How to choose a carbon accounting tool
Start with why you need it
The right solution depends on whether you need a simple footprint, a tender response, a SECR report, a CDP disclosure, SBTi targets, a Scope 3 inventory, supplier emissions, a product footprint or financed emissions. These are different jobs and often need different tools.
Match the tool to the job
| Need | Type of solution to look for |
|---|---|
| Simple business footprint | Carbon footprint calculator or light carbon accounting tool |
| Annual company reporting | Carbon accounting software |
| Formal Scope 1, 2 and 3 inventory | GHG inventory or emissions reporting platform |
| Supplier emissions | Scope 3 or supplier emissions tool |
| Public sector tender | Carbon Reduction Plan tool or adviser |
| UK reporting | SECR reporting tool or adviser |
| Disclosure | CDP or sustainability reporting tool |
| Targets | SBTi support tool or adviser |
| Product emissions | Product carbon footprint, LCA or EPD tool |
| Financial portfolio emissions | Financed emissions or PCAF-aligned platform |
| Unclear or complex requirements | Consultant, adviser or hybrid software plus support |
Questions to ask before choosing a tool
- Which emissions scopes does it support?
- Does it support the Scope 3 categories relevant to us?
- Does it include emissions factors?
- Can we upload data in the formats we already have?
- Can it handle missing or incomplete data?
- Does it produce reports suitable for customers, tenders, investors or regulation?
- Does it support multiple sites, entities or teams?
- Does it allow year-on-year comparisons?
- Does it support assurance or audit readiness?
- Does it include advisory support?
- Can it export the data we need?
- What will implementation actually require?
Red flags
- It does not clearly explain which emissions scopes it supports
- It treats every company as if they have the same reporting need
- It makes Scope 3 look simple when your supply chain is complex
- It cannot explain emissions factors or assumptions
- It cannot show whether outputs will meet your requirement
- It relies entirely on manual spreadsheets without clear controls
- It pushes dashboards before solving data quality
- It is too complex for a first footprint
- It is too basic for formal reporting
Create a brief before you compare providers
Use the finder to build a simple Carbon Accounting Solution Brief you can share with software vendors or advisers.
Start the finder