The Best ESG Software in the US: Features, Pricing, and Budget-Friendly Providers

Discover the top ESG software solutions in the US for reporting, carbon accounting, risk management, and investment tracking. For more information, use a quick search below.

As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations become increasingly important in corporate strategy, businesses in the US are turning to ESG software solutions to track sustainability, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimize ESG performance. Whether it's carbon accounting, social responsibility tracking, or risk management, ESG software plays a crucial role in helping businesses measure and report their impact effectively.

This guide explores the best ESG software options in the US, detailing their features, pricing models, and companies offering cost-effective solutions.

Types of ESG Software Available in the US

ESG software solutions cater to a wide range of industries and company sizes. Below are the primary types of ESG software, along with their expanded features and benefits.

1. ESG Reporting & Compliance Software

• Overview: Designed for businesses that need to generate ESG reports, track sustainability performance, and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Key Features:
  • Automated collection of ESG data from multiple sources.
  • Compliance with global frameworks such as SASB, GRI, TCFD, CSRD, and SEC regulations.
  • Custom reporting dashboards to monitor key ESG metrics.
  • AI-powered insights to identify improvement areas.
• Ideal For: Publicly traded companies, financial institutions, and large enterprises required to disclose ESG performance.
• Example Use Case: A Fortune 500 company uses ESG compliance software to track carbon emissions, diversity metrics, and board governance policies while ensuring SEC compliance.

2. Carbon Accounting & Sustainability Management Software

• Overview: Helps organizations track and manage carbon emissions, energy consumption, and other environmental impacts.
• Key Features:
  • Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions tracking for regulatory reporting.
  • Real-time monitoring of energy consumption, waste management, and water usage.
  • AI-powered recommendations for sustainability improvements.
  • Integration with IoT sensors and smart meters for accurate tracking.
• Ideal For: Companies in manufacturing, energy, and transportation sectors that need to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Example Use Case: A manufacturing company uses carbon accounting software to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving its sustainability score and compliance with environmental laws.

3. ESG Risk Management Software

• Overview: Focuses on assessing and mitigating risks related to ESG, such as environmental hazards, corporate governance failures, and labor rights violations.
• Key Features:
  • AI-driven real-time ESG risk assessment and scoring.
  • Automated monitoring of regulatory changes affecting ESG policies.
  • Supply chain risk tracking to ensure ethical sourcing.
  • Fraud detection and governance compliance alerts.
• Ideal For: Financial institutions, investment firms, and large corporations managing complex ESG risks.
• Example Use Case: A bank integrates ESG risk management software to assess investment risks related to climate change and human rights violations.

4. Social Impact & Governance Software

• Overview: Helps organizations track corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, workforce diversity, and ethical governance practices.
• Key Features:
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) tracking for workforce analysis.
  • Measurement of employee well-being programs and community impact initiatives.
  • Compliance with ethical governance standards and corporate transparency reporting.
  • Stakeholder engagement tools to track sustainability initiatives.
• Ideal For: Businesses focused on social responsibility, ethical business practices, and workforce well-being.
• Example Use Case: A tech company uses governance software to track executive compensation, board diversity, and anti-corruption policies.

5. ESG Investment & Portfolio Management Software

• Overview: Designed for asset managers and financial institutions looking to integrate ESG criteria into investment decision-making.
• Key Features:
  • ESG rating and scoring for investment portfolios.
  • Sustainable finance analytics, including carbon-adjusted returns.
  • AI-driven insights for identifying green investment opportunities.
  • Compliance with EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR).
• Ideal For: Hedge funds, private equity firms, and investors focused on ESG-driven financial strategies.
• Example Use Case: A hedge fund uses ESG portfolio management software to analyze sustainable investments and optimize long-term returns.

Pricing for ESG Software in the US

Pricing for ESG software depends on business size, required features, and industry needs. Below is a general pricing estimate:

• Basic ESG Reporting Software: $5,000 - $20,000 per year.
• Carbon Accounting & Sustainability Software: $10,000 - $50,000 per year.
• ESG Risk Management Solutions: $15,000 - $75,000 per year.
• Social Impact & Governance Software: $10,000 - $40,000 per year.
• ESG Investment & Portfolio Management Software: $20,000 - $100,000+ per year.

Many ESG software providers offer subscription-based pricing, while some provide customized pricing based on company needs.

Best Affordable ESG Software Providers in the US

For businesses looking for cost-effective ESG solutions, here are some of the most budget-friendly providers:

1. Diligent ESG

• Best For: Mid-sized businesses and enterprises needing ESG reporting tools.
• Pricing: Starts at around $7,500 per year.

2. Benchmark ESG

• Best For: Companies focused on carbon footprint tracking and sustainability goals.
• Pricing: Custom pricing available, with budget-friendly options.

3. Novata

• Best For: Private equity firms and asset managers integrating ESG factors.
• Pricing: Tailored pricing with cost-effective plans.

4. Intelex ESG Management Software

• Best For: Businesses looking for compliance-focused ESG software.
• Pricing: Starts at $10,000 per year.

5. Cority

• Best For: Enterprises needing a combination of ESG and workplace safety management.
• Pricing: Approximately $12,000 per year.

6. SpheraCloud ESG

• Best For: Large corporations requiring AI-driven ESG analytics.
• Pricing: Custom pricing with flexible payment models.

7. Worldfavor

• Best For: Small and medium-sized businesses needing user-friendly ESG software.
• Pricing: More affordable than enterprise solutions, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right ESG Software

When selecting ESG software, businesses should consider the following:

1. Regulatory Compliance – Ensure alignment with SEC, SASB, GRI, and TCFD standards.
2. Scalability – The software should grow with your company’s ESG needs.
3. Integration – Look for compatibility with ERP, CRM, and financial systems.
4. Customization – Opt for flexible dashboards and reporting options.
5. Cost vs. Value – Balance affordability with essential features.

With ESG compliance becoming a necessity, US businesses must invest in the right ESG software to enhance sustainability, transparency, and investor confidence. From reporting and carbon tracking to risk management and investment analytics, ESG software plays a vital role in corporate responsibility.

By choosing budget-friendly providers like Diligent ESG, Benchmark ESG, and Intelex, businesses can achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining cost efficiency.