What is a carbon footprint tool and how does it work ?
Reading 15 min
April 18, 2025
Carbon footprint software is an indispensable tool for companies wishing to measure and reduce their environmental impact. By enabling precise calculation of greenhouse gas emissions, it provides a clear view of the contribution of each activity to the organization's overall carbon footprint.
Thanks to its advanced features, it helps to identify areas for potential improvement and to develop effective strategies for reducing emissions. From data collection to results analysis, communication and progress monitoring, carbon footprint software simplifies and optimizes the environmental management process.
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All you need to know about carbon footprint tool
A carbon footprint calculator (or software) is a tool that enables companies and organizations to measure and monitor their greenhouse gas emissions. It provides a relatively accurate picture of the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) released into the atmosphere as a result of an organisation’s activities (energy consumption, production processes, transport, waste disposal, etc.).
A carbon footprint calculator helps identify areas where changes in behaviour, processes or raw materials can reduce emissions. The data generated by this software can be used for reporting purposes or as part of an environmental impact assessment.
Many companies have adopted carbon footprint calculators to track their emissions to meet internal targets for reducing their overall carbon footprint.
How is a carbon footprint calculated?
Calculating a company’s carbon footprint involves measuring the total amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases emitted directly and indirectly by its activities. This data is then used to calculate the total carbon footprint of each activity, which can be expressed in tonnes per year of CO2 equivalent (CO2e).
A carbon footprint takes into account direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect energy-related emissions (Scope 2), and the remaining indirect emissions (Scope 3). The latter represents emissions emitted upstream and downstream in the company’s value chain.
Stages of a carbon footprint assessment
Defining the Scope of the Carbon Assessment
The first essential step in a carbon assessment is defining the scope of analysis. This scope can be both organizational (which entities or subsidiaries are included in the calculation?) and operational (which activities, emission sources, or sites are taken into account in the carbon assessment?). This involves clearly delineating what the assessment covers to ensure its consistency, comparability over time, and completeness. A poorly defined scope can distort the interpretation of the results and impair the relevance of the resulting strategic decisions. It is also important to choose the approach and include all significant emission sources according to scopes 1, 2, and 3. This strategic step ensures the quality of the entire process. Furthermore, using carbon assessment software makes it easy to identify the various emission sources and structure the scope accordingly.
Collecting Activity Data
Once the scope has been established, data collection allows for the gathering of the necessary information to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions generated by the company's activities. This data can come from various sources: energy bills, fleet mileage, quantities of raw materials purchased, waste produced, etc. The more accurate and verified the data, the more reliable the carbon footprint will be. This step can be complex if the information is dispersed across multiple departments or sites. Using carbon footprint tool allows for the automation of part of the process and the involvement of operational teams in data reporting, using appropriate forms. It is also essential to raise employee awareness of best data collection practices and avoid common errors. Rigorous data collection is essential to produce a comprehensive and usable carbon footprint.
Selecting Emission Factors
Emission factors are coefficients used to convert activity data (such as natural gas consumption or distance traveled) into the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted, expressed in CO2 equivalent (CO2e). Choosing these factors is a crucial step, as it determines the accuracy of the results. Recognized databases exist, such as those provided by ADEME or the GHG Protocol. An emission factor can be generic (average value for a given activity) or specific (specific to a specific technology, supplier, or site). For example, the combustion of ten liters of diesel is a well-documented case and its emission factor is very precise. However, estimating a vehicle's emissions without knowing its exact fuel consumption will require a less precise factor. Carbon footprint tool allows for the appropriate granularity based on the quality of the available data, while maintaining traceability of the sources used to justify the choices.
Calculating the Carbon Footprint
Greenhouse gas emissions are calculated by multiplying the collected activity data by their respective emission factors. This step produces a quantified assessment of the organization's carbon footprint, generally expressed in tons of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). The calculation can be performed by emission source, site, product, or service, depending on the desired level of detail. Effective carbon footprint tool automates these calculations, reduces data entry errors, and allows for testing different scenarios. For example, it is possible to compare the environmental impact of changing energy suppliers or modes of transportation. Carbon footprint tool also allows emissions to be broken down by scope (1, 2, 3) to identify direct and indirect contributions to the carbon footprint. This calculation allows for the development of an effective climate strategy.
Analyzing the Carbon Assessment Results
Once the results are obtained, it is essential to analyze them. The goal is to identify the most significant emission sources, trends, and critical areas for improvement. This analysis can be performed at different levels: global (entire organization), by site, by activity, or even by product. It allows actions to be directed based on levers with a high environmental impact. Some items may reveal surprises, particularly in Scope 3, which is often underestimated. For example, raw material purchases or business travel can represent a significant portion of total emissions. Carbon footprint tool, such as D-Carbonize, offers clear visualizations and customizable dashboards to facilitate interpretation of the assessment.
Identifying Action Levers to Reduce Emissions
Once the most impactful emission sources have been identified, it is possible to define reduction levers adapted to the organization's reality. These levers can be organizational, technological (changing equipment or suppliers), behavioral, or strategic (changing business or logistics models). The goal is not always to immediately reduce all emissions, but rather to prioritize actions based on their feasibility, cost, and reduction potential. This is why carbon footprint tool, combined with expert support, helps prioritize efforts and build a realistic roadmap. Some low-cost actions can be implemented quickly, while others require more significant investments.
Implement an action plan and monitor progress
This plan must set clear emission reduction targets, identify the actions to be implemented, the necessary resources, and monitoring indicators. It allows you to move from a baseline assessment to a true decarbonization strategy. Good carbon footprint tool allows you to track changes over time, adjust targets based on results, and generate reports for both internal (management, employees) and external (customers, investors, authorities) stakeholders. Regular monitoring of the plan also strengthens the company's long-term commitment. It is a management tool that gives meaning to the organization's environmental approach and ensures its sustainability.
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Carbon footprint software provides a clear perspective on a company's environmental footprint, guiding its efforts towards sustainability.
Carbon footprint calculator: a tool for understanding, acting and monitoring
Using software to calculate the carbon footprint can help identify areas where changes in behaviour can reduce CO2 emissions.
It can also provide information that can be used to report on progress towards sustainable development goals. Carbon footprint tool offer companies a powerful tool for managing their environmental impact and tracking their performance over time.
Simplify carbon data collection
Data collection can be a time-consuming process, requiring rigour and precision. This step is essential to ensure the accuracy of the carbon footprint data, as it will determine the effectiveness of the decisions taken afterwards.
Carbon footprint tool enable the carbon expert to collect data collaboratively. It is a powerful tool that can help automate the process of collecting data from multiple collaborators and sources, including energy suppliers, production processes and various invoices. This is because data collection sometimes has to be carried out at several sites by different teams or service providers.
Improving communication
A carbon footprint calculator can also facilitate communication between an organisation’s different teams and sites. It enables everyone involved in and affected by environmental initiatives within a company to share information easily. This fosters collaboration between teams and helps to achieve more effective results faster.
Centralising all carbon data
The carbon footprint calculator is the central point for storing and analysing a company’s CO2e emissions data. This tool makes it possible to accurately measure the company’s carbon footprint and track its evolution.
Storing and archiving the data is a real time-saver for future carbon footprint assessments. Furthermore, the carbon expert already has a solid working base and a mapped data flow.
It is essential to consolidate the data within a single tool – the carbon footprint calculator.
Monitoring and evaluating emissions
The carbon footprint calculator can provide a real-time overview of an organisation’s CO2e emissions. It allows companies to track their progress over time and identify areas where process changes could reduce overall emissions.
The data generated by the software can be used for reporting, environmental impact assessments, or strategic decision-making.
Define sustainable objectives
By using a carbon footprint calculator, organisations can obtain accurate information about their carbon profile across all emission categories:
Procurement
Transport & logistics
Sales
Product use
End of life
This knowledge can then be used to make strategic decisions on the following points:
Identifying areas where changes in technology, raw materials, among others, can reduce emissions.
Develop strategies to meet internal targets for reducing the overall carbon footprint.
Demonstrate progress towards sustainable development objectives.
Comply with regulatory requirements and company commitments.
Adding value to the company
Today, to respond to a call for tenders, obtain financing, win new markets or simply stand out from the crowd, it is essential for companies to meet certain environmental criteria.
A carbon footprint calculator provides reports that can be used to prove that a company meets these requirements.
By integrating the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions into its processes, the company adds value to its activities. This competitive advantage can help it stand out from the competition.
Greater visibility for companies
Organising and analysing the data resulting from the carbon footprint is another challenge. Carbon footprint calculators can help carbon experts organise and analyse the data quickly and accurately, saving them time and effort.
The software can also provide information on trends over time and help identify areas where emissions need to be reduced or offset as a last resort.
Track your carbon footprint
By centralising all the company’s carbon data on a single platform, it is possible to obtain precise information on the organisation’s emissions profile to help with strategic decision-making.
With a carbon footprint calculator, it is possible to track the progress of a company’s emissions reduction efforts over time and be better prepared to meet sustainability targets and comply with ever-increasing regulatory requirements.
A carbon footprint calculator is an essential tool for any organisation wishing to reduce its impact on the environment.
Identifying emissions by site, process, activity or product
Companies that wish to adopt a sustainable approach must try to identify the emission sources that penalise them in terms of their carbon footprint. It is sometimes challenging to have a precise view of all of a company’s activities, particularly if it has a complex organisational structure, if it subcontracts certain components, or if it is present in several areas of activity.
By using a carbon footprint calculator, companies can identify the areas that are responsible for the greatest greenhouse gas emissions, such as a specific product or process, and take steps to reduce these negative environmental impacts.
For a company’s carbon expert, this is a tool that provides granular information and a more accurate view of the situation in real-time.
Save time by simplifying decision-making
A carbon footprint calculator enables companies to streamline and influence their decision-making process. Information updated in real-time on the software can help companies make decisions that are beneficial to the environment.
A carbon footprint calculator can influence decision-making in areas such as:
Organisational strategy
Production methods
Choice of energy
Transport methods
Choice of suppliers and partners
Integrating Carbon Auditing into the Company's Overall Strategy
Carbon auditing should not be seen as a simple compliance or reporting exercise. When integrated into the company's overall strategy, it becomes a real lever for economic performance, resilience, and transformation. By identifying the most impactful emission sources, the organization can optimize its resources, reduce certain operating costs (energy, logistics, raw materials), and anticipate future carbon-related price increases (taxes, quotas, carbon border adjustment mechanisms).
Companies are increasingly confronted with physical climate risks (heatwaves, shortages, floods) and regulatory risks (reporting obligations, customer or investor requirements). A rigorous carbon audit allows for the assessment of these vulnerabilities, better anticipation, and adaptation. It thus becomes an effective management tool for organizations.
Finally, carbon auditing integrates perfectly with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) management tools. It can be used to inform non-financial reports, CSR audits, and sustainability ratings. It lends credibility to the company's climate commitments and provides tangible proof of its low-carbon trajectory. Used as a strategic indicator, it strengthens transparency and trust with all stakeholders.
Benefits and Limitations of Carbon Assessment Software
Using carbon assessment software offers numerous advantages to companies looking to structure and improve their environmental approach. This type of tool automates data collection, calculation, and analysis, saving teams time. Furthermore, carbon assessment software reduces the risk of human error and ensures rigorous data traceability. Thanks to an intuitive interface and advanced features, carbon assessment software facilitates the visualization of emission sources, monitoring over time, and the development of precise action plans.
Furthermore, carbon assessment software ensures regulatory compliance. Thus, the software integrates recognized methodologies (GHG Protocol, ISO 14064), allowing companies to meet growing non-financial reporting requirements, particularly within the framework of the CSRD (Competitive Risks and Risks Reporting). Finally, the software promotes the democratization of carbon information by making data more understandable and accessible.
However, these tools also have several limitations. Their effectiveness depends largely on the quality of the input data: software cannot compensate for incomplete or
approximate data. Furthermore, without expert guidance, some interpretations may be biased or misused. Finally, acquisition and training costs can be a barrier for small organizations.
The best carbon footprint tool on the market
Companies face major challenges when it comes to sustainability. That’s why they need to equip themselves with the best tools to achieve their objectives and adapt to an ever-changing legislative environment. Depending on the size of the company and the desired level of accuracy, these tools can range from carbon accounting software to a simple Excel sheet.
There are many carbon footprint calculators on the market, and it’s important for companies to find the one that meets their specific needs. The best tools offer detailed analysis, ease of use and other features to simplify data collection, emissions calculation and analysis, reporting and communication.
By choosing D-Carbonize, companies can ensure that they are well equipped to meet environmental challenges, anticipate the application of new regulations and achieve their goals.
Criteria for choosing a carbon footprint tool
To choose the right carbon footprint calculator, it’s important to consider several key features:
Ease of use and user-friendly interface: you’ll want to choose software that offers an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface.
Built-in functionality: make sure your software offers all the functionality you need to meet regulatory obligations and achieve your sustainability goals.
Ability to collect and analyse data: check that your software has all the tools you need to collect and analyse accurate data.
Security and confidentiality: make sure your software provides a high level of security to protect your confidential information.
Conformity of results: the carbon footprint calculator you choose should produce reports that comply with internationally recognised standards, including the GHG Protocol, ADEME and ISO 14064.
If you wish to internalize this process and develop your own carbon footprint software, feel free to read our article.
D-Carbonize
D-Carbonize is the best partner to help you meet your carbon footprint objectives. This solution enables you to identify the main drivers of greenhouse gas emissions, so you can put in place a sustainable and effective carbon strategy.
By offering personalised support from carbon consultants to companies, D-Carbonize helps them to meet tomorrow’s requirements.
New standards and legislation are forcing companies to invest in solutions that are responsible in terms of their impact on the climate. It is now essential to integrate carbon data into all strategic decision-making.
D-Carbonize helps companies adopt an eco-responsible approach with tools designed to simplify data collection, analysis and processing. This work on carbon emissions prior to strategic decision-making enables companies to become more competitive in their market, reduce operating costs, improve their employer brand image and meet the new standards in force (CSRD).
Our carbon consultants are on hand throughout the carbon assessment process to provide guidance, support and advice. D-Carbonize offers a comprehensive service, backed up by a powerful tool and a team of carbon experts, to help companies measure and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
To choose the right carbon footprint calculator, it’s important to consider several key features:
Reduce your company’s carbon footprint by booking a demo with our experts at D-Carbonize.
