Digitalisation is revolutionising the way companies work, increasing the speed of processes, improving efficiencies and freeing people from repetitive tasks. This means that professionals can focus on higher-value areas such as creativity, interpretation, decision-making and relational activities.
In this article we address the main reasons why a company should consider using digital tools to manage the processes involved in reporting. CSRD and with the management of the carbon footprint of organisation.
CSRD: a question of complexity (and magnitude)
With more than 1,000 data points, the sustainability reporting requirements of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) will have a major impact on the data management of organisations. Indeed, managing the processes and data associated with CSRD reporting seems like a chimera without the use of specific software.
Efficient compliance with increasing regulations
The CSRD introduces strict standards such as the NEIS, which require specific sustainability data to be collected, analysed and reported. A digitised system helps ensure data accuracy and traceability, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring compliance.
Centralised management of complex data
CSRD reporting involves managing large volumes of data from multiple departments, suppliers and partners. A digital tool centralises this information, allowing for more agile and organised access, as well as facilitating the integration of different data sources.
Time and cost savings
Automating processes such as collection, validation and reporting significantly reduces the time and resources spent on repetitive manual tasks. This not only improves operational efficiency, but also frees the team to focus on strategic analysis.
Improving transparency and credibility
Digitisation enables real-time monitoring of key performance indicators and facilitates internal and external audits. By using clear and verifiable reporting platforms, companies can more transparently demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, enhancing their reputation with investors, customers and regulators.
Footprint from carbon: minimising data handling and maximising output quality
Managing environmental data, calculating emissions, setting reduction targets and effectively communicating the carbon footprint is a challenge for most companies, especially for Scope 3 emissions.
Digitisation, through the use of specialised software, provides an effective solution to address these challenges. Below, we look at five key benefits of digitising organisational carbon footprinting.
1-Efficient and structured data collection
Specialised software can centralise and automate this task, collecting data from multiple sources in a structured way and reducing the risk of human error. In addition, many digital tools allow direct integration with internal systems, such as ERP or energy management platforms, to obtain real-time information.
Added value:
- Simplification of the carbon footprint inventory.
- Reduction of time and resources needed to collect data.
- Increased consistency and traceability of information.
2-Accurate calculations using up-to-date databases
The calculation of the carbon footprint requires the use of specific emission factors that must comply with quality standards and must ensure a good representativeness of the processes.
Most software provides access to up-to-date emission factor databases, facilitating more accurate and consistent calculations.
Added value:
- Accuracy of emission calculations.
- Compliance with international regulations and standards.
- Reducing the risk of data inconsistencies or errors.
3-Science-based projection of emissions targets (SBT)
Companies committed to climate goals often use Science-Based Targets (SBTs) to plan their transition to a low-carbon economy.
Many software packages include modelling tools using scenarios adjusted to reduction targets. In addition, they allow assessing the impact of mitigation strategies, such as the adoption of renewable energy or energy efficiency improvements.
4-Automation in reporting
Once data has been collected and emissions have been calculated, companies must communicate their results through clear, traceable and standard-aligned reports.
Digital tools automate the generation of reports, organising information in a clear and visual way. Many software tools allow customisation of reports according to specific requirements (GHG Protocol, ISO 14064-1).
Added value:
- Saving time and resources in the preparation of reports.
- Generating consistent, clear and auditable reports.
5-Real-time monitoring and continuous improvement
Digitalisation not only simplifies the calculation of the carbon footprint, but also enables real-time monitoring of emissions. This gives companies a dynamic view of their environmental impact and makes it easier to identify priority areas for emissions reduction.
Like partners of various software providers Zirkel helps companies to prepare for the incorporation of digital tools and in the process of implementation of sustainability software. CSRD and corporate carbon footprint

