertaking for any organization attempting to manage its carbon footprint responsibly, and that’s often determined by many factors, including different regional guidelines.  

Accurate vetting carbon accounting software relies on knowing what features/assets to look for. Below, we list some of the most important aspects to think through as you make a purchasing decision:

Accounting-grade calculation engine
At the foundation of any credible solution is a standardized calculation engine aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and, where relevant, PCAF and other financial-sector methodologies. Look for transparent calculation logic, traceable emission factors, and consistent treatment of data across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. This is critical for comparability, assurance readiness, and long-term regulatory compliance.

Auditability and data traceability
Carbon data must be explainable and reviewable. Software should provide clear data lineage, from source data through emission factors and calculations, along with controls that reduce the risk of manual manipulation. Built-in audit workflows, version control, and documentation are essential as third-party assurance becomes more common.

AI-enabled data quality and usability
AI should enhance reliability and efficiency, not obscure methodology. The most effective platforms use AI to support data mapping and categorization, identify anomalies and gaps, flag inconsistencies, and assist users in navigating complex accounting workflows. These capabilities help teams scale inventories, improve data quality, and reduce manual effort without compromising transparency.

Robust Scope 3 and supplier engagement capabilities
Given that Scope 3 often represents the majority of an organization’s footprint, software should support more than spend-based estimates. Look for structured supplier engagement, category-level granularity, and the ability to incorporate supplier-provided data over time. Platforms that enable suppliers to calculate and share emissions data can significantly improve Scope 3 accuracy and credibility.

Reporting and analytics aligned with regulation
Carbon accounting software should support reporting across evolving frameworks such as CSRD, California's SB 253 / 261, ISSB, and CDP. Beyond static reports, strong analytics help organizations identify emissions hotspots, track progress over time, and connect emissions data to reduction planning and business decisions.

Industry expertise and ecosystem partnerships
The carbon accounting landscape evolves quickly. Providers with deep industry experience and strong partnerships are better positioned to support changing regulatory requirements and complex organizational needs. A mature ecosystem is often a signal of long-term viability and scalability.

Personalized support and guidance
Even the best software cannot replace technical expertise. Look for solutions that combine technology with access to climate specialists who can provide guidance tailored to your industry, geography, and regulatory context, especially as assurance and disclosure expectations continue to rise.

Key questions to ask when evaluating carbon accounting software

The carbon accounting platform you choose today will determine how effectively your organization navigates regulatory requirements, builds trust in its emissions data, and turns insight into action. Before selecting a vendor, organizations should ask the following questions to assess whether a solution can meet requirements of your business, and scale as expectations continue to evolve.

1. How does your platform use AI to improve data quality and usability?

Ask how AI supports tasks such as data mapping, categorization, anomaly detection, and quality checks, and whether users maintain full visibility into calculations and underlying methodologies.

2. Can emissions results be fully traced from source data through final reporting outputs?

‍Transparency is critical for internal review and external assurance engagements. Vendors should be able to demonstrate clear data lineage, including source data, assumptions, emission factors, and calculation logic.

3. Which emissions factor databases do you use, and how are they governed and updated?

‍Understand where emission factors are sourced, how frequently they are refreshed, how regional differences are handled, and whether users can view and audit emission factor selection at the calculation level.

4. How does the platform ensure data security, access control, and governance?

‍Ask about security certifications (such as SOC 2 or ISO 27001), role-based access controls, version control, and audit logs, especially when working with sensitive operational and supplier data.

5. How does your solution support accurate and scalable Scope 3 reporting?

‍Given that Scope 3 often represents the majority of emissions, assess whether the platform supports category-level granularity, methodological consistency, and a clear path beyond spend-based estimates.

6. What capabilities are available to engage suppliers and collect primary emissions data?

‍Ask how suppliers participate in the process, how easy it is for them to calculate and submit emissions data, and how supplier-provided data is validated and incorporated into Scope 3 calculations.

7. How does the platform support regulatory reporting and assurance readiness?

‍Confirm which frameworks are supported today, such as CSRD, SEC climate disclosures, ISSB, and CDP, and how the software adapts as regulatory requirements evolve.

8. Beyond measurement, how does the software support decarbonization and decision-making?

‍Ask how emissions data is used to identify hotspots, track progress over time, and evaluate the impact of reduction initiatives across operations, products, or suppliers.

9. What level of personalized support and technical expertise is included?

‍Technology alone is rarely sufficient. Understand what access you’ll have to technical carbon accounting expertise, implementation support, and ongoing guidance tailored to your industry and geographic context. Ask whether that support is included with the platform cost or available only at an additional fee.

The 10 best carbon accounting software of 2026

As the carbon accounting space evolves, so does the list of technology providers. Here’s our current list of the top ten in the space.

1. Persefoni

Persefoni is a carbon accounting and climate disclosure platform built to support accurate, transparent emissions measurement for organizations operating in increasingly regulated environments. Recognized by Forrester as a leader in carbon accounting and sustainability software, Persefoni is designed around the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and supports comprehensive measurement across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, including complex value-chain emissions.

At the core of the platform is Persefoni’s GHGP- and PCAF-aligned Calculation Engine, which applies standardized methodologies, traceable emission factors, and consistent calculation logic. Persefoni uses AI to assist with data ingestion, categorization, and quality checks, helping identify anomalies, surface data gaps, and support users as they work through technical carbon accounting workflows at scale.

Persefoni’s enhanced Scope 3 capabilities enable organizations to improve data quality over time by moving beyond spend-based estimates toward more representative, supplier- and activity-specific data. Through Persefoni Pro, organizations can engage suppliers more effectively by enabling them to calculate their Scope 1 emissions at no cost, reducing data collection friction and strengthening downstream Scope 3 calculations.

Persefoni serves 8,000+ organizations globally, including many Fortune 500s, across all 20 NAICS sectors, including enterprises, financial institutions, and the mid-market. Its Sustainability Advisory Board includes leaders who have helped shape global disclosure and accounting standards, and its ecosystem of partners, including Deloitte, Bain & Company, First Street, Workiva, ERM, AWS, and AuditBoard, supports integration across audit, risk, reporting, and climate intelligence workflows.

Schedule a free demo and learn more.

2. Microsoft Sustainability Cloud

Microsoft's Sustainability Cloud is an extension of the company’s broader ESG and data platform strategy, built to support sustainability initiatives through data aggregation, analytics, and AI. Anchored by Microsoft Sustainability Manager, the solution enables organizations to centralize environmental data from a wide range of internal systems and third-party sources to support reporting and insights.

The Sustainability Cloud spans the full ESG spectrum, which can dilute the depth and granularity of its native carbon accounting capabilities compared to purpose-built emissions platforms. Its effectiveness often depends on an organization’s existing Microsoft ecosystem and partner integrations. While well suited for companies already standardized on Microsoft tools, many organizations pair it with specialized carbon accounting software to meet more advanced calculation, assurance, and disclosure requirements.

3. Net Zero Cloud by Salesforce

Net Zero Cloud reflects Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff’s long-standing focus on climate action and is built on Salesforce’s core automation, integration, and workflow capabilities. The platform enables organizations to collect, manage, and visualize emissions-related data within the broader Salesforce environment.

However, because Net Zero Cloud is built on Salesforce’s existing data model, which was not originally designed for accounting, organizations often encounter limitations when handling complex emissions calculations, methodological transparency, and audit-ready workflows. Scalability and effectiveness can vary depending on the degree of customization and integration required. While its dashboards and enterprise partner ecosystem are strengths, many companies rely on complementary, accounting-native platforms to meet rigorous carbon accounting needs.

4. IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite

IBM’s acquisition of Envizi comes together to form the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite as mostly legacy software aimed at managing swaths of data. As an emissions management solution, it offers basic climate risk analytics with the help of IBM AI capabilities.

A large part of IBM’s offering is focused on risk analysis and response efforts. Its features help organizations monitor disruptive climate conditions as it aims to operationalize carbon accounting.  

5. Sphera

As ESG performance and risk management software, Sphera approaches emissions management through an integration lens focused on safety and liability reduction. It’s in the business of elevating organizational safety as a way to build trust and a positive environmental reputation.

Sphera seeks to eliminate information silos by centralizing reporting, data, and management tools for teams to work on safety and sustainability efforts. Sphera is part of The Blackstone Group and leverages its earlier acquisition of thinkstep in 2019.

6. Sinai Technologies

Sinai Technologies is a decarbonization intelligence platform that combines carbon accounting capabilities with strategic planning and climate risk management to support enterprise climate strategies. It helps companies build and implement data-driven approaches for emissions measurement, reduction planning, and compliance with global regulations such as CDP and CSRD.

The platform is positioned to extend beyond raw emissions tracking, helping sustainability teams integrate carbon data with reduction pathways, supplier engagement, and policy-aligned transition planning. This makes Sinai valuable for organizations that want both carbon measurement and decarbonization strategy support in a unified environment.

7. Emitwise

Emitwise is a carbon management and accounting platform designed to help organizations measure, track, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across their operations, with a strong emphasis on Scope 3 and supply chain emissions. Headquartered in the UK, Emitwise is particularly well known among EMEA-based enterprises navigating complex supplier networks and evolving European disclosure requirements.

The platform combines automated data ingestion with supplier engagement workflows to support enterprise-grade carbon inventories and reduction planning. Emitwise’s Procurewise solution enables procurement teams to collect primary supplier data and integrate emissions performance into sourcing and decarbonization strategies, positioning the platform as a supply chain–centric carbon accounting solution.

Emitwise is commonly adopted by organizations prioritizing Scope 3 transparency and supplier engagement, especially those operating across European value chains subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny.

8. Greenly

Greenly is a cloud-based carbon accounting and sustainability platform that enables organizations to automate emissions measurement and reduction planning across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Headquartered in France, Greenly has established a strong presence across EMEA, particularly among European companies seeking accessible tools aligned with regional climate regulations.

The platform aggregates data from financial systems, operational tools, and supplier inputs, applying verified emission factors to generate carbon inventories, dashboards, and reduction insights. Greenly also supports product carbon footprinting and life cycle analysis, helping organizations identify emissions hotspots and track progress over time.

Greenly is widely used by European SMBs and mid-market organizations looking for a streamlined, standards-aligned approach to carbon accounting and regulatory readiness within the EU market.

9. Workiva Carbon

Workiva is a cloud-based reporting and compliance platform best known for financial, audit, and regulatory reporting. In recent years, it has expanded into sustainability and ESG reporting, leveraging its strength in controls, workflows, and auditability to support climate and non-financial disclosures.

Workiva’s sustainability offering is designed to help organizations align climate data with broader enterprise reporting requirements, particularly for regulations such as CSRD, SEC climate disclosures, and other emerging frameworks. Its strengths lie in structured reporting, collaboration, version control, and assurance-readiness rather than native carbon calculation.

As a result, many organizations use Workiva in conjunction with purpose-built carbon accounting platforms to manage emissions calculations, while relying on Workiva to consolidate, govern, and disclose that data at scale. For companies prioritizing regulatory reporting, controls, and cross-functional collaboration, Workiva can play a critical role in the sustainability reporting stack, though it may fall short as a standalone carbon accounting solution.

10. Sweep

Sweep is a carbon accounting and sustainability data platform built to help organizations track greenhouse gas emissions and manage sustainability data across their operations and value chains. Founded in France, Sweep has gained significant traction across EMEA, where regulatory frameworks such as CSRD and ISSB are driving demand for structured, auditable climate data.

The platform centralizes emissions data collection and supports reporting across multiple frameworks, enabling teams to collaborate on climate initiatives and monitor progress toward decarbonization goals. Sweep emphasizes configurability and workflow management to help organizations adapt to evolving European reporting and disclosure requirements. Sweep is particularly popular among EMEA-based organizations seeking an integrated approach to emissions tracking, collaboration, and sustainability reporting

For a business needing accessible greenhouse gas emissions management with sensible pricing, Sweep may be a viable option.

Carbon accounting software: Beyond the basics

Carbon emissions control is an ongoing issue that current and future organizations must consider as part of their bottom line. As regulations change and reduction targets grow stringent in an effort to mitigate climate change, end-to-end emissions accounting systems now form an integral part of a data-driven solution for growth-oriented organizations.

This is where the number one climate disclosure and carbon management solution comes in as an all-in-one solution to your sustainability data needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How should we structure a fair evaluation across vendors?

Start by defining your non-negotiables (e.g., Scope 3 coverage, regulatory alignment, data transparency, security certifications) before demos begin. Use the same use cases and data scenarios across vendors to avoid being swayed by polished dashboards that don’t reflect real workflows.

What should we ask vendors to demonstrate in a live demo?

Ask vendors to walk through a real workflow: ingesting raw data, applying emission factors, producing emissions results, and preparing outputs for reporting or review. Seeing how calculations are built and reviewed is more telling than static reports or visuals.

How do we compare AI claims during evaluation?

Procurement teams should ask vendors to show exactly where AI is used in the platform and what users can see and control. AI should support data preparation and quality, not replace accounting logic or obscure calculations. If AI outputs can’t be explained clearly, that’s a red flag.

What implementation questions should we ask before signing?

Ask vendors to outline implementation timelines based on organizations similar to yours, including internal effort required, data readiness assumptions, and ongoing maintenance. Clarify what support is included versus what incurs additional cost.

How do we assess total cost of ownership, not just license fees?

Beyond subscription pricing, ask about implementation costs, support tiers, supplier engagement costs, data storage, user limits, and future expansion (e.g., adding Scope 3 categories or regulatory frameworks). Procurement should understand how costs evolve as usage grows.

What questions help assess long-term scalability?

Ask how the platform handles increases in data volume, organizational complexity, Scope 3 coverage, and regulatory requirements. Vendors should be able to explain how customers scale year over year without major reimplementation.

How do we evaluate data security and risk exposure?

Procurement and IT teams should confirm security certifications (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001), data residency options, role-based access controls, and audit logs. This is especially important when handling supplier data and regulated disclosures.

What should we ask about data ownership and portability?

Clarify who owns the data, how it can be exported, and what happens if the contract ends. Buyers should ensure they retain access to historical emissions data, methodologies, and documentation.

How do we validate Scope 3 and supplier engagement claims?

Ask vendors to demonstrate how suppliers are onboarded, what suppliers actually see, and how data is validated. If possible, request examples of supplier participation rates or real customer workflows.

How do we ensure the platform will meet assurance and audit expectations?

Ask how the software supports internal sign-off, version control, documentation, and external assurance. Vendors should be able to explain how finance and audit teams interact with the platform.