Top carbon accounting software for US businesses in 2025

As climate change accelerates, U.S. businesses face increasing pressure to quantify and reduce their environmental impact. Meeting regulatory requirements, stakeholder expectations, and voluntary goals like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) demands accurate and comprehensive corporate accounting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Carbon accounting is no longer optional; it’s a strategic necessity. It allows organizations to measure their carbon footprint, comply with regulations, and provide transparent climate disclosures—all while identifying opportunities to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.

With advancements in carbon accounting software, businesses now have powerful tools to ensure accurate carbon accounting, navigate complex reporting requirements, track Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and align with frameworks like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. These platforms help companies collect data from various sources, including energy use, fuel combustion, transportation, and supply chain activities, enabling them to adopt effective carbon reduction strategies. 

This article explores the leading platforms for 2025 and provides guidance on selecting the right carbon accounting software for your business.

What is carbon accounting?

Carbon accounting is the process of measuring, tracking, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions associated with an organization’s activities. This includes emissions from electricity consumption, transportation, supply chain activities, and more.

Various carbon accounting methods, such as spend-based, activity-based, and hybrid methods, are used to measure and manage these emissions accurately. By quantifying these emissions, businesses can better understand their environmental impact and implement strategies to reduce their carbon emissions, such as carbon offset projects.

For companies participating in initiatives like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), carbon accounting provides a baseline to set actionable goals and measure progress. 

The process involves gathering emissions data, categorizing it into Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), and Scope 3 (indirect emissions from the value chain), and leveraging software to analyze and report findings accurately. Carbon accounting is essential for businesses aiming to achieve net zero targets by providing a baseline to set actionable goals and measure progress.

Why carbon accounting software is essential

Navigating the complexity of carbon accounting manually is a daunting task. Businesses must manage data collection from diverse sources, ensure compliance with stringent regulatory frameworks, and develop actionable insights for carbon reduction. Advanced carbon accounting software addresses these challenges by automating data collection, streamlining reporting, and offering powerful analytics to drive informed decision-making.

These tools are particularly essential for tracking value chain emissions, which include Scope 3 emissions stemming from the broader network of suppliers, distributors, and customers. The ability to integrate data analysis with emissions tracking gives businesses a comprehensive view of their environmental footprint. Companies can then implement effective reduction strategies, such as improving energy efficiency or investing in carbon offsets.

How to choose the right carbon accounting platform

Selecting the right carbon accounting platform is a critical step in managing your greenhouse gas emissions effectively. Here are key factors to consider:

Assess your business needs and scope

Start by evaluating your carbon accounting requirements. Determine which emissions categories (Scope 1, 2, or 3) are most relevant to your operations. Businesses with complex supply chains or multinational operations may require platforms that handle diverse data sources, while smaller organizations may benefit from simpler solutions tailored to their needs.

Data integration and carbon emissions calculations accuracy

A platform’s ability to integrate with your existing systems is vital. The software should seamlessly connect with energy monitoring tools, financial systems, and procurement platforms while also gathering external carbon data from suppliers and partners. This is particularly important for accurate Scope 3 emissions tracking, which relies on standardized and reliable carbon data from across your value chain.

Flexibility and scalability

Your carbon accounting needs will likely evolve over time as your business grows or as regulations change. Choose a platform that can scale with your organization and support transitions from spend-based to activity-based calculations. Scalability ensures your investment remains relevant and effective as your sustainability goals mature.

Compliance and reporting capabilities

Ensure the software supports compliance with critical frameworks such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, SBTi, and local regulatory requirements. Robust reporting features are essential for generating climate disclosures for stakeholders, government agencies, and investors. Automated, customizable reports save time and enhance transparency.

Ease of use and support

Usability is a key consideration. Select a platform with an intuitive interface and accessible training resources. Comprehensive customer support ensures your team can maximize the software’s capabilities and address challenges effectively.

Cost and return on investment

While initial costs can vary, consider the long-term value of the software. Investing in a robust platform can drive operational efficiencies, reduce emissions, and enhance your reputation, ultimately delivering significant returns.

Carbon accounting frameworks and standards

Carbon accounting frameworks and standards play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of carbon emissions reporting. These frameworks provide guidelines for organizations to measure, report, and verify their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, helping businesses maintain transparency and accountability in their sustainability efforts.

GHG Protocol

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP) is a widely recognized standard for accounting and reporting GHG emissions. Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the GHGP offers a comprehensive framework for measuring and reporting GHG emissions. It categorizes emissions into three scopes: Scope 1 (direct emissions from owned or controlled sources), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain). By adhering to the GHGP, businesses can ensure their carbon emissions data is accurate and comparable, facilitating better decision-making and compliance with global standards.

ISO 14064 Standard

The ISO 14064 standard is an international benchmark for quantifying and reporting GHG emissions. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard provides a structured approach for organizations to measure, report, and verify their GHG emissions. It is divided into three parts: Part 1 focuses on organization and project-level GHG emissions, Part 2 deals with GHG emissions quantification and reporting, and Part 3 covers the validation and verification of GHG emissions. Implementing ISO 14064 helps businesses enhance the credibility and reliability of their emissions data, supporting their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve sustainability goals.

CDP and Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is a global disclosure system that enables organizations to measure, manage, and report their environmental impact. Through the CDP, companies can disclose their GHG emissions, water usage, and other environmental metrics, providing transparency to stakeholders and driving environmental accountability.

The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) complements this by helping organizations set science-based targets for reducing their GHG emissions. These targets are aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement, ensuring that businesses contribute to global efforts to limit temperature rise. By participating in the CDP and setting SBTi-aligned targets, companies can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, carbon neutrality, and climate action.

Top carbon accounting software for 2025

Here are the leading carbon accounting platforms helping U.S. businesses manage emissions and meet sustainability goals:

1. Sweep: Empowering carbon management across supply chains

Sweep offers a scalable solution designed for organizations at any stage of their sustainability journey. Its intuitive interface and robust supplier engagement tools make it a standout choice for complex supply chains. Sweep excels in Scope 3 tracking, allowing businesses to monitor and reduce value chain emissions effectively. Its platform is well-aligned with global climate standards, including SBTi and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ensuring that businesses can track their carbon emissions accurately and make informed decisions on carbon reduction strategies.

Strengths: Flexible visualization tools, comprehensive Scope 3 tracking, alignment with government climate disclosure standards.

Clients: L’Oréal, Burberry, EDF.

2. Watershed: Combining expertise with data analysis

Watershed integrates advanced data analysis with expert guidance to deliver a comprehensive solution for managing emissions. This platform integrates seamlessly with your supply chains to track emissions from every stage of the value chain. Watershed’s acquisition of VitalMetrics has enhanced its ability to accurately monitor and reduce emissions across industries, including effective management of carbon emissions calculations. It aligns with corporate sustainability strategies and provides tools for achieving SBTi compliance. The platform’s focus on carbon dioxide tracking and actionable insights makes it ideal for companies aiming to implement detailed carbon reduction strategies.

Strengths: Deep integration with supply chains, advanced tools for aligning corporate strategies, SBTi compliance.

Clients: FedEx, Spotify, Walmart.

3. Workiva: Simplifying carbon reporting for businesses

Workiva provides a robust platform that simplifies the reporting and disclosure of emissions data for businesses. Workiva is designed to streamline carbon accounting by automating data integration across various systems and reporting frameworks. Its collaborative features make it easy for teams to work together on sustainability goals, ensuring consistent and accurate emissions tracking. Workiva’s software extends to global compliance, helping businesses meet frameworks like the GHG Protocol and SBTi. This platform is especially beneficial for businesses that need transparent and reliable climate disclosures and carbon dioxide reporting.

Strengths: Collaborative features, automated data integration, compliance with global reporting standards.

Clients: Coca-Cola, Siemens, Walmart.

4. Sphera: Comprehensive sustainability and risk management

Sphera offers a comprehensive solution for carbon accounting, combining emissions tracking with sustainability and risk management tools. Sphera’s platform is ideal for large organizations that need to measure direct and indirect emissions across a wide range of operations, from energy consumption to fuel combustion, and supply chain activities. The platform’s strong emphasis on risk management enables businesses to assess potential environmental risks while identifying areas to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Sphera also provides tools for carbon offsetting, supporting organizations in achieving carbon neutrality and aligning with global standards.

Strengths: Advanced analytics, sustainability and risk management integration, strong compliance features.

Clients: Shell, BASF, PepsiCo.

5. Microsoft Sustainability Manager: Enterprise solutions for carbon reduction

Microsoft’s Sustainability Manager offers an enterprise-grade solution that integrates deeply into the Microsoft ecosystem, making it ideal for businesses already using other Microsoft tools. The platform provides real-time tracking of energy usage and emissions, giving companies visibility into their carbon footprint. It also incorporates data governance features, ensuring transparency in reporting and compliance. Microsoft’s platform is particularly useful for large enterprises seeking to scale their sustainability efforts. It supports tracking of carbon dioxide emissions, monitoring of fuel combustion, and implementation of carbon reduction strategies, ultimately aiding in reducing emissions.

Strengths: Real-time energy tracking, robust reporting tools, scalability for large enterprises.

Clients: Grupo Bimbo, FLSmidth.

6. Persefoni: AI-powered insights for financial institutions

Persefoni is an AI-driven platform that helps financial institutions streamline emissions management. Leveraging artificial intelligence, the platform automates data collection, enhancing the accuracy of carbon dioxide emissions tracking. Persefoni is integrated with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), ensuring transparency and consistency in financial institutions’ emissions data. The platform is particularly beneficial for businesses focused on the value chain emissions of their investment portfolios and for those implementing carbon offset strategies across their operations.

Strengths: AI-driven insights, seamless integration with PCAF, supply chain transparency.

Clients: Citi, Dropbox, Bain & Company.

7. SAP: End-to-end carbon management solutions

SAP offers a comprehensive suite of carbon accounting tools designed to track and reduce emissions across the entire value chain. SAP’s platform integrates with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, allowing businesses to collect emissions data and generate reports for regulatory compliance. The platform emphasizes accurate emissions tracking, especially for fuel combustion and energy use, and helps businesses identify areas where carbon reductions are possible. SAP also includes solutions for carbon offsetting, providing a complete suite of tools for managing a company’s sustainability journey.

Strengths: End-to-end carbon management, seamless ERP integration, accurate emissions tracking.

Clients: Nestlé, Siemens, Unilever.

8. IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite: Mitigating environmental risks

IBM’s Environmental Intelligence Suite is a sophisticated platform that integrates data analysis and risk assessment tools to help organizations reduce carbon emissions and mitigate environmental risks. The platform provides frameworks and standards for greenhouse gas accounting, ensuring accurate and reliable tracking of emissions, making it ideal for companies that want to proactively manage their emissions. IBM’s solution also supports carbon offset projects and tracks carbon dioxide emissions across multiple sectors. With its ability to integrate with third-party systems, it provides a holistic view of a company’s environmental footprint.

Strengths: Advanced APIs, support for biodiversity projects, integration with third-party systems.

Clients: Sheltair Aviation, Shell.

Key features to look for in carbon accounting software

• Data collection and integration: Comprehensive data collection for carbon management from energy use, supply chains, and transportation.
• Emissions calculation and reporting: Accurate calculations for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, with robust reporting tools.
• Carbon footprint analysis: Tools to visualize emission hotspots, calculate and manage carbon footprints, and identify reduction opportunities.
• Scalability and flexibility: Adapts to your growing needs and evolving methodologies.
• Compliance: Ensures alignment with GHG Protocol, SBTi, and other frameworks.
• User-friendly interface: Streamlines adoption across your organization.

Benefits of carbon accounting software

• Improved accuracy and efficiency: Automation reduces errors and saves time.
• Enhanced transparency: Detailed reporting builds stakeholder trust.
• Cost savings: Identifying reduction opportunities lowers energy expenses.
• Regulatory compliance: Simplifies adherence to climate disclosure regulations.
• Strategic insights: Data-driven decisions help implement carbon reduction strategies effectively.

In conclusion, as businesses continue to adapt to the evolving demands of sustainability and climate change mitigation, investing in the right carbon accounting software will be crucial. By tracking emissions, identifying reduction opportunities, and meeting compliance standards, these platforms will be indispensable tools for organizations striving for a sustainable future.