The 10 Best Software Tools for Calculating Scope 3 Carbon Footprint You Should Know
What is a Software for Calculating Scope 3 Carbon Footprint?
5 Key Criteria for Choosing the Best Software for Calculating Scope 3 Carbon Footprint
Benefits and Challenges of Using Software for Calculating Scope 3 Carbon Footprint
How to Get Started with Software for Calculating Scope 3 Carbon Footprint Without the Headache
Dcycle as the ESG Solution for Any Use Case
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are the best 10 software tools for calculating scope 3 carbon footprint:
Today, when we talk about measuring a company’s impact, software for calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint has become a central concept.
The reason is simple: most emissions don’t occur within our offices or factories, but throughout the entire value chain.
Purchases, transportation, suppliers and product use represent a massive percentage that can no longer be left out of reports.
Companies that don’t measure these emissions will fall behind. This is not a secondary issue, it’s about competitiveness. More and more regulatory frameworks such as CSRD, SBTi, the European Taxonomy or various ISOs require clear, auditable and consistent data.
Failing to comply means losing access to contracts, funding and even strategic markets.
The challenge is clear: gather, organize and transform scattered ESG information into useful data for any use case.
And this is where the real value of having a solution that simplifies the process begins.
In the following sections, we’ll see how to tackle this challenge, what to look for in a tool, and what practical steps to take to turn sustainability into a real competitive advantage.
When we talk about software for calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint, the top spot goes to Dcycle.
The reason is clear: we are not auditors or consultants, we are a solution designed for companies that need to measure, manage and communicate their ESG information without adding unnecessary layers of complexity.
With Dcycle, we centralize all ESG data in a single space. From there, we can automatically distribute the information to any regulatory or voluntary framework: EINF, CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs or any other.
This eliminates duplicated tasks and turns a tedious process into a simple and agile management system.
What sets us apart is the approach. We simplify Scope 3 data collection and analysis, integrating information from purchases, transportation, suppliers and product use.
All without relying on endless spreadsheets or manual processes that waste time and cause errors.
Beyond calculation, the value lies in the strategy.
With Dcycle, data is no longer an uncomfortable requirement, it becomes a real competitive lever that allows informed decision-making and anticipating market changes.
Why Dcycle ranks #1:
Normative is one of the most recognized platforms in the field of Scope 3 carbon footprint calculation.
Its main strength lies in its emission factor database and the ability to work with primary data when companies manage to collect it.
What sets this tool apart is its automated calculation capacity and alignment with standards like the GHG Protocol, making it a solid option for organizations seeking consistent and auditable results.
Key features of Normative:
Sweep is designed with a clear focus on managing complex Scope 3 data and handling large volumes of value chain information.
Its value proposition is centered on modeling emissions within the organization and across the supplier network.
It also stands out for its visualization of results through dashboards that allow sustainability and management teams to make decisions based on clear and easily interpretable data.
Key features of Sweep:
Plan A positions itself as a software aimed at facilitating ESG data collection, organization and reporting, with a strong focus on process automation.
It is especially relevant for companies seeking to align with European regulatory frameworks like CSRD.
Plan A’s proposal focuses on simplifying data integration from different areas of the company, reducing friction and making it easier to prepare reports that comply with multiple standards.
Key features of Plan A:
Persefoni has become a global reference thanks to its focus on corporate carbon accounting, including a dedicated module for Scope 3 footprint calculation. Its approach combines advanced reporting technology with a high level of methodological transparency.
It is an attractive option for organizations seeking consistent reports for external stakeholders, as it places a strong emphasis on traceability and data clarity.
Key features of Persefoni:
EcoVadis has gained ground in the Scope 3 field thanks to its focus on supplier evaluation. Its proposal is centered on obtaining primary data directly from the supply chain and converting it into standardized scorecards.
This is key for companies that need to involve their suppliers in the measurement and reduction of emissions.
The platform makes the process of data collection and risk prioritization within the value chain more agile.
Key features of EcoVadis:
UL Solutions offers a specific module for Scope 3 emissions calculation within its sustainability suite. Its value lies in its modular structure, which allows companies to calculate by categories (purchases, logistics, energy, etc.) without losing alignment with the GHG Protocol.
It also incorporates updated and auditable emission factors, making it an interesting solution for companies that prioritize methodological consistency.
Key features of UL Solutions:
Optera is especially focused on supply chain management, with tools that allow for the collection and organization of supplier data.
Its proposal is based on automating supplier engagement processes and enabling reports that comply with standards such as CDP or CSRD.
Its differential value lies in the depth of reporting for large organizations, where traceability and scalability are essential.
Key features of Optera:
Makersite combines artificial intelligence and life cycle databases to calculate Scope 3 emissions at a very granular level.
It allows companies to analyze products, processes and suppliers in detail, which is especially useful in industrial and manufacturing sectors.
What sets it apart is its ability to map the carbon footprint at the product level, generating insights that go beyond corporate-level calculations.
Key features of Makersite:
Microsoft Sustainability Manager offers an integrated approach within the business tools ecosystem.
Its main appeal is its connectivity with other corporate systems (ERP, finance, procurement, etc.), which enables fluid and automated data collection.
It targets both direct and Scope 3 emissions, with configurable dashboards that give sustainability and management teams a complete view of environmental performance.
Key features of Microsoft Sustainability Manager:
Calculation of Scope 1, 2 and 3 in a single platform
A software for calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint is a tool designed to gather, organize and analyze ESG data in a structured way, with the aim of measuring emissions that come from the value chain.
We are not talking about a one-off calculation, but rather a system capable of transforming scattered data into useful and actionable information for various regulatory and strategic frameworks.
The real value of these solutions lies in their ability to centralize all ESG information in one place, and from there, distribute it in any format or standard the company needs: EINF, CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs or any other.
This allows us to eliminate duplications, reduce errors and gain agility.
This kind of software works with information that is typically scattered across different departments:
The key is for this data to become traceable and auditable metrics, avoiding reliance on spreadsheets that offer no guarantees.
Scope 3 is the most complex because it depends on multiple external actors.
Here we’re talking about dozens or hundreds of suppliers, clients, global transportation, and processes that go beyond the company’s direct control.
New regulations like CSRD in Europe demand that companies present detailed and audit-ready information about their entire carbon footprint.
Not measuring Scope 3 means failing to comply and losing competitiveness to those who already do.
Alongside these requirements, companies also need to consider emerging sustainable finance frameworks, which are increasingly shaping investment flows and reporting standards.
In most sectors, over 70% of emissions come from the value chain.
If we only measure Scope 1 and 2, we are ignoring the most relevant part of the problem. The real challenge, and also the greatest opportunity, lies in Scope 3.
Today, both investors and clients demand clear, consistent and comparable data. Transparency is no longer optional, it is a market requirement.
Those who can’t prove their ESG performance with data will be excluded from purchasing or investment decisions.
In short, software for calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint is not a trend or an "extra".
It is a strategic tool that helps us comply with regulations, understand where emissions actually come from, and above all, turn data into decisions that strengthen our company’s competitive position.
Choosing this kind of software is not about having just another tool, but about ensuring it truly helps us gain efficiency, comply with frameworks, and leverage ESG data strategically.
It’s not about “filling out reports”, it’s about managing critical information to compete.
The first criterion is obvious: we need the software to collect data from the entire value chain.
We are not talking about a few records, but information coming from multiple suppliers, shippers and customers.
If we can’t consolidate this data, we end up with incomplete figures and therefore less useful results.
The second criterion is flexibility to adapt to any ESG standard. Today it’s CSRD, tomorrow SBTi, and the day after a new framework we don’t know yet.
The software must be scalable, able to grow with our needs and distribute ESG information to any use: EINF, ISOs, European Taxonomy or future standards.
The third criterion is integration. If the software doesn’t connect with the systems where data already exists (ERP, CRM, procurement, logistics, travel), we’ll be duplicating tasks.
The key is for the tool to extract and process information automatically, avoiding manual errors and freeing up time for teams.
The fourth criterion is automation. Scope 3 cannot be calculated using endless spreadsheets. We need models that automate calculations, apply updated emission factors and allow us to simulate reduction scenarios.
The more modeling capacity the tool has, the better we can anticipate and make strategic decisions based on real data.
Finally, we need software that offers expert support in internationally recognized methodologies. We’re talking about GHG Protocol, ISO standards and globally accepted frameworks.
If the calculations aren’t aligned with these references, they will be invalid for auditors, regulators or investors.
In summary, the best software isn’t the most complex or expensive, but the one that lets us:
With software for calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint, we can gather all ESG information in a single centralized space, avoiding duplication and wasted time.
By standardizing value chain data, we can compare it and use it across different frameworks without having to redo processes.
Regulations are becoming increasingly demanding and dynamic. These types of solutions ensure that our calculations are aligned with internationally recognized frameworks like CSRD, SBTi, the European Taxonomy or ISOs.
This allows us to report confidently and stay ahead of future requirements.
One of the biggest challenges of Scope 3 is gathering information from the supply chain. With the right tool, we can automate collection and normalization processes, reducing administrative burden and minimizing errors.
This way, we obtain more complete and useful information.
Traceability is critical when it comes to audits or external reviews. Good software provides clear methodologies and updated emission factors, ensuring that every figure has a solid foundation.
This increases confidence in results and enables data-based decision-making.
Measuring without acting is pointless. These tools let us define realistic reduction targets, simulate scenarios, and track progress.
That way, we can demonstrate with concrete data how our strategy evolves and what impact it has on the business.
Clients, investors and partners increasingly demand transparency. Having specialized software lets us present clear, structured and comparable information.
This not only ensures compliance, but strengthens our position in international markets by showing seriousness and commitment to ESG management.
In short, software for calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint is not just a technical tool. It is a strategic lever.
It helps us simplify processes, comply with global frameworks, and turn sustainability into a competitive advantage that directly impacts our company’s future.
The first major challenge is the quality of supply chain data. Suppliers don’t always have the information ready or in the format we need.
This creates gaps that, if not properly managed, lead to unreliable calculations and incomplete reports.
Another frequent obstacle is the lack of uniformity in ESG information. Each actor in the chain may use different methods, emission factors or reporting frameworks.
Without a tool that standardizes and translates this data, we end up spending too much time manually adjusting information that should have been usable from the start.
Scope 3 is not the responsibility of one department. It requires coordination between procurement, operations, finance, sustainability, and external suppliers.
If we fail to align all actors, the effort is diluted, and results lose consistency.
At Dcycle, we’re clear: we are not auditors or consultants, we are a Solution for companies.
We’ve learned that success in measuring Scope 3 lies in simplifying data collection, automating processes, and delivering results that can be used in any ESG framework.
That’s how we help companies turn calculation into a real competitive lever.
Our experience shows that only with a structured and automated system can we overcome the challenges of Scope 3.
The key is to gather all data in one place, integrate it with corporate systems, and automatically distribute it to EINF, CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy or ISOs.
When we eliminate manual processes and reduce our dependence on spreadsheets, we don’t just gain efficiency — we also gain confidence that the numbers reflect reality.
In short, challenges exist, but with the right strategy and the right tool, we can turn them into an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and reinforce our competitiveness in the market.
The first step is to be realistic about where we are starting. Not all companies have the same level of maturity in emissions management.
We need to know whether we already have basic Scope 1 and 2 data, or whether we’re starting from scratch.
This initial evaluation allows us to set expectations and prioritize efforts.
Scope 3 includes 15 categories, but not all are equally important for every business. The most efficient approach is to prioritize those with the greatest impact, like procurement, transport or product use.
Starting with the essential lets us move faster and get useful data from day one.
None of this works if we exclude the value chain. We need to involve suppliers and partners from the start, explaining why we need their data and how it will be used.
The more they collaborate, the more reliable our calculations will be.
The key is to give them a clear and simple system to contribute information.
There’s no point in choosing rigid software that only solves today’s problem. We need a flexible solution, able to adapt to different ESG frameworks like CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy or ISOs.
At Dcycle, we’re clear: we are not auditors or consultants, we are a Solution for companies that centralizes ESG information and distributes it automatically in any required format.
Measuring once is not enough. The key is to set up periodic review processes, with internal roles responsible for updating and verifying data.
We also need to adopt a continuous improvement mindset, using results not just to report, but to define and adjust decarbonization goals.
In summary, starting with software for calculating Scope 3 carbon footprint doesn’t have to be a nightmare.
If we assess our starting point, prioritize what matters, engage the value chain, and choose a flexible solution, the process becomes a competitive advantage, not a burden.
When it comes to managing ESG data, most companies face the same problem: scattered information, inconsistent formats and manual processes that drain resources.
This is where Dcycle comes into play. We are not auditors or consultants, we are a Solution for companies that need a clear, structured and useful system for any scenario.
With Dcycle, we can gather all ESG information in a single centralized space.
This allows us to leave behind inefficient spreadsheets and rely on a solid foundation that is then automatically distributed across all required frameworks: EINF, CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs, or any standard in force today or in the future.
What sets us apart is our practical approach. We don’t aim to complicate, but to simplify the collection, analysis and distribution of data.
That means that instead of duplicating efforts for each report, we work the data once and use it in multiple contexts.
This saves time, reduces errors and reinforces confidence in the results.
Moreover, we see sustainability not as a cost, but as a strategic lever to compete in the market. If we don’t measure, we can’t demonstrate impact or make informed decisions.
And if we can’t prove with solid data what we’re doing, we lose credibility with clients, investors and regulators.
In short, with Dcycle we go one step further: we turn ESG management into a real competitive advantage.
We offer companies the ability to adapt to any requirement, present or future, with a flexible, automated solution designed to address every use case.
The big difference lies in the complexity and breadth of the data. While Scope 1 and 2 focus on direct emissions and energy use, Scope 3 requires gathering information across the entire value chain.
A tool specialized in this area must be capable of centralizing scattered data, standardizing it and making it useful for any regulatory or strategic framework.
Yes, CSRD requires reporting Scope 3 emissions when relevant, and in most sectors they are because they represent the largest share of total footprint.
If we don’t measure them, we fail to comply with the regulation and lose competitiveness to companies that do.
It depends on the maturity level of each company and the quality of available data.
Generally, with the right system we can move fast, as the key is to automate processes and reduce dependency on manual tasks.
What matters is not just starting, but establishing a continuous flow of collection, review and improvement.
Yes, and that’s critical. If the tool doesn’t integrate with the systems where information already exists, we’ll end up duplicating efforts.
Ideally, the solution should connect directly with ERP, CRM, procurement platforms and supplier systems, so data flows automatically without needing to be reprocessed.
Virtually all sectors benefit, since the value chain represents the bulk of emissions in most industries.
However, those with extensive supply chains, complex logistics operations or high-impact products across their life cycle gain the most.
What’s relevant is understanding that if we don’t measure, we can’t compete.
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Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.
The most recognized methodologies are:
Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.
Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.
Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.
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