The importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) software is undeniable in today’s business environment, where sustainability is becoming a key driver of success. With consumers placing more value on a company’s commitment to ESG principles, it’s no wonder these software solutions are increasingly in demand.
Despite its growing popularity, many businesses encounter hurdles in implementing effective ESG software. Issues such as difficulty adapting to regulatory changes, inconsistent data reporting, and challenges aligning ESG objectives with business strategies are common concerns among managers.
A report from Deloitte found that ESG software adoption in Malaysia is expected to rise by 25% in the next two years, reflecting a substantial shift towards sustainable business practices. As companies seek to enhance transparency and accountability, ESG software becomes crucial for driving growth and compliance.
This article will walk you through the 15 best ESG software recommendations, providing valuable insights into the features and capabilities of each platform. Keep reading to discover how these solutions can help your business navigate the complexities of ESG reporting and management.
Key Takeaways
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What is ESG Software?
ESG software is a digital tool designed to help companies manage and report on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance effectively while supporting corporate environmental management practices. This software automates data collection, impact analysis, and ensures compliance with ESG regulations, making it an essential solution for modern businesses.
With ESG software, you can easily track carbon emissions, sustainability policies, and governance practices more efficiently. The software is versatile and can be tailored to various industries, such as manufacturing, where ESG Manufacturing solutions are specifically designed to address industry-specific needs.
Moreover, ESG software provides you with an ESG score that reflects your company’s sustainability performance across the three core pillars of the ESG framework. This solution also simplifies ESG reporting in Malaysia to investors and stakeholders, enhancing transparency and strengthening your company’s reputation in the process.
Benefits and Importance of Using ESG Software
In today’s business landscape, sustainability is no longer just a trend but a critical factor for long-term success. As companies face increasing pressure to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, implementing ESG software has become a key solution.
This software enables businesses to manage their sustainability efforts effectively, ensuring compliance with regulations while improving operational performance and driving the social benefits of ESG systems.
Below are the key benefits and reasons why investing in ESG software is a wise choice for your business:
- Efficient compliance management: ESG software helps businesses manage compliance with environmental, social, and governance regulations more effectively. Automating processes ensures that companies stay ahead of evolving laws, minimizing the risk of penalties or non-compliance.
- Improved operational efficiency: ESG software with smooth accounting system integration enhances efficiency by monitoring key sustainability metrics, including energy consumption, carbon emissions, and resource usage. This allows businesses to identify areas for improvement quickly and implement sustainable practices more effectively.
- Risk reduction and cost savings: By enabling early identification of compliance gaps or environmental inefficiencies, ESG software helps reduce risks and prevent costly fines. It also helps optimize resource management, leading to long-term cost savings for businesses.
- Enhanced reputation with investors and customers: Companies that demonstrate a commitment to ESG principles often enjoy a stronger reputation among investors and customers. ESG software showcases your company’s dedication to sustainability, which can lead to increased investor confidence and customer loyalty.
- Real-time data management and reporting: With seamless ERP software integration, ESG software makes real-time data management and reporting easy. It enables businesses to make data-driven decisions, creating a more effective ESG strategy and improving overall decision-making.
- Competitive advantage in the global market: By adopting ESG software, businesses position themselves as leaders in sustainability, enhancing their competitiveness worldwide. Companies with strong ESG practices are seen as more professional, reliable, and better able to thrive in an ever-evolving market.
15 Best ESG Software Recommendations in Malaysia
As businesses in Malaysia face growing demands for sustainability, adopting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) software is becoming a strategic necessity. These tools help companies efficiently manage their ESG efforts, ensuring compliance with regulations, improving transparency, and strengthening stakeholder trust.
Here are 15 top ESG software recommendations to help your business achieve sustainability goals while streamlining ESG reporting and management.
1. HashMicro ESG Software
HashMicro’s ESG reporting and management system has become a leading provider of advanced solutions across Southeast Asia. With a client base exceeding 2,000 businesses, including numerous companies in Malaysia, HashMicro has proven its expertise in delivering innovative, scalable software systems.
For Malaysian businesses, HashMicro offers the best ERP software that helps companies streamline their sustainability efforts. This system integrates seamlessly with existing operations, ensuring compliance with the latest ESG regulations while providing tools for data-driven decision-making.
In addition to its powerful ESG system, HashMicro provides free consultations and user onboarding support, so teams can map reporting needs and understand how implementation would work. This gives companies a practical way to evaluate fit before adopting a long-term system.
Why Choose It: HashMicro ESG Software offers an advanced system designed to help businesses in Malaysia manage and report ESG data efficiently, in full compliance with local regulations.
Key Features:
- Automated ESG Reporting: By collecting and analyzing real-time data, automated ESG reporting generates comprehensive reports that comply with local regulations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. This enables businesses to streamline their reporting processes, saving time while maintaining regulatory compliance.
- Carbon Footprint & Energy Monitoring: This feature tracks and measures energy consumption, emissions, and waste management, providing businesses with the insights needed to reduce their environmental impact. By monitoring these factors, companies can identify areas for improvement, driving sustainability efforts and operational cost savings.
- Regulatory Compliance Management: With automatic documentation and reports ready for ESG audits, this feature helps businesses stay up-to-date with ever-evolving regulations. It simplifies the compliance process, ensuring that businesses can meet legal requirements without the hassle of manual tracking.
- Social Responsibility Tracking: By monitoring workplace diversity, employee well-being, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, this feature fosters a more ethical and inclusive environment. This strengthens stakeholder trust, enhancing the company’s reputation and long-term sustainability.
- Governance & Risk Assessment: This tool helps businesses assess and manage governance policies, ethical practices, and risk factors, ensuring greater transparency and accountability. With improved governance, companies can mitigate risks, build stakeholder confidence, and foster a culture of integrity.
- Supply Chain Sustainability: Helps businesses evaluate supplier ESG performance and support ethical sourcing. As a result, traceability across vendors becomes easier to maintain. For teams managing many suppliers, supply chain software helps keep supplier data and checks consistent.
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2. Plan A
Founded in Germany, Plan A focuses on utilizing data analytics and automation to manage ESG reporting and planning. Their solution is built to streamline carbon footprint calculation and sustainability planning, with a strong emphasis on actionable insights.
Why Choose It: Plan A specializes in data-driven sustainability solutions that help companies reduce their carbon footprint effectively.
Key Features:
- Automated Carbon Footprint Calculation
- Third-Party Platform Integrations
- Customizable Reporting
- User-Friendly Dashboards
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3. Coolset
With a focus on simplicity and flexibility, Coolset is a platform that helps businesses track and report ESG metrics effectively, offering an easy-to-use interface and robust cloud capabilities.
Why Choose It: Coolset offers an intuitive cloud-based ESG reporting and management solution that is ideal for businesses beginning their sustainability journey.
Key Features:
- Cloud-Based ESG Reporting
- Carbon Footprint Tracking
- Social and Environmental Impact Analysis
- Third-Party App Integrations
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4. Novata ESG Software
Novata stands out for its robust analytical capabilities, allowing businesses to create detailed sustainability reports backed by data. The platform offers real-time carbon footprint tracking and global compliance management.
Why Choose It: Novata provides a deep data-driven approach to ESG reporting, tailored for companies looking to enhance sustainability reporting with detailed analysis.
Key Features:
- Data-Driven Sustainability Reporting
- Real-Time Carbon Footprint Tracking
- Customizable Global Reporting Standards
- Support for Multiple ESG Standards
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5. Lucanet
Lucanet is well-known for its comprehensive data management tools that streamline ESG reporting and financial planning. Their solution is powerful for companies looking for detailed reports and performance visualizations.
Why Choose It: Lucanet offers strong ESG solutions with deep analytics and detailed reporting features, ideal for businesses seeking to enhance sustainability transparency.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Sustainability Reporting
- Integration with ERP Systems
- Advanced ESG Data Visualization
- Detailed ESG Performance Analytics
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6. Workday
Workday, a global leader in enterprise software, offers a robust ESG solution with excellent integration capabilities. Their platform combines real-time analytics, sustainability management, and reporting for seamless business operations.
Why Choose It: Workday provides an all-encompassing ESG reporting solution with seamless integration across business operations.
Key Features:
- Real-Time ESG Reporting
- Sustainability Risk Analysis
- Human Resources Integration for Sustainability
- Seamless ERP Integration
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7. Diligent ESG Reporting Software
Diligent is a leading provider of governance and risk management solutions, and their ESG software is no exception. The platform offers an integrated approach to sustainability, with detailed insights for better decision-making.
Why Choose It: Diligent’s ESG reporting software emphasizes good governance, risk management, and data-driven decision-making for businesses.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Governance Platform
- Data-Driven Risk Analysis
- Real-Time Impact Tracking
- Interactive Dashboards
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8. Benchmark Gensuite ESG
Benchmark Gensuite provides a cloud-based platform that enables businesses to efficiently manage, measure, and report on their ESG performance. The software supports global and local ESG standards, with a strong focus on real-time data tracking and compliance management.
Why Choose It: Benchmark Gensuite offers a comprehensive platform for sustainability management and ESG reporting, ideal for companies aiming to enhance their transparency and compliance.
Key Features:
- Cloud-Based ESG Compliance Management
- Carbon Footprint Tracking and Reporting
- Real-Time Data Tracking and Analytics
- Comprehensive ESG Audit Tools
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9. MSCI
MSCI is known for its deep data analytics capabilities, offering detailed ESG performance analysis and risk assessment tools. The platform helps businesses align their operations with global sustainability standards while enabling smarter investment and operational decisions.
Why Choose It: MSCI is a leading provider of ESG performance software that specializes in data analytics and risk assessments to help businesses make informed decisions.
Key Features:
- ESG Risk Analysis for Investment Portfolios
- Customizable Reporting for Global Standards
- Comprehensive Data and Research Tools
- Real-Time Performance Insights
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10. Workiva
Workiva’s platform supports efficient ESG reporting and cross-team collaboration, making it a great tool for businesses that need full transparency. It integrates well with other enterprise software systems, simplifying reporting.
Why Choose It: Workiva offers an intuitive ESG reporting platform that seamlessly integrates with financial and sustainability operations, providing transparency to stakeholders.
Key Features:
- Integration with Financial and ESG Reporting
- Collaborative Reporting Platform
- Cloud-Based Accessibility
- Support for Multiple ESG Reporting Standards
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11. Impact by Mesa
Mesa’s software is designed to help businesses not only measure their impact but also strategize on reducing it. The platform provides easy-to-understand dashboards and comprehensive data analytics, focusing on actionable sustainability practices.
Why Choose It: Impact by Mesa provides an ESG software solution with a focus on measuring real-world social and environmental impact, offering practical insights for sustainability planning.
Key Features:
- Impact Measurement and Reporting
- Customizable Dashboards
- Support for Various ESG Reporting Standards
- Practical Sustainability Planning Tools
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12. Sweep
Sweep focuses on tracking and reducing carbon emissions, providing companies with the tools needed to meet global sustainability standards. The software is cloud-based, offering scalability and flexibility for companies of varying sizes.
Why Choose It: Sweep offers cloud-based enterprise ESG software designed to monitor and reduce carbon footprints, ideal for businesses committed to environmental sustainability.
Key Features:
- Carbon Footprint Reduction Recommendations
- Cloud-Based Dashboard
- Energy Use Monitoring
- International Sustainability Standards Compliance
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13. Persefoni
Persefoni’s ESG software is designed to streamline carbon management by accurately measuring and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions. The platform offers a user-friendly interface and integrates well with various existing systems to provide comprehensive ESG insights.
Why Choose It: Persefoni provides a robust platform for carbon management and reporting, focusing on precise greenhouse gas emissions tracking.
Key Features:
- Accurate Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting
- Cloud-Based Dashboard
- Integration with Various Emission Tracking Platforms
- Support for International Reporting Standards
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14. Greenly Enterprise ESG Software
Greenly’s cloud-based platform specializes in carbon emissions reporting and monitoring, offering real-time insights into a company’s environmental footprint. It is a valuable tool for businesses looking to improve their sustainability practices and comply with international standards.
Why Choose It: Greenly provides an enterprise-grade platform focused on carbon emissions analytics, helping businesses reduce their environmental impact effectively.
Key Features:
- Carbon Emissions Calculation and Reporting
- Interactive Cloud-Based Dashboard
- Carbon Footprint Reduction Recommendations
- Real-Time Emissions Monitoring
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15. IBM Envizi
Envizi, a part of IBM, provides a highly data-driven ESG solution, using AI and cloud technology to track and manage sustainability initiatives. The platform’s powerful analytics and integration capabilities make it an ideal choice for large enterprises looking to streamline their ESG reporting and management.
Why Choose It: IBM Envizi offers a comprehensive ESG management platform with advanced data analytics to help businesses manage sustainability initiatives.
Key Features:
- Advanced ESG Data Analytics
- Energy and Natural Resource Management
- Global Sustainability Reporting Compliance
- Seamless Integration with Operational Systems
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Comprehensive Comparison of ESG Software
| Provider | Connection Quality | Bank Coverage | Ease of Integration | Data Enrichment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hashmicro | ||||
| Plan A | ||||
| Coolset | ||||
| Novata | ||||
| Lucanet | ||||
| Workday | ||||
| Diligent | ||||
| Benchmark Gensuite |
How to Choose the Right ESG Software
Choosing the right ESG software is crucial for companies aiming to meet sustainability standards and ensure regulatory compliance. With a wide range of options available, evaluating the software based on several key factors is essential to ensure it aligns with your business needs and ESG goals.
Below are some essential considerations when selecting ESG software for your organization:
- Regulatory compliance: Select ESG software that adheres to global ESG standards such as GRI, SASB, or ISO. This ensures that your reports are accurate, reliable, and compliant with international regulations.
- Ease of integration: Ensure the ESG software seamlessly integrates with other business systems, such as B2B software solutions, accounting, HR, or risk management platforms. This helps maintain data synchronization and reduces the need for manual data entry.
- Robust reporting features: Choose software with powerful analytics and automated reporting features. This allows for easier monitoring of ESG KPIs and ensures timely and accurate reporting on your company’s sustainability performance.
- User-friendliness: The software should have an intuitive interface that is easy for your team to understand and use, without requiring extensive training. A user-friendly platform promotes efficiency and adoption across your organization.
- Data reliability and security: Verify that the ESG software employs robust encryption and role-based access control to ensure the protection and confidentiality of your company’s sensitive data. Protecting information is critical for maintaining trust and compliance.
Conclusion
Selecting the right ESG software helps businesses improve transparency, stay consistent with reporting requirements, and track progress across environmental, social, and governance goals. The right platform also supports cleaner documentation and easier audits as standards evolve.
For Malaysian teams, an ESG system that connects with existing operations can reduce manual work and keep data in one place. This makes reporting more reliable across departments, especially when sustainability metrics come from finance, HR, and supply chain.
If you’re narrowing options, focus on reporting standards support, data traceability, and usability for non-ESG teams. A free consultation can also help map your current reporting workflow and define what you actually need before implementation.
FAQ About Best Software
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What is the primary role of ESG software in a modern corporation?
Manual entry is prone to “Greenwashing” accusations, even if unintentional. Without an automated system, it is easy to miss data points or make calculation errors. ESG software provides an Audit Trail, meaning every number in your report can be traced back to its source, giving your sustainability claims the credibility required by auditors and investors.
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How does implementing ESG software impact a company’s “Cost of Capital”?
Investors and banks in 2026 are increasingly using ESG Scores to determine the risk profile of a business. Companies with high ESG scores (meaning they are transparent and sustainable) often enjoy lower interest rates on loans and are more attractive to global investment funds. In this sense, the software pays for itself by lowering your overall cost of borrowing.
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An ESG software help in managing “Supply Chain Transparency”?
Yes, this is one of its most powerful features. The software allows you to send automated assessments to your suppliers to track their compliance with your ESG standards. This ensures that your company isn’t accidentally supporting unethical labor practices or high-pollution factories elsewhere in the world, which could devastate your brand reputation.
