Top 8 ESG software solutions for more sustainability in 2024
Discover the best ESG software solutions for sustainable business. Comparison, features & benefits of CSRD tools.
- ESG software helps companies automate reporting, improve data quality, and meet CSRD requirements.
- The CSRD now applies to companies with more than 1,000 employees AND more than €450m net turnover (both criteria, in force since 18 March 2026).
- A PwC study found that most companies plan to use dedicated software for ESRS compliance.
- The ESG software market is fragmented. Only 39% of companies feel well-informed enough to make ESG decisions.
- This article compares 8 leading tools across key criteria: scope, features, and target audience.
ESG and ESG reporting: The most important facts in brief. Most people should be familiar with the term ESG by now. It stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. Companies face increasing pressure to operate sustainably and take on social responsibility. New regulations such as the CSRD are driving this shift across the EU.
ESG software solutions can help organizations meet these challenges. CSR tools and ESG software offer a wide range of functions to improve sustainability performance, create transparency, and engage stakeholders. A study by PwC on CSRD reporting found that the majority of companies plan to use a software solution to fulfill mandatory reporting standards (ESRS). Many also plan to use Microsoft Excel for this purpose.
In this blog post, we present the top 8 ESG software solutions for sustainability reporting. We compare the key features and benefits of each tool to help you choose the right software for your business.
Why ESG software solutions?
Platforms for managing sustainability offer companies several advantages:
- Increased efficiency: Automate tedious processes and save time and resources.
- Improved data quality: Reliable data is the basis for well-founded decisions.
- Transparency: Create transparency for stakeholders with your sustainability report.
- Stakeholder engagement: Actively involve stakeholders in your sustainability strategy.
- Risk management: Identify and minimize sustainability risks.
- Competitive advantages: Increase your competitiveness through sustainable management.
Hundreds of sustainability software solutions have been developed in recent years. The trend is still rising. The CSRD study published by Ubirch in January 2024 shows that the market for CSR tools is very fragmented, with only 39% of companies feeling sufficiently informed to make ESG decisions.
The Omnibus package changed who must report under the CSRD. Reporting is now mandatory only for companies with more than 1,000 employees AND more than €450m net turnover. Both criteria must be met. Earlier thresholds (250 employees, €40m turnover, or the "2 of 3 criteria" rule) no longer apply.
How were the top 8 ESG tools selected?
The selection is based on a mix of personal experience with the solutions, information from the tools' websites, and ratings on software comparison platforms such as G2, Capterra, and OMR Reviews. Note that the ESG software market is still relatively young, and independent reviews remain limited.
The order of the software solutions is arbitrary.
Top 8 ESG Software Solutions
1) CONSUST
Ratings: n/a
CONSUST offers a data-centric and holistic approach to guide your company towards a sustainable future. They provide the complete package of ESG software and associated consulting to meet sustainability requirements pragmatically.
Functions and services:
- CO2 calculation
- Calculation of GHG Scope 1–3 emissions
- Determination of the decarbonization potential
- Definition of climate strategy and targets
- Roadmap for achieving climate targets and tracking measures
- Integrated Materiality Assessment
- Intelligent ESG Framework Mapping
- Tracking and reporting of progress
- Accompanying Science Based Targets (SBTi) validation
- Fulfillment of reporting obligations and immediate reporting
CONSUST impresses with its attractive combination of software and optional consulting from a single source. The CSR tool is intuitive and offers all essential functions for auditable sustainability reporting.
2) Workiva
Workiva is one of the largest providers and offers an ESG reporting solution alongside other products. The platform supports companies in operationalizing their ESG strategy and enables digital workflows in real time.
Functions and services:
- ESG Framework: Selection from various ESG frameworks and standards.
- Sustainability strategy: Digitalization of ESG planning to react more agilely to the dynamic regulatory environment.
- Data: APIs enable the synchronization and automation of ESG data; benchmarks with other companies can be viewed.
- Stakeholders: Employees and other stakeholders can be actively involved in the reporting process with different access authorizations.
- Reporting: Progress against ESG targets can be made available at the touch of a button, including graphical elements.
- Auditability: Version control and validation of ESG data in XBRL format enable an audit-proof report.
The Workiva software covers several ESG frameworks and is particularly interesting for larger and international companies that report under various regulations. Positive reviews, a large customer list, and trustworthy partners have earned Workiva a place in the top 8.
3) Materiality Master
Ratings: n/a
Materiality Master is a specialized provider for conducting the Double Materiality Assessment. This low-threshold entry into CSRD reporting enables companies to identify and prioritize their sustainability topics.
Functions and services:
- Identify IROs: In addition to the ESG topic list of the ESRS (AR 16), company or sector-specific IROs can be added.
- Evaluate IROs: You are guided through the necessary steps to evaluate the IROs.
- Materiality matrix and results: Material topics are visualized in an interactive materiality matrix.
- Audit-capable: All decision-making processes are documented in accordance with ESRS 1: IRO-1.
Most providers offer an all-in-one solution. That is why it is appealing that Materiality Master focuses on the core of CSRD reporting: the Double Materiality Assessment. The solution provides an accessible entry point for small and medium-sized enterprises, NGOs, and CSRD consultancies.
Need a guided, audit-ready materiality assessment? Materiality Master walks you through every step of the double materiality process in line with ESRS requirements.
4) Code Gaia
A CO2 and ESG management platform for SMEs. The Code Gaia software supports companies in meeting the requirements of CSRD, double materiality, CO2 balance sheet, LkSG, and EU taxonomy.
Functions and services:
- All-in-one solution: Fulfillment of legal and stakeholder requirements including CSRD/ESRS, LkSG, and EU taxonomy.
- Double Materiality Assessment: Supported by software-based workflows and workshops.
- CO2 and environmental data: An automated CO2 accounting tool helps companies collect this data.
- Report generation: Export of the finished sustainability report in the appropriate format with a single click.
In addition to strong software ratings, Code Gaia impresses with a modern and innovative software solution. The clear focus on SMEs and EU legislation, as well as transparent pricing, round off the offer.
5) Global Climate
Ratings: n/a
The Global Climate Software makes CO2 emissions transparently scalable in real time and shows weak points across all scopes in key ESG areas. Companies can quickly identify appropriate measures to reduce and offset their corporate carbon footprint.
Functions and services:
- CO2 accounting (corporate carbon footprint and product carbon footprint)
- Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) Management
- ESG scoring
- Auditable version control
The SCOPES product from Global Climate adapts flexibly to companies' ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, DATEV). The CO2 balance sheet is calculated directly from accounting, bookkeeping, and merchandise management data. This innovative approach has earned Global Climate a place in the top 8.
6) IBM Envizi ESG Suite
IBM Envizi's ESG reporting software helps companies capture and manage all ESG data in a single system of record. The platform makes it easier to compile, review, and report large volumes of ESG data across key international reporting frameworks, including CSRD.
Functions and services:
- Scope 1, 2, 3 GHG Accounting and Reporting: Simplified calculation of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
- Target setting and progress measurement: CO2 reduction targets can be set and monitored to accelerate decarbonization.
- ESG Reporting Frameworks: Streamlined ESG reporting across all major frameworks with a single dataset.
- Ratings and benchmarks: Direct insight into the carbon footprint of buildings; comparison with other companies.
- Supply chains and assessments: Structured collection of ESG data from suppliers.
- Sustainability measurement: Monitoring and management of ESG and sustainability initiatives.
IBM has developed an ESG suite for corporations that can map several global sustainability reporting standards, similar to Workiva. Solid user ratings, transparent pricing, and the IBM brand make it a relevant CSR tool.
7) Greenomy
Ratings: n/a
Greenomy's AI-driven platform supports companies in fulfilling sustainability reporting according to CSRD, EU Taxonomy, ISSB, and all future standards. The platform offers functions to measure, disclose, and improve sustainability across organizations.
Functions and services:
- Data import: Capture and import of internal and external data from various sources and formats into an ESG data lake.
- Interoperability of frameworks: Efficient preparation of disclosures across ESG frameworks (CSRD, EU Taxonomy, ISSB).
- Workflows: Tasks and deadlines for teams in your organization can be coordinated on the platform.
- AI and Automation: Customized, generative AI tailored to ESG and integrated into reporting.
- Report generation: Easily share reports with external stakeholders.
Greenomy stands out through its use of artificial intelligence, modern UI, and user-friendliness. Greenomy also offers a free academy covering topics such as CSRD and ESRS.
8) osapiens
osapiens offers automation tools for CSRD compliance. The ESG software solution supports organizations throughout the entire process, from the Double Materiality Assessment and goal setting to ESG reporting.
Functions and services:
- Double Materiality Assessment: Assessment of financial impacts (risks and opportunities) on the company and the impacts on people and assets (IRO).
- Data collection: Linking with other internal databases to minimize additional data entry.
- Strategy development: CSRD requires a strategy with measures and targets.
- Reporting: Ensuring that information is documented and reported in accordance with auditing requirements.
The osapiens solution offers a USP in the ESG software market through its automation functions. The tool covers all relevant modules for a CSRD sustainability report and other ESG frameworks, earning very positive customer ratings.
How to choose the right ESG software
| Tool | Best for | Key strength |
|---|---|---|
| CONSUST | Companies wanting software + consulting | All-in-one pragmatic approach |
| Workiva | Large and international companies | Multi-framework, XBRL-ready |
| Materiality Master | SMEs, NGOs, consultancies | Focused double materiality workflow |
| Code Gaia | SMEs in EU | Transparent pricing, CSRD/LkSG/EU Taxonomy |
| Global Climate | CO2-focused companies | ERP-integrated CO2 accounting |
| IBM Envizi | Corporations | Global standards, IBM ecosystem |
| Greenomy | AI-forward teams | Generative AI, free academy |
| osapiens | Process automation | Automation and data integration |
Unsure about choosing your ESG software?
The market for CSR tools and ESG software is relatively opaque, and the number of providers keeps growing. This makes it difficult for those responsible in companies to maintain an overview and select the right solution for their organization.
We offer you the following assistance in selecting your ESG software:
- Contact us for an individual consultation
- Subscribe to the 'CSRD Compass' newsletter and never miss a CSRD tool tip again
- Visit our CSR Tool Overview
Start your double materiality assessment with a structured Excel template. It guides you through stakeholder analysis, IRO identification and evaluation, and materiality matrix creation.
Frequently asked questions about ESG software
What is ESG software used for?
ESG software helps companies collect, manage, and report sustainability data in line with frameworks such as CSRD and ESRS. It automates data workflows, improves data quality, and supports audit-ready reporting.
Which companies must use CSRD-compliant ESG software?
Since 18 March 2026, reporting under the CSRD is mandatory only for companies with more than 1,000 employees AND more than €450m net turnover. Both criteria must be met. Smaller companies outside this scope may still benefit from ESG software for voluntary reporting or supply-chain requirements.
What is the difference between an all-in-one ESG platform and a specialized tool?
All-in-one platforms such as Workiva or osapiens cover the full CSRD lifecycle from materiality to audit-ready reporting. Specialized tools such as Materiality Master focus on one step, like the double materiality assessment, and are often more accessible for smaller teams or specific projects.
Is Excel still a valid option for ESG and CSRD reporting?
Many companies use Excel templates, especially at earlier stages. Structured templates for materiality analysis or ESRS data points can be a practical starting point. Dedicated software becomes more valuable as data volume grows, as it ensures better auditability and version control.
