5 Best ESG Reporting Software 2025

Over the past decade, ESG regulation has increased by 155%, compounding the need for ESG reporting software for businesses. When managed across spreadsheets, ESG data is difficult to compile and rely on, which is why we are going to share the best ESG reporting software to streamline these reporting needs. 

Coming Up

What is ESG?

ESG stands for environmental, social, and governance. It is a set of practices and standards that aim to evaluate a company’s performance in these realms. 

1. Environmental: Metrics regarding waste, pollution, impact on nature, water, energy, and greenhouse gasses. 

2. Social: Measures how a company treats its employees by reviewing data such as turnover, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and compensation. 

3. Governance: Considers how the social and environmental metrics are represented in financial reports and affect the bottom line. 
   

What is ESG Reporting?

ESG reporting occurs when companies share their environmental, social, and governance data in financial reports. This is done so that investors and stakeholders can gain transparency and ensure that the company is reaching the ESG goals that it sets forth. 

In America, there’s no set ESG reporting standards, but there are voluntary and regional standards, along with organizations that offer frameworks. The European Union (EU) does have a set of reporting standards as a result of the EU Green Deal. 

What is ESG Reporting Software?

Working in the same way that financial reporting software does, ESG reporting software is technology that collects, validates, and standardizes ESG data.

 Rather than relying on a single person or group of people to compile data from various systems, transform it in a usable format, and generate reports, ESG reporting software takes the time-consuming elements out of the process, while ensuring total accuracy of information. 

As a result, ESG reporting software provides reports for internal and external use that enables data-driven decision-making capabilities. 

What is the Best ESG Reporting Software?

In the market for ESG management software? We’ve started the research for you by compiling our top 5 favorite ESG reporting software below. We’ll cover each solution’s key features, pros, and cons. 

Before you review all the options out there, take a moment to set goals and define what your business needs when it comes to ESG reporting. By having a firm understanding of requirements, you can better narrow down the solutions to find what’s right for your respective organization. 

1. SolveXia - Best for Financial Automation 

SolveXia is financial automation software that connects all your data systems, removes any need for spreadsheet-driven data, and automates your otherwise manual processes. 

SolveXia not only can help with ESG reporting, but you can also use the software to automate finance functions like reconciliation, rebate management, expense and payment management, APRA reporting, etc. 

By implementing SolveXia, your business will be able to complete processes 85x faster with 90% fewer errors.

Key Features:

• Modern cloud architecture 
• Unified data platform 
• Customizable dashboards and reports 
• Automates key finance functions 
• Enterprise-grade security 
• Reporting automation 
• Advanced analytics 

Pros:

• Easy to implement and use 
• Drag-and-drop functionality requires no coding 
• Integrates with existing systems and technologies 
• Access controls 

2. Novata - Best for Private Companies 

Novata is a sustainability management software geared towards private companies. 

Key Features:

• Built-in ESG benchmarks 
• Portfolio analytics
• Multi-user technology 
• Hands-on customer support 

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface
• Clearly defined calculations
• Simple uploads 

Cons:

• Lacking context for some questions
• Relatively new so still determining benchmarks based on data set availability
  

3. Proof - Best for Visualizations 

Formerly called Proof of Impact, Proof is a robust solution for companies looking to visualize ESG and impact data. 

Key Features:

• Custom metrics
• Data analysis and report creation 
• Automatic updates
  

Pros:

• Branded reporting 
• 3rd party validated
• Access to a dedicated impact expert 

4. Novisto - Best for Corporate Sustainability 

Novisto’s ESG data management and analytics platform enables businesses to streamline their sustainability efforts. 

Key Features:

• Automated workflows 
• AI-enabled technology 
• Collaboration capabilities with multiple users 
• Advanced search 
• Customized dashboards 

Pros:

• Strong customer support 
• Data validation 
• Audit functions 

Cons:

• Hurdles with importing data
• Not very intuitive

5. Workiva - Best for Compliance 

Workiva is a cloud-based ESG reporting platform that improves productivity and reduces risks. 

Key Features:

• Wide range of reports supported, such as: financial, climate disclosures, investment fund reporting, and more 
• Offers SOX compliance tools
• Internal audit management 
• Automated task assignments
  

Pros:

• Cloud-based
• Strong SEC reporting 
• Enables collaboration for company filings 
• Integrations 

Cons:

• Requires resources for implementation 
• Lack of customer support 

What Features to Look For in ESG Reporting Software?

For whichever ESG reporting software you select, here are a few of the stand out features you should make sure it possesses:

1. Data Processing

All businesses deal with a large amount of data. When it comes to ESG reporting, data processing capabilities are a must-have. 

Be sure to consider the need for various types of data processing, including: sector benchmark reporting, materiality assessments, governance body data, corruption reporting, gender pay gap reporting, energy consumption rate data, and more.

2. Customer Support

When you get stuck or have questions, you’ll look to customer support to assist. Some tools offer more support and resources than others, so consider this during your decision-making. 

3. Collaboration Capabilities

ESG reporting often calls for cross-functionality amongst teams. The best ESG reporting software enables collaboration, protects version control, and stores audit trails. 

What are the Benefits of ESG Reporting?

ESG reporting and ESG reporting software helps businesses to stay on track with their efforts, as well as to make informed decisions. Benefits of using ESG reporting software include:

1. Increased Compliance

ESG reports are not mandated to be published just yet, but in the future, this could be the case. Financial reporting is regulated and mandated, and with the steep rise of ESG regulations over the past decade, it’s very much expected that these reports will be regulated. 

2. Greater Visibility

Stakeholders, investors, employees, and customers all share a stake in a company’s ESG performance. With ESG software, it’s easy to generate standardized reports that make it clear to all how the company is faring. This can help to increase stakeholder trust and even attract investors. 

3. Improved Decision-Making

ESG reporting software ensures that all your ESG-related data is up-to-date, which improves decision-making capabilities. When you understand where the company is, you can make smarter choices to take it to where you want it to go. 

How Does ESG Software Work?

ESG software automates everything involved in compiling ESG reports, including:

• Data collection: Pulls together data across systems through integration. 
• Data validation: Validates data to ensure its accuracy for use and removal of duplicate data. 
• Analysis: Centralizes data into a database to analyze and understand it against benchmarks. 
• Reporting: Generates standardized reports for internal and external review.  
• Risk management: Identifies risks and opportunities, enabling real-time decision-making. 

How to Choose the Best ESG Reporting Software?

Choosing the best ESG reporting isn’t a short-sighted decision. You have to take into account current needs, as well as what you expect from the business and regulations moving forward. 

1. Scalability

The software should be able to grow with your business’ data. Scalable software solutions like SolveXia ensure this is the case. 

2. Customization Capabilities

Different people within the business will want to look at different visualizations. It’s best to find a software that can be customized to each respective party’s needs. 

3. Insights

Tracking and reporting data is just the tip of the iceberg. Look out for ESG reporting software that also offers analytics to gain insights. This way, you can be proactive about improving your processes to maximize environmental and social efforts, along with governance. 

Where to Start with ESG Software?

Before moving forward with a single ESG software, take some time to evaluate your business’ needs. Identify what kind of data and systems you already have in place. Additionally, think about your data storage requirements and potential business growth. 

Remember this checklist:

• Define your budget
• Establish your goals
• Understand regulatory requirements 
• Figure out scope of use
• Research software 
• Choose a tool! 

The Bottom Line 

Although ESG reporting is yet to be mandated in America, there are already clear regulatory standards in place in the European Union. The focus and growth of sustainability efforts, social responsibility, and governance is heading in the direction of regulations and the ongoing need for reports. 

And, even without regulations, ESG reporting software enables businesses to review how they are faring in these realms and make data-backed decisions to improve with each passing day. There is no downside, but only upsides to be had! 

Want to explore how ESG reporting software like SolveXia works? We invite you to request a demo.