Choosing the right ESG software is a critical decision for organisations preparing for mandatory ASRS reporting, Modern Slavery Act compliance, and voluntary sustainability disclosures. This comprehensive comparison guide evaluates leading ESG software platforms available to Australian businesses, helping you select the solution that best fits your reporting requirements, budget, and organisational capabilities.
Why ESG Software Matters
ESG software platforms help organisations:
- Centralise data collection from across operations and supply chains
- Automate calculations for emissions, energy, water, and other metrics
- Track progress against sustainability targets over time
- Generate reports aligned with ASRS, GRI, TCFD, and other frameworks
- Manage disclosures including Modern Slavery Statements
- Support assurance with audit trails and data validation
As double materiality assessment requirements evolve, software solutions are adapting to support both impact and financial materiality analysis.
Evaluation Criteria
We evaluate ESG software platforms against key criteria relevant to Australian reporting requirements:
ASRS Alignment
Support for mandatory climate-related financial disclosure requirements under the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards, including:
- Climate-related risks and opportunities identification
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions calculation
- Scenario analysis capabilities
- Transition planning support
Framework Support
Compatibility with reporting frameworks used by Australian organisations:
- ASRS (Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards)
- GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
- TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)
- ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board)
- Modern Slavery Act reporting
Data Management
- Data collection automation and integration
- Multi-site and multi-entity consolidation
- Supply chain data collection
- API connectivity with existing systems
Usability
- User interface and ease of navigation
- Training and onboarding requirements
- Role-based access and collaboration features
- Mobile accessibility
Australian Market Presence
- Local customer base and case studies
- Australian-based support teams
- Understanding of Australian regulatory context
- Data residency options
Pricing Transparency
- Publishing pricing or clear pricing tiers
- Implementation and support costs
- Scalability pricing for growing organisations
ESG Software Platforms Evaluated
This guide evaluates the following platforms commonly used by Australian organisations:
- Figbytes
- Sphera
- Diligent ESG (formerly Diligent ESG)
- Intelex
- Enablon
- Workiva
- Nasdaq ESG Advisor
- Greenstone
- Cority (formerly known as Cority)
- EcoAct
Each platform is assessed against our evaluation criteria to help you make an informed decision.
Platform Comparison Summary
Below is a summary table comparing key features across platforms. Detailed assessments follow.
| Platform | ASRS Ready | GRI Support | Scope 3 | Supply Chain | AU Presence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figbytes | Strong | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Established |
| Sphera | Strong | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Global |
| Diligent ESG | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Intelex | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Enablon | Strong | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Global |
| Workiva | Strong | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Nasdaq | Developing | Yes | Basic | No | Yes |
| Greenstone | Strong | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Strong |
| Cority | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| EcoAct | Strong | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Global |
Note: Platform capabilities evolve rapidly. Consult vendors directly for current feature verification.
Figbytes
Figbytes is a cloud-based sustainability platform with strong presence in Australia, designed for organisations of all sizes preparing for mandatory climate reporting.
Strengths
- ASRS-ready: Built specifically with Australian reporting requirements in mind
- Strong local presence: Australian team with regulatory expertise
- Comprehensive Scope 3: Advanced supply chain emissions tracking
- Flexible data collection: Multiple input methods including API integrations
- Visual dashboards: Intuitive reporting and progress tracking
Considerations
- Mid-tier pricing may not suit smallest organisations
- Advanced features require training investment
Best For
Mid-sized to large Australian organisations seeking a locally-supported solution with strong ASRS alignment and comprehensive emissions tracking.
Australian Customers
Universities, government agencies, ASX-listed companies, and large private enterprises.
Sphera
Sphera is a global ESG software provider with comprehensive environmental, social, and governance capabilities acquired by Blackstone in 2021.
Strengths
- Enterprise-grade: Robust for large, complex organisations
- Deep environmental expertise: Strong heritage in environmental management
- Comprehensive Scope 3: Extensive emissions factor databases
- LCA integration: Life cycle assessment capabilities
- Regulatory content: Built-in regulatory requirements library
Considerations
- Enterprise pricing reflects comprehensive capabilities
- Implementation requires significant project management
- May be complex for organisations with simpler needs
Best For
Large enterprises and multinationals requiring deep environmental management capabilities and comprehensive ESG platform.
Diligent ESG
Diligent ESG (formerly acquired by Diligent Corporation) focuses on ESG data management and reporting with integration to broader governance solutions.
Strengths
- Governance integration: Connects ESG with board and governance workflows
- User-friendly interface: Relatively intuitive for non-technical users
- Audit support: Strong documentation and audit trail capabilities
- Framework flexibility: Supports multiple reporting frameworks
Considerations
- Limited supply chain functionality
- Environmental capabilities less advanced than specialist platforms
Best For
Organisations prioritising governance and board-level ESG oversight, particularly those already using Diligent board solutions.
Intelex
Intelex is a cloud-based environmental, health, safety, and quality (EHSQ) platform with ESG reporting capabilities owned by Fortive Corporation.
Strengths
- EHS integration: Strong overlap with health and safety management
- Incident management: Workplace incident tracking capabilities
- Configurable workflows: Flexible process design
- Mobile app: Field data collection capabilities
Considerations
- ESG capabilities built on EHS foundation, less specialised
- Limited Australian presence compared to local providers
Best For
Organisations with significant EHS requirements seeking to integrate environmental and safety data with ESG reporting.
Greenstone
Greenstone is a UK-based ESG software provider with strong Australian presence and deep expertise in sustainability reporting.
Strengths
- Strong Australian presence: Dedicated Australian team and customer base
- Comprehensive framework support: GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, ASRS
- Supply chain module: Supplier engagement and data collection
- Flexible reporting: Highly customisable report outputs
- Transparent pricing: Clear pricing tiers published
Considerations
- May require configuration investment for complex needs
- Supply chain module is additional capability
Best For
Australian organisations seeking a locally-supported solution with transparent pricing and multi-framework reporting capabilities.
Australian Customers
Financial institutions, property companies, government agencies, and ASX-listed entities.
Workiva
Workiva is a US-listed platform for enterprise reporting, including ESG disclosures, with strong financial reporting integration.
Strengths
- Integrated reporting: Single platform for financial and ESG reporting
- Spreadsheet familiar: Interface familiar to finance teams
- XBRL support: Structured data output for regulators
- Audit trail: Comprehensive version control and documentation
- Strong assurance support: Built for external auditor review
Considerations
- Limited supply chain data collection
- Environmental calculation capabilities less advanced
- Premium pricing
Best For
Larger organisations, particularly ASX-listed entities, seeking to integrate ESG reporting with financial reporting in a single platform.
Enablon
Enablon is a global sustainability and EHS platform owned by Wolters Kluwer, serving large enterprises worldwide.
Strengths
- Enterprise scale: Designed for complex, multi-site organisations
- Comprehensive EHS: Deep environmental and safety capabilities
- Regulatory content: Built-in regulatory requirements database
- Integration capabilities: APIs for enterprise system connectivity
- Maturity: Established platform with extensive track record
Considerations
- Enterprise pricing and implementation scope
- Complexity may exceed needs of mid-sized organisations
Best For
Large enterprises with complex operational footprints requiring deep EHS and environmental management integration.
Nasdaq ESG Advisor
Nasdaq ESG Advisor provides ESG data management and reporting tools with particular strength in capital markets.
Strengths
- Capital markets focus: Designed for investor-facing disclosures
- Rating agency alignment: Supports ESG rating agency requirements
- User-friendly: Intuitive interface for reporting teams
Considerations
- Limited supply chain functionality
- Environmental calculation capabilities developing
- Less suited to operational EHS integration
Best For
ASX-listed companies prioritising investor-facing ESG disclosures and ESG rating improvements.
Cority
Cority is an EHS and sustainability platform serving organisations across multiple industries.
Strengths
- EHS foundation: Strong health, safety, and environmental capabilities
- Configurable: Flexible platform architecture
- Data collection: Multiple input channels including mobile
Considerations
- ESG reporting built on EHS foundation
- Australian presence more limited than local specialists
Best For
Organisations with significant EHS management needs seeking to consolidate EHS and ESG reporting.
EcoAct
EcoAct is a sustainability consultancy with software solutions for climate and carbon management.
Strengths
- Climate expertise: Deep carbon and climate specialisation
- Consulting integration: Software plus advisory services
- Science-based targets: SBTi support and target-setting tools
- Net-zero planning: Transition pathway development
Considerations
- Environmental focus, less comprehensive on social/governance
- Global team, Australian presence varies
Best For
Organisations with strong climate focus seeking combined software and consulting support for emissions reduction and net-zero planning.
Selection Framework
When selecting ESG software, consider your organisation’s specific needs:
By Organisation Size
Small to Medium Enterprises (under $100m revenue):
- Consider: Greenstone (transparent pricing tiers), Figbytes (scalable)
- Focus: ASRS readiness, ease of use, cost-effectiveness
Large Enterprises ($100m+ revenue):
- Consider: Sphera, Enablon, Workiva, Figbytes, Greenstone
- Focus: Enterprise scale, integration capabilities, assurance support
ASX-Listed Entities:
- Consider: Workiva (financial integration), Greenstone (Australian presence), Figbytes
- Focus: Integrated reporting, audit support, investor disclosure
By Reporting Priority
Climate-focused (ASRS mandatory):
- Consider: Figbytes, Greenstone, Sphera, EcoAct
- Focus: Scope 1, 2, 3 calculations, scenario analysis, transition planning
Multi-framework (GRI, TCFD, ISSB):
- Consider: Greenstone, Figbytes, Sphera, Workiva
- Focus: Framework flexibility, report generation, data centralisation
Supply chain focus (Modern Slavery Act):
- Consider: Greenstone, Figbytes, Sphera, Intelex
- Focus: Supplier data collection, risk assessment, disclosure management
EHS integration:
- Consider: Intelex, Enablon, Cority, Sphera
- Focus: Environmental data overlap, safety metrics, incident management
Implementation Considerations
Software selection is only the first step. Successful implementation requires:
Data Readiness
- Identify data sources and collection processes
- Establish data quality standards
- Define ownership and responsibilities
Internal Resources
- Allocate project management capacity
- Identify subject matter experts
- Plan training and change management
Timeline
- Typical implementation: 3-12 months depending on complexity
- Allow time for data migration and validation
- Plan for parallel reporting periods during transition
Budget
- Software licensing (annual or multi-year)
- Implementation services
- Training and onboarding
- Ongoing support and maintenance
ASRS-Specific Requirements
For organisations preparing for mandatory ASRS reporting, evaluate platforms against:
Core Climate Disclosures
- Governance: Board and management role documentation
- Strategy: Climate risks, opportunities, scenario analysis
- Risk Management: Climate risk identification and assessment processes
- Metrics and Targets: Scope 1, 2, 3 emissions, transition targets
Emissions Calculation
- Scope 1 direct emissions (fuel, fugitive, process)
- Scope 2 indirect emissions (electricity, steam, heating)
- Scope 3 value chain emissions (upstream and downstream)
Scenario Analysis
- Climate scenario modelling
- Physical risk assessment
- Transition risk assessment
- Financial impact quantification
Assurance Readiness
- Audit trails and documentation
- Data validation and controls
- Evidence management
Procurement Best Practice
Follow a structured approach to software selection:
1. Define Requirements
- Engage stakeholders across sustainability, finance, operations
- Prioritise must-have vs nice-to-have features
- Define integration requirements
2. Shortlist Vendors
- Request demonstrations
- Speak with reference customers
- Verify ASRS readiness claims
3. Evaluate Proposals
- Compare total cost of ownership
- Assess implementation approach
- Review support and training offerings
4. Pilot or Proof of Concept
- Test with representative data
- Validate ease of use
- Confirm integration capabilities
5. Negotiate Contract
- Clarify data ownership and portability
- Understand termination provisions
- Secure service level commitments
How ESG Solutions Can Help
ESG Solutions provides independent advisory services for ESG software selection:
- Needs assessment: Define your reporting requirements and organisational context
- Vendor evaluation: Objective assessment of platform capabilities
- Implementation support: Project management and change management
- Data strategy: Prepare your organisation for successful software deployment
- Ongoing advisory: Support through your first reporting cycle
Contact ESG Solutions for independent guidance on ESG software selection.
Key Takeaways
- ESG software centralises data, automates calculations, and supports reporting
- ASRS alignment is critical for Australian organisations facing mandatory reporting
- Platform choice depends on organisation size, reporting priorities, and existing systems
- Local presence and support matters for Australian regulatory understanding
- Implementation requires data readiness, internal resources, and realistic timelines
- Consider total cost including implementation, training, and ongoing support
- Independent advice can help navigate complex vendor landscape