7 best software tools to measure carbon footprint

Measuring the carbon footprint has become a priority for companies seeking to comply with European sustainability standards and move toward genuine decarbonisation.

Regulations such as the CSRD Directive, the EU Taxonomy Regulation and the GHG Protocol drive transparent and traceable reporting of both direct and indirect emissions (Scopes 1, 2 and 3).

However, the challenge lies not only in collecting data but in doing so through a platform that ensures methodological rigour, ease of use and integration with existing systems.

In this article we help you identify the best software to calculate your carbon footprint, with Manglai leading the way, and explain which criteria to follow to make an informed decision.

What is the carbon footprint and why is it essential to measure it?

The carbon footprint represents the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted, directly or indirectly, by an organisation, activity or product. It is measured in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) and helps identify the main emission hotspots in order to reduce them strategically.

According to the GHG Protocol, there are three levels or scopes of emissions:

• Scope 1: direct emissions from owned or controlled operations (fuels, vehicles, machinery).
• Scope 2: indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat or steam.
• Scope 3: indirect emissions throughout the value chain (suppliers, logistics, travel, waste, etc.).

If you'd like to explore this third and most complex level, you can read our practical guide to Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol.

Accurately measuring your carbon footprint not only ensures regulatory compliance but also strengthens brand reputation, supports sustainable decision-making and can ease access to green financing.

What are the main criteria for choosing the best carbon footprint software?

Selecting the right software can be the difference between a superficial estimate and a verifiable sustainability report.

These are the six essential criteria a robust tool should meet:

1. Recognised methodology: alignment with the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064 and European reporting frameworks (CSRD, PEF).
2. Data quality and coverage: updated databases adapted to various sectors and geographies.
3. Automation: ability to import energy use, mobility or supplier data from ERP systems or Excel.
4. Usability: an intuitive interface and visual dashboards that make results easy to interpret.
5. Scalability: flexibility to expand from a few operations to an organisation-wide analysis.
6. Total cost of ownership: considering licences, technical support and implementation time.

Which is the best software to calculate the carbon footprint?

Choosing the best carbon footprint software depends on your company's needs, size and climate maturity. Some solutions are designed for large corporations with dedicated sustainability teams, while others, such as Manglai, offer a practical and accessible approach for organisations seeking fast, verifiable results.

Below, we analyse the leading tools on the market and explain why Manglai stands out as a very balanced option for companies that value accuracy, efficiency and compliance.

1. Manglai: fast, rigorous and ready-to-communicate measurement

Manglai stands out in the Spanish market as a platform that combines technical precision with ease of use to calculate the carbon footprint comprehensively.

Its main advantages include:

• Guided workflow: the tool walks users through each step of the process, minimising errors and omissions.
• Verified databases: it uses emission factors aligned with international sources such as DEFRA, IPCC and Ecoinvent.
• Results visualisation: dashboards and charts that make it easy to present outcomes to management and stakeholders.
• Structured reporting: automatic generation of reports ready to be included in sustainability disclosures or CSRD reporting.

This is backed by the platform's traction: active clients in 70 countries, more than 30,000 users, 25 million tonnes of CO2e managed and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Manglai also offers specific features to communicate decarbonisation progress transparently, minimising the risk of greenwashing. You can learn how to do this in our article: How to communicate your decarbonisation strategy.

Ultimately, Manglai is ideal for companies that need to calculate their full carbon footprint (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) without relying on external consultancies or complex processes.

2. SAP Sustainability Footprint Management

Designed for companies already using the SAP ecosystem, this tool integrates large-scale data on energy consumption, materials and processes. It is powerful but usually requires a significant investment and technical knowledge.

3. Sphera Product Sustainability (GaBi)

A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) suite aimed at large industrial corporations. It offers strong scientific rigour and extensive databases, though its complexity makes it less accessible for SMEs.

4. One Click LCA

Popular in the construction and manufacturing sectors, this tool simplifies carbon footprint and other environmental impact calculations through templates aligned with the European PEF standard.

It is useful for companies seeking to obtain Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

5. Ecochain

Designed for industrial SMEs, Ecochain combines ease of use with a global view of emissions by process or production site.

It is an intermediate option between highly technical platforms and lightweight solutions.

6. CarbonCloud

Specialised in the food and FMCG sectors, CarbonCloud provides sector models and allows companies to compare the footprint of different ingredients or production processes.

7. Carbonfact

Built for the fashion industry, Carbonfact facilitates emissions calculations per garment or collection.

Its niche focus makes it suitable for brands aiming to advance climate traceability across their textile supply chains.

How to start measuring your carbon footprint

Measuring your carbon footprint may seem complex, but with a structured methodology it is a completely manageable process.

The goal isn't just to obtain a number: it is to understand where emissions come from, prioritise reduction actions and communicate results with credibility.

Here are the key steps to start effectively:

1. Define the purpose of the calculation: identify why you want to measure your carbon footprint, whether for regulatory compliance (e.g. CSRD, GHG Protocol), internal reduction goals or sustainability reporting. A clear purpose guides the data collection process and determines the level of detail required.
2. Set the scope of emissions: decide whether to include only direct emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) or also indirect ones from the value chain (Scope 3). Including Scope 3 is essential for a complete understanding of your climate impact.
3. Collect activity data: gather all relevant data on electricity, fuel, transport, business travel, waste, logistics and purchased goods or services. The more accurate the data, the more reliable the results.
4. Use reliable emission factors: rely on recognised sources such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), DEFRA or the IPCC. Leading carbon accounting software like Manglai integrates these databases to ensure transparency and traceability.
5. Calculate, analyse and validate results: once the data is compiled, the tool calculates total emissions in tonnes of CO₂e. Verify that the system boundaries match the chosen methodology and analyse which activities contribute the most to your footprint.
6. Communicate results and define actions: present your findings clearly and credibly, tailored to management, clients or investors. Good software generates audit-ready reports and makes it easy to track progress over time.

Measuring your carbon footprint isn't a one-time task: it is a continuous improvement process that enables companies to reduce energy use, optimise supply chains and move toward carbon neutrality.

Technology and rigour: advancing toward climate neutrality

Carbon footprint calculation has become the cornerstone of every sustainability strategy. It's not just about measuring: it is about understanding, acting and communicating with precision.

Choosing the right software ensures that data is reliable, comparable and actionable for decision-making. Manglai stands out as a very complete solution for organisations that seek to combine methodological rigour with operational agility, aligned with both regulatory frameworks and the realities of sustainability teams.

If you want to take the step toward reliable measurement, discover the Manglai carbon footprint solution or try our free calculator to get started.

FAQs about choosing the best carbon footprint software

What is the best software for calculating carbon footprint?

Manglai is a very balanced option for organisations seeking a practical and verifiable approach, while SAP or Sphera are better suited for large corporations with extensive technical teams.

Which standards should I follow to calculate my carbon footprint?

The main reference is the GHG Protocol, alongside ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14067, which define how to measure, report and verify greenhouse gas emissions.

Can I calculate my carbon footprint without complete data?

Yes. Most software tools allow the use of generic or sector-average emission factors, as long as the sources are documented and replaced with real data later on.

Is it mandatory to include all three scopes (1, 2 and 3)?

No, but it is highly recommended. Scopes 1 and 2 are basic for any organisation, while Scope 3 often represents the largest part of the total and is crucial for CSRD or Science Based Targets reporting.

How long does it take to calculate the carbon footprint?

It depends on automation and data availability. With Manglai, the initial calculation can be completed in a few weeks, compared to months with more complex systems.

What are the advantages of using software instead of spreadsheets?

Software ensures traceability, data consistency and easier updates of emission factors. It also produces auditable reports and minimises manual errors.

How can I communicate results without falling into greenwashing?

The key is to support every figure with verifiable data and recognised methodologies. Transparent, data-driven reporting is the best safeguard against greenwashing.