Carbon Accounting – What is it and Who are the Major Players?

Carbon accounting technology refers to tools and software platforms designed to help organisations measure, track, and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This process is crucial for organisations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, achieve sustainability goals, and comply with environmental regulations or ESG reporting requirements.

These tools typically help companies calculate their direct and indirect emissions across three scopes:

  • Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (e.g., fuel combustion on-site).
  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam.
  • Scope 3: All other indirect emissions (e.g., supply chain, business travel, employee commuting).

Carbon accounting platforms provide comprehensive features like:

  • Automated data collection from sensors, utility bills, or manual inputs.
  • Emissions tracking and reporting in accordance with global standards (such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol).
  • Scenario analysis to assess the impact of different reduction strategies.
  • Compliance management for various sustainability frameworks and regulatory requirements.
  • Data visualisation and dashboards to make emissions data accessible and actionable for decision-makers.

These tools enable organisations to meet investor and consumer demands for transparency in sustainability efforts, improve resource efficiency, and mitigate risks related to climate change.

Who are the Major Players?
  1. FigBytes
    A sustainability and ESG management platform that helps organisations integrate carbon accounting into their overall ESG strategy. It supports full Scope 1, 2, and 3 tracking and helps align with frameworks like CDP and GRI.

  2. EcoAct (an Atos company)
    Provides software and consultancy services for carbon accounting and climate strategies, offering detailed carbon footprint assessments, reduction plans, and offset strategies.

  3. Plan A
    Offers an AI-driven platform for carbon accounting and ESG reporting, enabling real-time monitoring and reduction strategies to reach net-zero targets.

  4. Watershed
    A leading player in carbon management, Watershed offers tools to measure carbon emissions in real time, set reduction targets, and provide detailed reports for regulatory compliance.

  5. Persefoni
    Known for its advanced carbon accounting capabilities, it helps organisations align with frameworks such as the GHG Protocol, providing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions tracking.

  6. Carbon Trust
    Offers a range of carbon measurement and reduction services, providing verification and support for companies working towards sustainability goals.

  7. Sphera
    A global provider of ESG and sustainability software, Sphera’s carbon accounting solutions integrate emissions data into broader sustainability initiatives.

  8. Sweep
    A cloud-based platform that offers comprehensive carbon tracking, emissions management, and collaboration tools to help businesses reach their carbon goals.

  9. Clarity AI
    Specialises in using big data and machine learning to provide insights into environmental impacts, including carbon accounting and sustainability metrics.

  10. Accuvio
    A sustainability reporting software offering carbon accounting alongside broader ESG reporting capabilities, tailored for compliance and reduction strategies.

These platforms vary in features but all share the goal of making it easier for companies to measure, manage, and reduce their carbon emissions.