The best tools to calculate an organization's carbon footprint

Calculating your carbon footprint is a bit like stepping on the scale after the holidays. We know it's necessary, but we don't always want to see the results. However, for a company, it is the first step towards a real low-carbon strategy. And the good news is that there are now a multitude of tools (more or less reliable, more or less adapted) to take action.

In this article, we help you to see things clearly. What tools are available? What are they really for? How do you choose the one that corresponds to your carbon maturity level? And why is this only a starting point for a comprehensive climate strategy? Follow the guide.

Why measuring your carbon footprint has become essential

Behind each company, each product, each service... there is a carbon footprint. And in a world where regulations are intensifying, where consumers are becoming more demanding, and where investors are scrutinizing climate commitments, ignoring this footprint is no longer an option.

📌 ADEME reminds us: on average, a French company emits 27 tons of CO₂ equivalent per employee. A figure that obviously varies depending on the sector, but it sets the tone.

Measuring your emissions means:

• Understand where its impacts come from.
  
  
• Identify reduction levers.
  
  
• Meet its obligations (such as the regulatory GHG assessment).
  
  
• And build a credible and transparent strategy.
  
  

But before embarking on change, you still need to know what to measure — and with what tool.

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Understanding emission scopes: 1, 2 and 3

A quick reminder: not all shows are created equal.

• Scope 1 : these are direct emissions. Example: company vehicles or boilers used internally.
  
  
• Scope 2 : these are the indirect emissions linked to purchased energy (electricity, heat, steam).
  
  
• Scope 3 : it's the big piece. Emissions related to the entire value chain: purchases, transport, use of products, end of life, employee travel, etc. For some companies, Scope 3 represents over 80% of total emissions.
  
  

🔍 It is often on Scope 3 that the calculation tools diverge the most. Some do not even take it into account, or in a very simplified way. A key criterion to watch out for, therefore, when choosing your software.

Overview of carbon calculation tools

Free tools

1. Carbon base (ADEME)
It is the national reference. Here you will find all the emission factors to make your own calculations. It's sturdy... but technical. To be reserved for the most motivated or for profiles who are comfortable with spreadsheets.

2. Our Climate Actions/My Transport Impact/CO₂ Impact
Computers for the general public, useful for a first approach. But not adapted to structure a business approach.

⚠️ Main limitations of free tools :

• Often partial calculation (scope 1 and 2 only).
  
  
• No sectoral customization.
  
  
• Very approximate results (up to ± 30% depending on the hypotheses chosen).
  
  

Freemium/premium tools

3. sami
An intuitive solution designed for SMEs and startups. Simple interface, very good human support, and a mix between automation and personalization. Strong on Scope 3.

4. Greenly
One of the best known. Direct connection to accounting data, database provided. Strong marketing tool. Ideal for businesses looking for external visibility.

5. Carbo
Simple to learn, with a good level of pedagogy. Well suited for businesses that want to start small, but with a clear vision.

6. Aktio
Very good tool for industrial players. Enables accurate modeling of flows and processes. Interesting for structures with a lot of internal data.

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Expert tools for large organizations

7. Sweep
Designed for large companies or groups. Allows you to map thousands of flows, to follow reduction trajectories, and to pilot complex climate strategies.

8. Toovalu
Rather intended for experienced CFOs/CSR managers. Integrates well with extra-financial reporting. Strong on the strategy, a bit less accessible on the first calculation.

9. GCI (Greenhouse Gas Protocol)
Global reference methodology, often used in international regulatory procedures or for ESG reporting.

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How do you choose the right tool for your business?

Depending on the size

• Startup/TPE: a simple tool like Sami or Carbo will do the trick.
  
  
• Growing SMEs: Greenly or Aktio make it possible to structure a credible approach.
  
  
• Large group: Sweep or Toovalu offer large-scale piloting functionalities.
  
  

Depending on the sector

• Tech/digital: Pay attention to properly cover digital impacts (Cloud, equipment, travel). Greenly has good coverage on this.
  
  
• Industry: you need a tool capable of accurately modeling inputs and processes (Aktio, Sweep).
  
  
• Services/advice: Scope 3 is often predominant. Better a strong tool for travel, shopping, IT use (Carbo, Sami).
  
  

Depending on carbon maturity

• Beginner: start with a freemium educational tool.
  
  
• Intermediate: look for an evolving solution, capable of structuring action plans.
  
  
• Advanced: opt for a platform integrated into the global climate strategy.

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Conclusion:

Do not get stuck at the stage of choosing a tool. He is not the one who will lower your emissions. But it's about how you use the results to start a concrete transformation.

Take the time to choose a suitable tool, then surround yourself with a partner who can make data talk, involve your teams, and help you keep your commitments.

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