The 10 best carbon footprint software solutions in the UK in 2026

Whether you are in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the question is no longer about whether you should measure your Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to calculate your carbon footprint, but it should be how do you do it reliably, at scale and in a way that aligns with the current regulations.
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With the UK regulatory landscape surrounding carbon emissions rapidly evolving, there is an increased pressure on companies to report their emissions and report it properly. The Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework has already been in place for several years, whilst the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be brought into play from the start of 2027 along with the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (SRS) which has already been introduced on a voluntary basis and will become mandatory next year.
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British companies are now looking for robust tools to manage their climate transition while meeting international requirements and standards (SBTi, GHG Protocol, B Corp...).
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What is the best carbon footprint software? What are the criteria to be analysed?
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We have analysed the market for you. Discover our selection of 10 best carbon assessment softwares available in the UK in 2026, their strengths, and how to choose the one that fits your business.

1. Why do a carbon assessment?

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Requirements from your British or foreign business partners, regulatory pressure, profitability... This goes beyond the essential contribution to the fight against climate change, carrying out your carbon footprint is now essential to ensure the sustainability of your business.

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1.1 Increase profitability

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Committing to a decarbonisation process is synonymous with better financial performance, the two co-exist.

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Our team has expertise working on the financial and carbon evaluation of several decarbonisation actions for which both environmental and financial benefits are witnessed.

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For instance, let’s take photovoltaic panels for self-consumption as an example of a decarbonisation action. Whilst the initial investment costs may sometimes deter people from opting for this solution, it is estimated that this measure can save between £1700 and £6000 per ton of CO2 avoided over the duration of this decarbonisation action (depending on the performance of the solar panel and the price of electricity at the time).

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1.2 Strengthen its competitiveness

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• Respond to the requests of your business partners

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SMEs and major accounts are looking to decarbonise their Scope 3 emissions, in particular their supply chain activities. This is why they ask their suppliers to engage themselves directly in emission reduction initiatives: introduction of carbon criteria in commercial contracts, strengthened responsible purchasing policies, carbon criteria in tenders, SBTi commitments... To fulfill their reporting obligations (in particular with CSRD), these large companies also ask their suppliers to share their carbon data with them.

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• Access to finance

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Investment funds and banking partners are more and more likely to require portfolio companies or customers to at least calculate their carbon footprint, for others to implement a decarbonisation strategy.

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In a Deloitte study published in 2024, 62% of M&A managers interviewed said they had abandoned an acquisition because of concerns about the ESG performance of the target company.

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• Protecting yourself against rising carbon prices

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With the entry into force of the CBAM and the gradual disappearance of free emission quotas, the cost of carbon emissions across Europe is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Doing your carbon footprint allows you to calculate your exposure to this financial risk and implement decarbonisation strategies to reduce this risk.

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• Attracting and retaining top talent

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Employees, especially young graduates, increasingly want to work in a job which aligns with their desire to help reduce the effects of climate change. Being ambitious with this subject allows you to attract these young graduates and to improve their job satisfaction, helping you achieve higher retention rates.

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1.3 The regulations

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• The CSRD

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With CSRD, companies with more than 1000 employees and whose turnover exceeds €450 million already have to publish their sustainability reports, in particular their GHG emissions, whilst many more companies will have to do so in the future with the threshold for reporting being lowered in the following years.

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By “runoff” in the supply chain, their suppliers will also have to provide their carbon data.

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• Global carbon regulations

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Many governments are already in the process of legislating mandatory climate reporting: China, California, Taiwan, Thailand and Brazil.

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• The CBAM

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The introduction of the CBAM on 1st January 2027 will require companies that import certain products to monitor with greater precision the emissions related to their inputs, to redefine their purchasing policies with their suppliers and to engage in discussions with them on the transparency of their carbon data.

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1.4 Labelisations and certifications

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Calculating your GHG emissions (Scopes 1, 2 and 3), publishing these results, and defining transition plans with emission reduction objectives are now imperative in order to complete the procedures necessary to obtain labels or certifications.

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Let's quote here:

• The evaluation EcoVadis : greenhouse gas consumption is one of the 21 EcoVadis evaluation criteria
• B Corp : the new B Corp standards, introduced January 1st, 2026, require the largest companies to carry out a complete carbon footprint and have it verified and all companies to publish a climate transition plan with emission reduction objectives.

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2. Why use carbon assessment software?

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Here are the main advantages of moving from a traditional Excel spreadsheet to carbon assessment software.

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2.1 Data automation and reliability

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Software makes it possible to centralise and accelerate the collection and processing of data, which is the longest step in carrying out the carbon footprint:

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• Direct import of activity data (accounting files, supplier data, etc.).
• Automated data processing
• Up-to-date emission factors: immediate access to public and private databases (DEFRA, Climatiq...) to convert your activities into CO2e without calculation errors.
• Audit: in the event of an audit, each figure is traceable, which reinforces the credibility of your carbon footprint.

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2.2 Emissions analysis and control

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The software offers a dynamic vision:

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• Emissions analysis: visualise the distribution of your emissions by Scope, by emission item but also by site or by subsidiary for companies with a more complex structure.
• Reduction trajectories: simulation of trajectories according to the objectives set and the actions planned
• Action plan: implementation of an action plan

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2.3 Simplified regulatory compliance

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Many companies in the UK must now provide rigorous extra-financial reports.

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• The software automatically generates reports in accordance with international standards (GHG Protocol, ISO 14064).
• It facilitates collaboration with external auditors.

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2.4 Stakeholder Engagement

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• Distribution of roles and internal accesses for data collection
• Suppliers: sending questionnaires to your suppliers in order to specify the measurement of Scope 3 emissions.
• Collaborators: collaborative interfaces in order to communicate internally on progress and results, thus strengthening adherence to transition projects.

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2.5 Empowering the carbon footprint

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High-quality software makes it much easier to carry out your carbon footprint internally.

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• Easy collection and use of integrated emission factors to avoid errors
• Easy analysis of results
• Implementation of an action plan

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3. The Top 10 carbon footprint software in the UK

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1. Sami

Sami offers a 360° approach that combines powerful software for measuring and managing carbon data along with the expertise of experienced consultants to support companies in all sectors.

The Sami platform is distinguished in particular by a library of more than 230,000 emission factors, the automation of data collection, the possibility of carrying out a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) or Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) on the software or even tools for simulating reduction trajectories.

Sami also has a recognised training center on carbon accounting, allowing companies and consultants to then carry out carbon assessments independently.

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2. Seedling

Seedling’s carbon accounting software is aimed at growing businesses, typically with up to 2,000 employees that want a complete carbon footprint without the weight of an enterprise software. Its main differentiator is the combination of software with dedicated one-to-one expert support.

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3. D-Carbonize

D-Carbonize has developed its “Carbon Cockpit”, a tool designed to transform carbon constraints into business opportunities. In 2026, it is distinguished by a hybrid approach: a platform for autonomous management, coupled with expert support. D-Carbonize is specialized in supporting companies in industry and construction.

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4. Persefoni

Persefoni is an enterprise-focus carbon accounting platform that supports reporting for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions with strong emphasis on data quality, audit readiness and disclosure support. It is well-positioned for large companies with multiple entities across various countries.

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5. Normative

Normative offers a carbon accounting platform to help businesses measure their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions with a particularly strong focus on supply chain emissions. It also combines its platform with dedicated Climate Strategy Advisors, helping companies navigate regulations, prepare for audits and build action plans.

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6. Minimum

Minimum is a London-based carbon accounting platform designed for large, complex enterprises that need more than a simple footprinting tool. It is strongly centred on carbon and environmental data management, making it particularly well-suited to enterprise companies looking for a sophisticated approach to report their GHG emissions.

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7. Sweep

Sweep is a collaborative carbon and ESG data management platform, which makes it possible to centralise data, monitor emissions in real time and generate reports in accordance with international standards. Sweep is distinguished by its approach involving employees and partners in the value chain for the collective reduction of emissions.

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8. Greenly

Greenly is a carbon footprint application designed to automate the measurement of emissions on scopes 1, 2 and 3. In 2026, the software integrates advanced AI features for automatic data verification and double materiality analysis (CSRD).

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9. Watershed

A technology giant in the sector, Watershed offers a platform for companies with an international vocation. It offers integrations with business systems, reduction scenarios and a carbon offset market. Watershed is used by large companies for granular and compliant carbon balances.

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10. Plan A

Plan A is a certified carbon management software, which supports companies in measuring, reducing and reporting their emissions (Scopes 1, 2 and 3). The platform offers action plans aligned with scientific objectives, reports in accordance with the CSRD, and expert support for ecological transition.

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4. How do you choose your carbon footprint software?

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Here is a summary of the key functionalities that the carbon software you select should have.

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• Adapting the software to the structure of the company

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- Capacity of the software to manage the carbon balances of complex groups through the creation of a system of organisational units (subsidiaries, BU, countries, sites...) within the same workspace.

- Management of all the key stages of the carbon balance and the decarbonisation strategy (data collection, analysis of results, action plans, reduction trajectories...) thanks to this system of organisational units.

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• Rights and access management

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The decarbonisation journey requires the involvement of numerous teams within the company, however, with different roles depending on the person and according to the stage that is in progress: data collection, consolidation, analysis of results, construction and monitoring of the action plan, etc.

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- Autonomous management of user rights (reading rights, modification rights, administrator...)

- Differentiation of user roles and accesses by organisational unit

- Possibility to restrict access to certain data to certain users for reasons of confidentiality

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• Emission factors

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Emission Factors (EF) are an essential element in the carbon footprint because they make it possible to convert activity data into emissions. Using the right EFs ensures greater precision in measuring emissions.

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- What are the emission factors used by the software?

- Presence of sectoral, national and international EF bases

- EF updated

- Possibility to add custom EFs in the software

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• Data collection

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How does the software refine and accelerate the collection of activity data?

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- Multiple collection systems (collectors, questionnaires),

- API integration

- Importing and processing files in CSV or Excel formats

- Customisable supplier and employee questionnaires

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• Data consolidation and auditing

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- Automatic calculation of emissions linked to physical data

- Automatic processing of the accounting entries file (FEC)

- Using AI to process data

- Calculation of the uncertainty of the carbon balance

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• Analysis of the results

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- Precise visualisation of results by organisational unit, by scope, by product category...

- Visualisation by methodology

- Visualisation by carbon intensity or any other customisable intensity

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• The action plan

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- Catalog of decarbonisation actions integrated into the software and the possibility of adding custom actions

- Modeling the impact of reducing emissions and the financial impact of each decarbonisation action

- Different deadlines according to the actions

- Taking into account the reference year and the target year for each action

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• The reduction trajectory

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- Possibility to control several reduction trajectories and not a single one

- Simulation of different trajectories according to the objectives defined and the actions implemented

- Emission reduction goals in line with SBTi trajectories.

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• Carbon reporting

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- Regulatory reporting (GHG Protocol for example) of the carbon balance

- Use of carbon data for EcoVadis assessment or B Corp certification

- Integration of carbon data into ESG reports (VSME, CSRD...)

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• Carbon and ESG software

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In connection with the previous point, it is interesting for companies to choose carbon assessment software that also integrates an ESG component in order to be able to manage all CSR issues on a single platform and to be able to take advantage of carbon data to feed the desired ESG reports.

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• Training and support

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- Complete onboarding for teams that will use the software

- Ongoing support to answer questions

- Software editor expert in carbon accounting and able to train you so that you eventually become autonomous in carrying out your carbon assessments.

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5. Choosing Sami for your carbon footprint software

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More than 1500 customers have been supported since 2020, equating to around 5000 carbon balances calculated on our platform. Sami stands out as a particularly efficient and accessible platform for measuring its greenhouse gas emissions, in accordance with recognised methods.

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An intuitive interface to facilitate the process

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One of Sami's main strengths lies in its intuitive user interface, designed to simplify the carbon footprint assessment. Even without prior technical expertise, teams can easily collect data, understand results, and identify priority actions.

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A complete solution adapted to all organisations

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Whether you are an SME carrying out your first carbon footprint or a large group with a need for multi-entity consolidation, Sami adapts to your specific needs:
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• Multi-entity management and consolidated group balance sheet: ideal for complex organisations
• Rich database of emission factors : more than 230,000 EFs present on the platform for precise analysis
• Analytical visualisation of emissions: by scope, by activity, by entity, etc.
• Catalog of customisable reduction actions: to quickly take action
• ISO 27001 certification: guaranteeing the security of your data

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Tailor-made support

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Beyond the software, Sami offers support adapted to each user:

• Personalised onboarding for a quick start
• Responsive support to answer all your questions
• Educational resources to increase competence on carbon issues
• Regular updates integrating methodological and regulatory developments
• Network of more than 100 CSR partner firms that can support clients in getting started with the software and implementing concrete actions

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From carbon to ESG, an all-in-one solution

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Instead of multiplying software or Excel spreadsheets, combine your carbon and CSR data on a single platform.

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• Automatic integration of carbon data into CSRD reporting
• Carrying out a double materiality analysis
• VSME reporting
• EcoVadis evaluation
• Monitoring of emissions under the MACF
• B Corp certification

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FAQS

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1. Is a carbon assessment mandatory for British companies in 2026?

The obligation depends on the size of your structure. With the directive CSRD, large British companies and listed SMEs must now publish a sustainability report including their full carbon footprint (Scopes 1, 2 and 3). However, even for SMEs not submitted directly, the carbon footprint is becoming essential: contractors increasingly require this data to maintain their commercial relationships.
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2. How to choose between a consultant and a carbon footprint software?

The consultant brings valuable strategic expertise, while the software guarantees the sustainability and reliability of the data. In 2026, the hybrid approach is the most recommended: using a platform to automate collection and calculation, while benefiting from expert support to define an ambitious reduction trajectory that complies with standards such as the SBTi.
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3. Can carbon accounting software help with CSRD or VSME reporting?

Absolutely. High-performance software does more than just calculate tons of CO2e. It must be able to automatically inject your carbon data into the precise data points of the standards ESRS (for the CSRD) Or frame VSME (for SMEs). This avoids double entries and ensures consistency between your climate strategy and your extra-financial reporting.
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4. Is it possible to automate data collection in the UK with these tools?

Yes, it is one of the major challenges of 2026. The best software now allows you to directly import your Accounting Entry Files (FEC) or to connect via API to your management tools (ERP, energy bills). For British companies with international suppliers, specific modules also make it possible to send personalised questionnaires to refine emissions related to transport and purchases.
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5. Are there grants or subsidies in the UK to equip yourself with carbon software?

Yes, there are various forms of grants and subsidies available to help you complete your carbon footprint. There are specific grants at a regional level (Green Business Grants), which can offer financial help to SMEs who purchase software to help them reduce their emissions.
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6. What is the cost of carbon footprint software?

The cost of carbon accounting software varies mainly depending on the size of the business and the complexity of its structure. This ranges from a few thousand pounds per year for an SME to several tens of thousands of pounds for a large group and depending on specific needs (CSRD, LCA product...).

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