Are you looking for the optimal ESG software to efficiently meet the complex requirements of CSRD and other regulations? Choosing the right tool can make the difference between the success and failure of your sustainability strategy. In this comprehensive ESG software comparison, we introduce you to leading providers and show you what you should look out for when making your selection - from dual materiality analysis and carbon accounting to integrated environmental protection.
The topic in a nutshell
- ESG regulations are becoming increasingly complex: with the CSRD, the LkSG, the EU taxonomy and other regulations, companies are faced with the challenge of collecting and processing extensive sustainability data.
- ESG software offers significant ROI: Investing in a professional ESG solution pays off through process optimization, risk minimization and competitive advantages. Software developed with auditors also ensures legally compliant reports and avoids the need for costly rework.
- All-in-one solution from PlantedThe Planted ESG software guarantees CSRD-compliant reporting and can save you up to 70% of time.
ESG Report Software: Why companies need specialized software
The ESG landscape is becoming increasingly complex. What once began with voluntary sustainability reports has developed into a network of mandatory regulations. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive(CSRD) is just the tip of the iceberg. There is also the Supply Chain Sustainability Act (LkSG), the EU Taxonomy Regulation, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and many other regulations.
The challenges of manual reporting
Without specialized software, companies face enormous challenges:
- Time required: The manual collection, preparation and evaluation of ESG data can take hundreds of hours of work.
- Susceptibility to errors: Manual data entry and processing significantly increases the risk of errors.
- Complexity of the standards: The ESRS standards comprise over 1,000 data points and detailed requirements.
- Lack of traceability: With Excel-based solutions, it is difficult to track changes and document them.
- Audit security: Auditors need comprehensible and structured data for the audit.
Advantages of specialized ESG software
Professional ESG report software offers your company decisive advantages:
- Time savings: Planted's ESG software can save you up to 70% of the time it would take to report manually.
- Legal certainty: With solutions developed and TÜV-certified by auditors, you can ensure that your reports meet all legal requirements.
- Centralized data management: All relevant ESG data is brought together in one place, breaking down silos and creating a uniform database.
- Automation: AI-supported processes identify relevant emissions data and supplement missing information, which improves accuracy and reduces manual effort.
- Collaborative work: Modern ESG platforms enable cross-team collaboration in real time, which facilitates the integration of all relevant departments.
- Audit-proof documentation: The structured recording and storage of all relevant data and receipts ensures a smooth audit by auditors.
- Strategic insights: By analyzing sustainability data, hotspots can be identified and potential for improvement uncovered.
A study by Sopra Steria (2024) shows that 56% of German companies report a positive impact of sustainable action on turnover and profit. Professional ESG software helps to systematically tap into and optimize this potential.
A comparison of the top 5 ESG Report software providers
The market for ESG reporting software has grown significantly in recent years. We have analyzed leading providers and present the top 5 for 2025 with a detailed assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.
Planted
Planted has established itself as a leading Sustainability as a Service provider and offers a comprehensive end-to-end platform for ESG management. Planted convinces with its holistic approach, excellent usability and outstanding support. With a strong focus on customer orientation and the "customer first" approach , Planted puts the sustainability requirements of your company at the center.
Features:
- TÜV-certified CO₂ balancing according to the GHG protocol
- AI-supported processes for dual materiality analysis
- CSRD-compliant reporting with all ESRS data points
- Decarbonization and net zero targets
- Automated CSRD report at the touch of a button
- Integrated environmental protection measures (local reforestation projects, forest protection)
- Collaborative data capture and real-time collaboration
Advantages:
- Up to 70 % time savings compared to Excel-based solutions
- Methodology developed and validated with auditors
- Personal support from the Planted team of experts
- Intuitive user interface, even for users without expert knowledge
- Transparent pricing model with various packages
Disadvantages:
- No specific industry solutions available yet
- Medium-sized provider compared to established large companies
Rating: 4.8/5
PlanA
PlanA has a strong focus on carbon accounting and the decarbonization pathway of companies. An excellent choice for companies with a focus on decarbonization, but with limitations in terms of holistic ESG coverage.
Features:
- Detailed emissions analysis according to Scope 1, 2 and 3
- Science-based reduction targets (SBTi-compliant)
- CSRD-compliant reporting
- Integrated climate risk analysis
- Automated data acquisition from various sources
Advantages:
- Strong focus on decarbonization strategies
- Link to financial key figures
- Extensive emissions data repository
- Intuitive visualization of emission sources
Disadvantages:
- Less comprehensive coverage of social and governance aspects
- Partly complex user interface
- Higher prices for small and medium-sized enterprises compared to competitors
Rating: 4.2/5
Workiva
Workiva is a cloud-based platform that combines financial reporting, ESG reporting, audit and risk management in one solution. Workiva is a powerful platform for large companies that want to integrate their financial and ESG reporting.
Features:
- Integration of financial and sustainability reporting
- Comprehensive document management
- Collaborative reporting tool
- Automated data linking
- Extensive audit trails
Advantages:
- High scalability for multinational corporations
- Comprehensive security standards and compliance functions
- Strong integration with existing financial systems
- Proven solution for listed companies
Disadvantages:
- Steep learning curve and complex user interface
- Higher costs compared to specialized ESG solutions
- Less intuitive operation with tables
Rating: 4.0/5
Sweep
Sweep focuses on precise carbon accounting and provides detailed insights into emissions along the entire value chain. Sweep is a good solution for companies with complex supply chains and a strong focus on Scope 3 emissions.
Features:
- Granular analysis of Scope 3 emissions
- Supplier management and integration
- Scenario analyses for reduction paths
- Intuitive visualization of the emission data
- Automated data integration from over 100 sources
Advantages:
- Collaborative approach with suppliers
- Precise breakdown by emission source
- Real-time progress tracking
- Greenly Academy for employee training
Disadvantages:
- Focus mainly on environmental aspects, less on social and governance issues
- Possibly too extensive for companies with less complex supply chains
- Limited CSRD reporting functions compared to specialized solutions
Rating: 4.1/5
Verso
Verso offers a comprehensive ESG platform with a strong focus on compliance and regulatory requirements. The solution impresses with its compliance orientation and modular structure, which enables customization.
Features:
- CSRD-compliant reporting
- EU taxonomy assessment
- Supply chain management
- Automated data collection and consolidation
- Regular regulatory updates
Advantages:
- Modular design for customized solutions
- Continuous adaptation to new legislation
- Cost efficiency through flexible price structure
Disadvantages:
- As a smaller provider, sometimes longer development cycles for adaptations
- Less advanced AI functions than some competitors
- Limited international support
Rating: 4.0/5
ESG software comparison: These features make a good software solution
User friendliness
User-friendliness is a decisive criterion when choosing the right ESG software for your company. As different departments and employees with different technical backgrounds often have to work with the software, its operation should be intuitive and self-explanatory. This means that even trainees can report in compliance.
Support and advice
Competent support is essential, especially for complex topics such as ESG and CSRD. The best providers not only provide software, but also offer expert advice on the correct implementation of regulatory requirements. Weeklymeetings with permanent contact persons offer consistent support and guidance for all important steps.
Price models
The cost of ESG software varies considerably depending on the software solution, range of functions and company size. Transparent pricing models are important to avoid hidden costs. Additional costs can often be incurred for specific functions such as EU taxonomy or CBAM.
CSRD conformity
CSRD compliance is the main reason for many companies to purchase ESG software. Your software solution should cover all ESRS data points and enable double materiality analysis. In addition, ESG reporting software developed with auditors provides audit assurance for your reports.
Support from a team of experts
The complex requirements of ESG reporting often require specific expertise. Good ESG software is therefore accompanied by a team of experts who provide support with questions and challenges.
ESG software: Features that your software should have
Double materiality analysis
The dual materiality analysis is a core component of CSRD reporting. It considers both the impact of your company on the environment and society(inside-out perspective) and the impact of sustainability aspects on your company(outside-in perspective). If the materiality analysis is supported by AI, up to 50% of the time can be saved in some cases.
ESRS data point management
The European Sustainability Reporting Standards(ESRS) comprise a large number of data points that need to be recorded and documented in a structured manner. Good ESG software enables a centralized collection of all relevant information and documents. Integrated audit mechanisms ensure data quality and support your company in complying with legal requirements.
CO2 balancing
CO₂ accounting in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) is a central component of ESG reporting. Comprehensive recording of Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions is crucial. With the help of AI, industry-specific emissions data can be identified in record time and missing data can be added.
Decarbonization
In addition to the pure recording of CO₂ emissions, the development of reduction strategies is also important. Good ESG software supports the definition and tracking of reduction targets for decarbonization. Precisely calculating the remaining CO₂ budget enables efficient target planning and future-proof emissions forecasts.
Automated reporting
The creation of the final ESG report should be as automated as possible to avoid errors and save time. The CSRD report can be generated at the touch of a button and downloaded in all required formats. AI-supported workflows simplify the entire CSRD process and minimize the resources required. The reports are documented in an audit-proof manner and meet all legal requirements.
Integration of local environmental protection measures
A unique selling point of advanced ESG software is the integration of specific environmental protection measures that can make a positive contribution to environmental and climate protection. You can integrate tree planting in the vicinity of your company or land registry-secured forest protection into your ESG strategy.
How to choose the right ESG report software for your company
Selecting the right ESG software for your company is an individual process that depends on various factors. With the following structured approach, you can find the optimal solution for your company.
Analysis of your company's individual requirements
Before you start with the actual software selection, you should carry out a thorough analysis of your company-specific requirements:
- Create an ESG roadmap: Get an overview of which regulations will affect your company and when. In addition to the CSRD, these may also include CBAM, EUDR, LkSG or the Digital Product Passport, depending on the industry and size.
- Identify data sources: Clarify which systems (ERP, CRM, HR, etc.) the relevant ESG data comes from and which interfaces are required.
- Define required modules: Determine which functions are mandatory and which can be added later. At least one CO₂ accounting module and one ESRS-compliant reporting tool are required for CSRD reporting.
- Involve stakeholders: Involve all relevant departments at an early stage - from management to sustainability, controlling and IT through to the specialist departments that need to provide data.
Consider the legal framework
Compliance with legal requirements is a key aspect when selecting ESG software:
- Check the CSRD schedule: Determine when your company is required to report.
- Understanding ESRS standards: The ESRS define in detail what information needs to be reported. Check whether the software covers all relevant data points.
- Ensure audit compliance: CSRD reports are subject to an external audit. The selected software should therefore enable audit-proof documentation.
Our Planted expert tip: Planted supports you in ensuring that all legal requirements are met. For example, Planted's ESG software was developed with auditors, which significantly increases audit security.
Involve resources and expertise within the company
The successful implementation of ESG reporting solutions depends largely on the available resources and expertise:
- Evaluate internal capacities: Clarify who will be responsible for the implementation and ongoing operation of the software and how much time they can devote to this.
- Assess existing ESG expertise: Does your company already have employees with ESG expertise?
- Consider IT infrastructure: Check whether your existing IT infrastructure is compatible with the ESG software and what adjustments may be necessary.
Your advantage with Planted: Planted supports companies with limited internal ESG resources through a comprehensive team of experts and weekly support meetings that ensure continuous support in all phases of the ESG process. The intuitive software can also be seamlessly integrated into your existing IT infrastructures and significantly minimizes the implementation effort, even for teams without in-depth ESG expertise.
Tips for successful implementation
The implementation of ESG software is a complex project that should be well planned and structured:
- Create an implementation plan: Define clear milestones and responsibilities for the introduction of your new software.
- Carry out training: Ensure that all employees involved are trained in the use of the software.
- Ensure data quality: Implement processes to collect, review and maintain your ESG data to ensure accurate and consistent results.
- Plan integration into existing systems: Ensure that the ESG software is seamlessly integrated into your existing system landscape to avoid data silos.
- Carry out a pilot phase: Start with a limited area or pilot department to gain experience and optimize processes before rolling out the software company-wide.
Your process with Planted: Planted offers a structured implementation process with clear workshops and milestones:
- Onboarding of the core team
- Kick-off DWA with the whole DWA team
- Workshop 1: Value chain & stakeholder mapping
- Workshop 2: Identification and description of IROs
- Workshop 3: Assessment of the materiality of IROs
- Completed DWA presentation of the results
This structured approach with approx. 4-5 weeks between workshops facilitates the gradual introduction into your company and ensures a high level of acceptance among employees.
ESG software comparison: How to find the right solution for your company
ESG reporting will continue to gain in importance in the coming years. In addition to the CSRD , other regulations such as the LkSG, EUDR and CSDDD will place new requirements on companies. Future-proof ESG software should therefore be modularly expandable and continuously adapted to new regulatory requirements. You should therefore already be ideally equipped with suitable ESG software.
Choosing the right ESG report software is a strategic decision with far-reaching implications for the efficiency and quality of your sustainability reporting. Planted is a convincing overall solution, especially for medium-sized companies - with TÜV-certified CO₂ accounting, AI-supported materiality analysis and a personal team of experts who guarantee continuous support through weekly meetings. Time savings of up to 70% are possible compared to manual processes.
